Through sequenced study in Convergence Journalism, Digital Media & Telecommunication, Film & Video Production, and Public Relations, students are educated and trained across media industries to meet the demands of a complex, technological media landscape and multicultural society. Across areas of concentration, students master an understanding of the paramount economic, legal/policy, ethical, social, and effects issues facing mass media within the context of freedom of speech, freedom of press, media competition, and media convergence.
The curriculum offers a balance of theoretical and conceptual courses that challenge students to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, and professional skills courses that give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in cutting-edge experiential learning labs - bluestone-Public Relations Firm, WUTV, The West Georgian, and The WOLF Internet Radio. Located approximately 45 miles west of Atlanta, the department also gives students the opportunity to regularly network and intern with mass media and public relations professionals in a top-10 media market. Students graduate with portfolios that showcase their scholarship and skills, and give them a competitive edge in the industry.
Convergence Journalism engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in writing, reporting, and producing socially responsible and responsive news in today’s converging multimedia landscape. Students learn to exercise news judgment, honor the tenets of journalism, and create news for and with audiences across traditional and emerging digital media platforms. Students gain hands-on experience early on and throughout their tenure with WUTV, The West Georgian and The WOLF Internet Radio.
Digital Media & Telecommunication engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in traditional electronic and emerging digital media. Students explore historical, theoretical, and structural concepts of programming, management, and production of informational and entertainment radio, television, and digital content to serve today’s multicultural society. Students learn the art and science of successful storytelling, and create and produce original content for multiple digital media platforms. Students gain hands-on experience early on and throughout their tenure with WUTV and The WOLF Internet Radio.
Film & Video Production engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in writing, analysis, production, and editing for film and video outlets. Students learn the art of cinematic storytelling, image design, and sound editing along with advanced post-production techniques and strategies within the broader field of film and video production. Students gain hands-on experience early on and throughout their tenure with workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects that lead to the distribution of their work via various traditional and digital outlets, e.g., competitions, film festivals, online platforms, screenings, social media, etc.
Public Relations engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in today’s multicultural domestic and global public relations industry. Students learn the importance of and processes behind building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and target publics through effective interactive communication. Students also gain hands-on experience in media relations, community relations, and employee relations through bluestone-Public Relations Firm and experiential and service learning projects for private, nonprofit, corporate, and public sector clients.
Learning Outcomes
ACEJMC requires that, irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
- demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
- understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- think critically, creatively and independently;
- conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.
Return to: