B.S. Degree with a Major in Mass Communications

Through sequenced study in Convergence Journalism, Film & Media Arts, 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 - UTV13, 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 the nation's 8th largest 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 UTV13, The West Georgian and The WOLF Internet Radio.

Film & Media Arts engages students in courses that build knowledge and skills in creating and producing film and entertainment radio, television, and web 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 the f-Stop Film Festival, UTV13, and The WOLF Internet Radio.

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 experiential and service learning projects for private, nonprofit, and public sector clients.

Requirement	Hours
Core Areas A, B, C, D, & E	42
Core Area F	18
COMM 1154	3
COMM 1110	3
COMM 2254	3
Foreign Language - 1000 or 2000 level	6
Humanities or Social Science Elective Note that course may satisfy prerequisite for a minor course if not required for minor.	3

Courses Specific for the Major	45
Required Courses	24
Convergence Journalism Concentration
COMM 3301, COMM 3303, COMM 3352, COMM 4402, COMM 4421, COMM 4450, COMM 4454, COMM 4484

Film & Media Arts Concentration
COMM 3301, COMM 3350,COMM 3351, COMM 3352, or COMM 3353, COMM 3355, COMM 4421, COMM 4454, COMM 4484

Public Relations Concentration
COMM 3301, COMM 3313, COMM 4413, COMM 4414, COMM 4444, COMM 4451, COMM 4454, COMM 4484

Electives	18-21
Must be 3000-4000 level COMM courses or approved courses from list below. At least 12 credit hours must be COMM Courses Complete 18 credit hours if minor = 18 credit hours Complete 21 credit hours if minor = 15 credit hours.

B.S. Degree with a Major in Mass Communications

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