Mass Communication

Mass communication is the formal study of the ways people use mass media to deliver information to large audiences at the same time. As a result, students in this major learn how different industries use newspapers, magazines, television, film and the Internet to get their messages across to these audiences. General mass communication majors will touch on subjects within the major such as journalism, news writing, public relations, advertising, broadcasting and electronic media. Students usually focus on one particular area within mass communication, however. Typical mass communication courses might include: media criticism, research methods, media law, history of mass media, world perspectives in media, and media & popular culture. Many mass communication programs also offer special topic courses, such as minorities in film or educational broadcasting.

For those who are interested in television, film and print publications, and want to learn more about how those who are behind the scenes do what they do, mass communication might be the major for you. Not only will you have the opportunity to find your niche among a range of fascinating media if you are undecided, a mass communication major can prepare you for a range of careers. Those with mass communication degrees have gone on to become television and print journalists, radio personalities, sportscasters, magazine page designers, advertising executives, public relations spokespeople and television studio producers. And that’s just the tip of the icebergóthe future of media is constantly changing with new technology.