Acting Chair: Christopher White (936) 294-4419
Faculty Members: Janet Bridges, Marc Edge, Anthony Friedmann, Robin Johnson, Richard Kosuowei, Ruth Massingill, LaChrystal Rickie, Mel Strait, Wanda Reyes Velazquez, Christopher White
Adjunct Faculty Members: Carol Cooper, Cheryl Eschenfelder, Lionell Hilliard, Jr., Jocelyn Lane, Karen Lee, Frank Krystyniak, Ann Meador
Endowed Chair Faculty Members: Kelli Arena, Mickey Herskowitz, Peter Roussel
Staff: Deanna Briones, Hollie Davis, LeeAn Muns, Steve Sandlin
Information: (936) 294-1341; Dan Rather Communications Building 123
Website: http://www.shsu.edu/~com_www/
The Mass Communication Program at Sam Houston State University offers a unique educational experience. In daily, one-on-one contact with faculty from a variety of theoretical and practical backgrounds, students are exposed to a combination of hands-on production classes, professional development classes, and traditional theory/criticism classes. Our graduates develop 1) general media literacy skills that are increasingly required in our media-saturated contemporary experience and 2) specific skill-sets especially applicable to the emerging technologically-driven marketplace.
There are five MCM degree plans or emphases: Broadcast Journalism, Video Production, Print Journalism, Public Relations, and Media Sales and Management. Graduates can enter a variety of fields, including but not limited to video production, print and television news, broadcast and cable sales, media management, digital media production, promotions/public relations, and corporate media. In addition, students may supplement their degrees with educational requirements that allow them to become certified media-specialists in public school systems. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the MCM Department’s internship program.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Mass Communication is to acquire, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to print, broadcast, and other forms of electronic communication for the purpose of producing media literate, socially aware, professionally competent graduates.
Program emphasis is on the preparation of ethical and technologically proficient communication professionals who are capable of making a positive impact on their environment and on society. Our graduates will acquire the skills for today’s media marketplace and also develop the broader, theoretical background for:
- Negotiating convergence in the communication fields;
- Communicating with and servicing diverse populations;
- Understanding the economic and political pressures on professional integrity; and
- Intelligently assessing and interpreting unfolding events.
Academic Programs
BA in Mass Communication
Minor in Mass Communication
Highlights
The Department of Mass Communication offers a comprehensive blend of courses, including but not limited to global communication, media production and reporting, audience assessment, media sales, mass communication theory and history, writing for print, broadcast, and digital media, and other professional development areas. The curriculum introduces students to each of the five emphasis areas during their first year in the mass communication program. During the remaining three years, students can register for classes in digital audio and video editing, feature writing, research techniques, communication law, media marketing, scriptwriting, global communication, and broadcast journalism. Students with a major or minor in the MCM Department will have the opportunity to work with departmental media: KSHU-FM, Cable Channel 7, The Houstonian newspaper, student news, and Priority One PR as part of their college experience.
Suggested Free Electives
Students in Mass Communication should select a specialized area of four free elective classes (12 credits) from a single department outside of MCM and compatible with their professional goals. In choosing an appropriate set of free electives, students should discuss their career plans with an advisor. Free electives in Management or Marketing are desirable for public relations and media sales and management emphases. History, English, foreign languages, Sociology, and other social sciences are helpful to all emphases. Students with a print or broadcast journalism emphasis could benefit from free electives in Political Science or History.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of career opportunities in the Mass Communication field. Some graduates pursue traditional positions in the mass media marketplace (reporting/editing/writing for newspapers, television stations, radio stations, or magazines). MCM graduates may also pursue careers with public relations and advertising agencies, with corporate communication programs and within government, hospital, and other institutional settings. Graduates can affiliate with nonprofit agencies or move into sales and other promotional positions. Increasingly, graduates have been teaching in high schools, pursuing advanced graduate studies, and working in interactive media.
Student Organizations and Activities
The Department supports student chapters of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the National Broadcasting Association (NBS), the Minority Multimedia Group (3MG), the Texas Association of Broadcast Students (TABS), the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Internships and Study Abroad
Junior and senior level students who meet requirements may enroll in semester-long professional internships. MCM students have interned at national media outlets such as CBS News, Entertainment Tonight, ESPN, David Letterman, The Jerry Springer Show, MTV, and Disney World; regional media outlets including KTLA-TV in Los Angeles; media outlets in Texas such as KHOU-TV in Houston, The Conroe Courier, The Victoria Advocate, Pierpont Public Relations, the Houston Symphony; and at specialized institutional sites such as the Texas State Senate.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for outstanding undergraduate students continuing in the program. Most scholarship deadlines are March 1 for the following academic year.
Please contact the Department of Mass Communication or visit: http://www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html#masscommunication.
Program Specific Requirements
All students in the Mass Communication program will complete a departmental five-course core that provides a foundation for success in a variety of media fields. To help students understand the contemporary media environment, the core includes an analysis of media and society. Because specific skills are required in the media marketplace, the applied Writing for Mass Media and Information Analysis courses are part of the core. A course in mass media law and ethics examines legal issues pertinent to the print, electronic, and emerging digital press. Global Media Communications analyzes media systems outside the United States, media strategies in developing countries, and the international information economy.
In addition to the core, students in four of the emphases will complete six emphasis-specific courses and electives within a foundation of liberal arts courses. Public Relations students complete five emphasis-specific courses plus electives. These course requirements are explained below. Each student meets with an advisor to select appropriate free elective courses.
All Mass Communication majors and minors must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in each Mass Communication course.
Curriculum
Two journalism emphases are available through the department:
- Broadcast Journalism
- Print Journalism
Both Journalism emphases provide students with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively through the traditional print and broadcast media, as well as the emerging digital media. Skills emphasized include information gathering, writing, and presentation/dissemination techniques. Students completing the emphasis in Broadcast Journalism take the MCM five-course core plus audio production, an introductory visual communication course, beginning single camera/nonlinear editing, television studio production, broadcast journalism, television news producing and reporting, a critical studies course, and one Mass Communication elective.
Students in the Print Journalism emphasis complete the MCM core courses plus additional courses in reporting, editing, on-line journalism, a course in the history of new communication technologies, a practicum, and one Mass Communication elective. Changing Roles in Mass Media and Mass Media Messages and Effects are also required for print journalism students. The practicum ensures that every print journalism student works on one of the major student media outlets. Computer skills are necessary for all Journalism students.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Mass Communication: Broadcast Journalism |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
|
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
|
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
8 hours lab science |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Fine Arts |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
|
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Foreign Language 3rd course* |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
|
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHL * |
3 |
|
ART 181 <ARTS 1360>, ART 230 <ARTS 2360>, or ART 233 <ARTS 2370> |
3 |
|
ECO 230 <ECON 2300>, ECO 233 <ECON 2302>, or ECO 234 <ECON 2301>* |
3 |
|
Foreign Language |
14 |
|
Advanced Liberal Arts Electives |
13 |
|
Major Core |
||
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Major |
||
MCM advanced elective |
3 |
|
Minor or Specialized Area |
||
(Departmental approval) |
12-18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: *Courses may be counted in two separate requirements.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
Select at least 6 liberal arts hours from liberal arts courses listed at end of this section.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Mass Communication: Print Journalism |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
|
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
|
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
8 hours lab science |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Fine Arts |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
|
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Foreign Language 3rd course* |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
|
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHL * |
3 |
|
ART 181 <ARTS 1360>, ART 230 <ARTS 2360>, or ART 233 <ARTS 2370> |
3 |
|
ECO 230 <ECON 2300>, ECO 233 <ECON 2302>, or ECO 234 <ECON 2301>* |
3 |
|
Foreign Language |
14 |
|
Advanced Liberal Arts Electives |
13 |
|
Major Core |
||
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Major |
||
MCM advanced elective |
6 |
|
Minor or Specialized Area |
||
(Departmental approval) |
12-18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: *Courses may be counted in two separate requirements.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
Select at least 6 liberal arts hours from liberal arts courses listed at end of this section.
Emphasis in Public Relations
The Public Relations emphasis prepares students for both agency work and leadership positions in corporate and/or nonprofit environments. While writing and presentation skills are essential, emphasis is on application of these writing and presentation skills for managing communication with individuals and groups in organizations. Students in the public relations emphasis complete the MCM five-course core and the professional seminar plus courses in public-relations principles, public-relations writing, and either strategic planning or campaigns for public relations and advertising. They also complete Communication Research Methods, MCM electives, and one course in marketing.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Mass Communication: Public Relations |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
|
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
|
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
8 hours lab science |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Fine Arts |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
|
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Foreign Language 3rd course* |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
|
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHL * |
3 |
|
ART 181 <ARTS 1360>, ART 230 <ARTS 2360>, or ART 233 <ARTS 2370> |
3 |
|
ECO 230 <ECON 2300>, ECO 233 <ECON 2302>, or ECO 234 <ECON 2301>* |
3 |
|
MKT <MKTG> |
3 |
|
Foreign Language |
14 |
|
Advanced Liberal Arts Electives |
13 |
|
Major Core |
||
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Major |
||
MCM advanced elective |
6 |
|
Minor or Specialized Area |
||
(Departmental approval) |
12-18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: *Courses may be counted in two separate requirements.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
Select at least 6 liberal arts hours from liberal arts courses listed at end of this section.
Emphasis in Video Production
Students completing the Broadcast/Video Production emphasis prepare for decision-making and technical responsibilities in broadcast, cable, and alternative video production. Technical, artistic, and management skills combine to ensure that quality electronic content is presented in an effective, appropriate, and engaging manner, within budget.
Broadcast production students complete the MCM five-course core, the professional seminar, and four of the courses in the Broadcast Journalism emphasis: audio production, introductory visual communication, beginning single camera/nonlinear editing, TV studio production, and MCM electives. In addition broadcast production students complete a scriptwriting course for fiction and nonfiction and an advanced production course where they create and produce programming for the departmental television station. Every broadcast-journalism student will work at Cable Channel 7 during his/her college tenure and each will write, produce, shoot and edit his/her own television series for the station.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Mass Communication: Broadcast/Video Production |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
|
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
|
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
8 hours lab science |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Fine Arts |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
|
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Foreign Language 3rd course* |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
|
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHL <PHIL>* |
3 |
|
ART 181 <ARTS 1360>, ART 230 <ARTS 2360>, or ART 233 <ARTS 2370> |
3 |
|
ECO 230 <ECON 2300>, ECO 233 <ECON 2302>, or ECO 234 <ECON 2301>* |
3 |
|
Foreign Language |
14 |
|
Advanced Liberal Arts Electives |
13 |
|
Major Core |
||
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Major |
||
MCM advanced elective |
6 |
|
Minor or Specialized Area |
||
(Departmental approval) |
12-18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: *Courses may be counted in two separate requirements.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
Select at least 6 liberal arts hours from liberal arts courses listed at end of this section.
Emphasis in Media Sales and Management
The Media Sales and Management emphasis focuses primarily on the unique management issues associated with broadcast media. However, the program is designed to be useful to students with print and/or on-line management interests as well. Media sales and management students complete the MCM five-course core and the professional seminar, plus courses in media sales, management, and marketing and promotions and Mass Communication electives. In addition students complete Communication Research Methods, Case Studies in Public Relations and Advertising, and the History and Theory of Communication Technologies. Free Electives in the Marketing Department would be appropriate for this emphasis.
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
Bachelor of Arts |
||
Major in Mass Communication: Media Sales and Management |
||
SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
Core Curriculum |
||
Component Area I (Communication) |
6 |
|
Component Area II (Mathematics) |
3 |
|
Component Area III (Natural Sciences) |
8 |
8 hours lab science |
Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) |
3 |
Fine Arts |
Component Area IV (Literature/Philosophy) |
3 |
PHL 261 <PHIL 2361> or PHL 263 <PHIL 2306>* |
Component Area IV (Cultural Studies) |
3 |
Foreign Language 3rd course* |
Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) |
15 |
|
Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) |
1 |
|
Degree Specific Requirements |
||
PHL <PHIL>* |
3 |
|
ART 181 <ARTS 1360>, ART 230 <ARTS 2360>, or ART 233 <ARTS 2370> |
3 |
|
ECO 230 <ECON 2300>, ECO 233 <ECON 2302>, or ECO 234 <ECON 2301>* |
3 |
|
Foreign Language |
14 |
|
Advanced Liberal Arts Electives |
13 |
|
Major Core |
||
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
Major |
||
MCM advanced elective |
6 |
|
Minor or Specialized Area |
||
(Departmental approval) |
12-18 |
|
Total Hours: 120 Hours |
||
Notes: *Courses may be counted in two separate requirements.
Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
Select at least 6 liberal arts hours from liberal arts courses listed at end of this section.
**Liberal Arts Elective List: GEO 330; PHL 471; FCS 369; ENG 336, 337, 338; HIS 331, 332, 383, 391, 392, 433, 478, 495; any SOC course; POL 361, 368, 387; any advanced literature or culture course in foreign languages.
Minor in Mass Communication
***3 Digit to 4 Digit Crosswalk***
The 21-hour minor in Mass Communication requires students to complete the MCM core courses: MCM 130, 132, 330, 471 and 493, plus two advanced MCM Electives appropriate to the student’s interests and career plans. Students must earn a ‘C’ in each minor course.