Mass Communications, B.S.

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.