Mass Communication

Overview

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:

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: