Students create and test their ideas, develop individual abilities and gain competence in a variety of communication settings. They acquire knowledge and methods that apply to nearly every aspect of their private and public lives. Competence in communication is considered a generative skill that helps unlock all other learning, for a lifetime. Mass Media Studies focuses on providing knowledge of the theories, processes and practices of the mass media and on the development of professional telecommunications skills in a variety of mass communication fields such as broadcasting, video production,, and advertising. Journalism , the most specialized of the three tracks, focuses on the news reporting functions of mass media.
Students learn reporting, writing, editing, and graphic design skills.
Emphasis is placed on studying news events in the context of larger social issues and interpreting these insights for a mass audience. All communication majors must meet the requirements of one of these sub-cores. Students may use their communication electives to complete a second sub-core or pattern an individualized program to meet specific career objectives. For example, those seeking a career in broadcast journalism would choose courses from both the Mass Media Studies and Journalism sub-cores. Those interested in public relations would select from all three areas.