The Mass Communication Department is devoted to developing and maintaining a curriculum that will produce students with professional writing and computer-skill competencies (MCOM 1332 and MCOM 3330), with a working knowledge of mass media law and ethics (MCOM 4371), and with a working knowledge of global media practices (MCOM 4393). 

Skills-based Projects and Exit Exams in various sections of these four courses indicate that generally the MCOM Department has achieved its goals.  

In regards to knowledge of media law and ethics, students in MCOM 4371 exhibited acceptable competencies on the Exit Exam.  Faculty will adjust the assessment instrument to more specifically address the application of media law theories and concepts to the emerging digital environs.

In regards to writing skills, students in one section of MCOM 1332 did exhibit acceptable levels of competence. Students in one section of MCOM 1332 did not exhibit acceptable levels of competence. Faculty will 1) adjust pedagogical strategies to emphasize grammatical skills, 2) identify students who need to be referred to the SHSU Writing Center, and 3) standardize course content across sections.  

In regards to computer competency skills, students in two sections of MCOM 3330 did not meet stated goals. Faculty will reassess practices related to online assignments.  Due to other curriculum changes this class will be retired from the MCOM Core curriculum, faculty will meet in the Fall 2012 Semester to identify specific web-based skills addressed in MCOM 3330 that will be migrated into other media-writing classes in the MCOM curriculum.

In regards to knowledge of global media, students in one section of MCOM 4393 met the projected competency scores. In a second section of MCOM 4393, students did not meet the ojective goals.  Faculty who teach this class in the future will emphasize topics related to geography and global politics at the beginning of the semester.  Due to other curriculum changes, MCOM 4393 will be retired from the MCOM Core.  The course will be offered as an Advanced Elective. 

Another Core Course MCOM 2271 (Introduction to Visual Literacy) will be included in the SACS Report next year.  Faculty will meet in Fall 2012 to fashion an instrument to assess this introductory production course.


Generally, the MCOM Department is improving in developing and maintaining a curriculum that helps students become better writers, become competent with computer-based skills, and become familiar with mass media law and global media issues. Efforts to improve in these areas (e.g., establishing new Assessment Objectives, adjusting current Assessment Instruments, and adapting Curriculum) will be coordinated by the Chair of MCOM and the new Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication as MCOM integrates into the new college.