Mass Communication Core Required Courses: (15 semester hours)
All students in the Mass Communication major must take the following five courses. The number after the course title is the number of credit hours earned in the particular course.

100 Mass Media & Society (3)
Sociological examination of the interrelationship of mass media and society in contemporary America.

210 Visual Communication (3)
Basic visual communication theory including basic photographic theory, camera handling and darkroom experience as related to graphic communication and mass dissemination. Weekly critiques. Lab required.

232 News Writing (3)
Style and structure of news stories; news sources; newsroom practices and procedures; with reporting assignments for publication and broadcast. Prerequisite: ENG 111.

300 Mass Media Law (3)
Major issues and survey of the media's current legal status. Prerequisite: MCOM 100.

405 Mass Media Issues & Ethics (3)
Introduction to perspectives on ethics, applied to case studies and issues in journalism, advertising, and public relations. Prerequisite: MCOM 100.

499 Assessment Portfolio (0)
For this arranged class, each student completes an assessment portfolio ro fulfill a graduation requirement.

Core Electives: (3 semester hours)
All students in the Mass Communication major must take one of the following three courses.

305 Mass Media History (3)
Development of the mass media including historiography, examination of movements and current research problems.

400 Mass Communication Theory (3)
Theories of mass influence on society and culture. Prerequisite: MCOM 100.

450 International Broadcasting (3)
Examines the structures, processes, functions and significance of various international broadcasting systems and services. Emphasis is placed on the scope and complexity of such systems and their impact on global understanding. Prerequisite: MCOM 100.

Broadcasting Required Courses:   (18 semester hours)

Students in the broadcasting option must take all of the following courses.

120 Electronic Media (3)
Characteristics, philosophy and impact of radio, television, cable and the developing electronic mass media.

220 Broadcast Writing (3)
Radio and television writing including commercial copy and feature programs. Prerequisite: ENG 111.

225 Audio Production (3)
Design, technique, production and presentation of radio programs. Prerequisite: MCOM 220.

226 Video/Multimedia Planning and Design (3)
An overview of the television/video and multimedia production process with special attention to organizing, scripting, budgeting, equipment and personnel. This course deals with essential pre-production planning rather than production techniques.

320 Television Operations (3)
Theory and practical experience in planning and creating of television programs using single- and multiple-camera systems.

425 Senior Seminar in Electronic Media (3)
Capstone experience in electronic media. Students research, plan and write a major research paper or produce a radio, television/video or multimedia program. Students also create a resume/portfolio. Prerequisites: Senior standing, MCOM 225 and MCOM 226.

Broadcasting Electives:  (6 semester hours)

Students in the broadcasting option must take two of the following five courses.

175 Mass Communication Computer Applications (3)
Basic computer skills for the mass media using page layout as well as image generation and image manipulation applications.

205 Principles of Internet Communication (3)
Provides an overview of the specialized nature of communicating to mass audiences via the Internet. Instructs students on development of websites using Dreamweaver and Flash to communicate clearly and maintain interest while providing effective communication.

321 Topics in Television Production (3)
Advanced theory and practical experience in producing television programs using single and multiple-camera systems. Prerequisite: MCOM 226.

325 Broadcast Journalism (3)
Reporting and presenting the news on radio and television. Topics include news writing, reporting, taping and editing; producing newscasts; broadcast news ethics. Prerequisite: MCOM 226 and MCOM 320.

326 Mass Communication Multimedia Applications (3)
Understanding and authoring multimedia computer applications for the mass media. Topics include equipment and software, selection, preparation and programming of graphics, animation, sound and video in multimedia for the mass media. Prerequisites: MCOM 100 and MCOM 225.

356 Media and Society International (3)
Involves study abroad. Designed to provide students with exposure to concepts and principles involved in understanding the interrelationship between the mass media and society in a country other than the United States. The course is similar in content to MCOM 100. In this case, however, the relationship being examined is specific to the country visited during that particular term.

399 Internship (3)
Departmentally approved, supervised practical experience in mass communication. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

420 Electronic Media Management (3)
Techniques and organization for management of commercial, non-commercial and industrial television and radio. Prerequisite: MCOM 120.

Some important things to keep in mind as you plan your studies at WSU:

* Students in WSU's mass communication major can choose among options in advertising, broadcasting, journalism, photojournalism, and public relations.
* The major requires 42 semester hours.
* In addition to the major, you will also need to complete a minor in another academic area at WSU.
* You will need a total of 128 semester hours of coursework to earn a B.A. degree.
* You must maintain an average course load of 16 hours per semester to graduate in four years.
* Courses numbered 100 and 200 are primarily for freshmen and sophomores; those numbered 300 and 400 are primarily for juniors and seniors.
* You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate with a degree in mass communication.
* Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Mass Communication courses in order for them to be counted toward graduation.
* Transfer students must satisfy the requirements from the appropriate option and must take at least 12 credit hours of mass communication courses at 300 level or above while in residence at WSU.
* For additional information, see the WSU undergraduate catalog.

Contact us for more information on the Mass Communication major, Winona State University, our programs, faculty, students, and facilities.