The Mass Communication program area prepares students to become media professionals by learning practical and theoretical skills. This is accomplished through emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and technological knowledge.

The program area instills leadership qualities, professional standards, respect for diversity, and social responsibilities. It prepares students for careers in electronic media, print journalism, public relations, and other creative enterprises in a converging media environment.

The student-run media—KWSC-FM radio, KWSC-TV, and the Wayne Stater—provide alternatives to community media. Internships, service-learning projects, and cooperative education enhance the students’ learning experience. K92 radio, KWSC-TV, and the Wayne Stater are long-standing, pioneering student media that emphasize practical application through immediate and hands-on experience.

What do Current Students Say?

In the January 2006 Mass Communication student survey, two-thirds of students taking Mass Communication courses, including all majors, listed the following strengths:

Hands-on experience available in multiple areas of Mass Communication
Educated, experienced faculty who involve their classes and are passionate about their subject matter; ability to ask questions without being afraid
The close-knit nature of the faculty and students in the program area
Potential for success after college

What do Mass Communication Alumni Say?

In a 2005-2006 survey, 95% of Wayne State College Mass Communication alumni said they would recommend the program. At least 80% said they are currently using the skills they learned during their program of study. They are currently working in management and business ownership, print journalism, broadcasting, sales and marketing, education, and customer service. Almost a quarter of Mass Communication graduates responding to the survey have attended graduate school, including ten earned Master’s Degrees and two doctoral degrees.

What Courses Will I Take?

All students in the Mass Communication program area are required to take four core courses totaling 15 credit hours:

CNA 262, Writing for the Mass Media
CNA 263, Introduction to Mass Communication
CNA 372, Journalism Ethics
CNA 471, Mass Media and Society
CNA 475, Communication Law

Students select either a Broadcasting Concentration or a Journalism Concentration, which require the following courses:

Broadcasting

CNA 162 Radio Production I

CNA 373 Video Production I

CNA 379 Broadcast Management

CNA 390 Broadcast Journalism

CNA 473 Video Production II

Plus Communication Arts Workshop in Radio, Video or both

Journalism

CNA 280 News Writing

CNA 290 Editing and Copy Writing, or

CNA 450 Computer Layout & Presentation

CNA 458 Advanced News Writing

CNA 463 Advanced Media Writing

CNA 497 Journalism Internship

Plus Communication Arts Workshop in Journalism

Students work with their advisors to construct schedules which balance general education, program area core curriculum, and the courses in the students’ areas of emphasis. The program area’s hands-on Workshop classes are unique to the college, and serve as the capstones courses, applying the skills and principles learned in other classes.

In addition, Mass Communication offers minors in Broadcast Communication, Editing and Publishing, Journalism, and Online Media.

For more information, please contact:

Maureen Carrigg

Television Advisor

Humanities 412E

1111 Main St .
Wayne State College
Wayne , NE 68787
(402) 375-7595

Max McElwain

Journalism Advisor

Humanities 403

1111 Main St .
Wayne State College
Wayne , NE 68787
(402) 375-7488

Mike Marek

Radio Advisor