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.

Important Links:

Learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.

  • Overview

    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.

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 120

  • Cost

    This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online courses are charged at the general tuition rate plus an eTuition rate BUT with fewer fees and no extra charges to non-Residents.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    Coursework for majors with a concentration in Convergence Journalism are listed below. Please refer to the program checklist for a complete summary of all course requirements including core curriculum, electives, required and elective major courses. More information may also be found at Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications or your Undergraduate Catalog.

    Downloads

    General

    These courses are required for all Mass Communications majors. In addition to the General courses below, 6 hours of Foreign Language (1000 or 2000 level) and 3 hours of a Humanities or a Social Science elective must be completed (18 total hours):

    • COMM-1110 - Public Speaking

      A study of the principles and practice of public speaking with an emphasis on the organization of material and the vocal and physical aspects of delivery in various public speaking situations.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-1154 - Introduction to Mass Communications

      An introductory, yet critical examination of the historical development, and paramount economic, legal/policy, ethical, political, and social effects issues concerned with mass media, i.e., books, newspapers, magazines, recordings, radio, movies, television, the internet, public relations, and advertising. Particular attention given to competition, convergence, and mass media's impact on society, as well as society's impact on mass media.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-2254 - Media Ethics

      Examination of the major classical and contemporary ethical philosophies. Application of ethical decision-making models to media issues, particularly freedom of speech, economic pressure, invasion of privacy, and the public's rights.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    Major Required

    These courses are required for Mass Communication majors with a concentration in Convergence Journalism. Students may choose one of the two course options for practicums (COMM 4421R or COMM 4421T); one of two of the course options for layout (COMM 3303 or COMM 4403); and one of the two course options for writing and reporting (COMM 3302 or COMM 4402) (24 total hours):

    • COMM-3301 - Writing & Reporting for Newspapers

      Basic procedures and techniques for writing and reporting for newspapers. Emphasis on news style and judgment as well as ethical and legal issues.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-3302 - Public Affairs Reporting

      This writing-intensive course builds upon the student’s basic skills attained in COMM3301, Writing & Reporting for Newspapers. Public Affairs Reporting concerns coverage of government and community events such as city council meetings, hearings, and press conferences. The course also includes writing for beats, editorials, columns and reviews.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-3303 - Layout and Design

      Basic editing and makeup procedures for newspapers and other print publications. Includes copy editing, headline writing, page makeup, and basic graphic principles.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-3352 - Fundamentals of Television Production

      Instruction in the operation of television studio and digital video technology and introduction to the production of television and digital video messages. Emphasis on electronic newsgathering, television studio production, and digital video editing techniques.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4403 - Photojournalism

      A study of the history, techniques and importance of photographs for the print media, along with their evolving role in convergent and online media, including analysis of the aesthetic and social impact of photographs. Practice in the production of documentary photographs appropriate for print and online news delivery, as well as the photographic essay, using digital photography and digital editing tools.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4421N - Practicum-The West Georgian

      Practical experience with the campus newspaper, The West Georgian, that primarily includes general and specialty news writing and reporting on deadline, editorial decision-making, interviewing, copy editing, photojournalism, and layout and design across traditional and emerging digital media platforms. Emphasis is placed on news style and judgment, localization, and ethical and legal issues. Repeatable; Maximum of 3.0 credits hours may be applied to the Mass Communications major.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4421R - Practicum - The WOLF Internet Radio

      Practical experience with the campus radio station, The WOLF Internet Radio, that primarily includes editing, management, on-air experience, producing, programming, promotions, production, and remotes across traditional and emerging digital media platforms. Repeatable; Maximum of 3.0 credit hours may be applied to the Mass Communications major.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4421T - Practicum - WUTV

      Practical experience with the campus television station, WUTV, that primarily includes anchoring, directing, editing, field and studio camera operation, news gathering, producing, reporting, scripting, studio and field production, and switching across traditional and emerging digital media platforms.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4450 - Broadcast News Writing and Reporting

      Coaching and practice in gathering, writing, and reporting television and radio news under deadline. Particular attention given to news style and judgment as well as aesthetic, ethical, and legal issues. Ability to shoot and edit field video is required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4454 - Media Law

      Examination of the legal context regulating print, telecommunication and electronic media as well as advertising and public relations industries. Emphasis on libel, slander, privacy, copyright, free press/fair trial and obscenity law. This course is restricted to Seniors.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • COMM-4484 - Mass Communications Research Methods

      A survey of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis and reporting procedures, including opportunities to conduct, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate research.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    Each UWG degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.

    Admission Process Checklist

    1. Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
    2. Review important deadlines:
      • Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
      • Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
      • Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
        See program specific calendars here
    3. Complete online application
      Undergraduate Admissions Guide

      Undergraduate Application

      Undergraduate International Application

    4. Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
    5. Submit official documents

      Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

      Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
      Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
      University of West Georgia
      1601 Maple Street
      Carrollton, GA 30118-4160
    6. Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
    7. Check the status of your application

  • Dates

    Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.

  • Objectives
    • Students will be able to understand critically the origin, development and paramount economic, legal/policy, social and effects issues of mass media.
    • Students will be able to understand critically structure and process of mass media industries within economic, legal, and ethical considerations.
    • Students will develop the ability to write mass media messages with accuracy, clarity, and brevity on deadline and within varying style, ethical, and legal considerations.
    • Students will develop proficient use of technology to produce visual and audio messages for mass media within varying aesthetic, style, technical, ethical, and legal considerations.
    • Students will be able to gain practical experiences to apply and test knowledge and skills, and to network with professionals.
    • Students will be encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary scholarship.
    • Students will be provided a foundation for graduate study in communication.