| Department: | Department of Performing Arts and Mass Communication / College of Liberal and Performing Arts |
| Hours Required: | 120 |
| Categories: | Major, Undergraduate |
| Delivery: | On-Campus |
The Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a focus on Film/News Media at Southern Arkansas University equips students with essential skills in media production, film studies, and journalism. The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, allowing students to develop expertise in digital storytelling, media writing, and video production. Graduates are prepared for dynamic careers in film, broadcasting, journalism, and related media fields, with opportunities to explore creative expression and critical media analysis. Hands-on experiences and access to industry-standard equipment further enhance their readiness for the media industry.
Learning Goals
- Mass Communication students use oral, written, and visual communication effectively in the medium specific to their field.
- Mass communication students understand the place and importance of mass media in terms of its social, cultural, and ethical impact.
- Mass Communication students can critically analyze textual, visual, and aural informational elements pertaining to mass media, communicate these written or orally, and then design a plan of action to execute them.
- After proper analytical techniques, Mass Communication students communicate information to audiences of all types.
- Mass Media students learn practical skills of mass media through hands on training, and the use of tools and technology related to Mass Media.
The bachelor of arts degree in mass media requires a total of 120 hours. Courses in this program include the following:
- Principles of Public Relations
- Internet Communication
- Publicity, Media and Campaigns
- International Mass Media
- Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media
- Media Law and Ethics
- Basic Digital Photography
University Requirement (2 hours)
GSTD 1002 – Freshman Seminar
General Education (35 hours)
Click here to see the General Education Curriculum.
Mass Communication (15 hours)
DC 2333 – Fundamentals of Digital Cinema
MCOM 4003 – Media Law and Ethics
MCOM 1003 – Introduction to Mass Communication
MCOM 2133 – Basic Digital Photography
MM 2003 – Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media
Mass Media (18 Hours)
ART 2123 – Graphic Software Applications
DC 3333 – Intermediate Digital Cinema
MM 3103 – Principles of Public Relations
MM 3123 – Internet Communication
MM 4123 – International Mass Media
Upper-Level Mass Media Elective – 3 Hours
Film/News Media (18 Hours)
MM 2013 – Introduction to Media Production
MM 2023 – Producing for Film
MM 3303 – Screenwriting for Film
MM 3313 – Directing for Film
MM 4323 – Editing for Film
MM 4343 – Cinematography
Other Requirements (32 Hours)
MKTG 3033 – Principles of Marketing
PSYC 2003 – General Psychology
SPCH 1113 – Introduction to Public Speaking
Freshman-Level Foreign Language – 6 Hours
MCOM 3363 – Advanced Digital Photography or
SPCH 3123 – Advanced Public Speaking
PSCI 3243 – Modern American Politics or
PSCI 3033 – American Political Parties
MM 4903 – Senior Research Project or
MPRO 4342 – Senior Capstone
Select one of the following courses:
(cannot be double-counted with general education)
ENGL 2213 – World Literature I
ENGL 2223 – World Literature II
ENGL 3103 – Advanced Composition
ENGL 3023 – Technical Writing
Select one of the following options:
Sophomore-Level Foreign Language – 6 Hours
or
ENGL 3003 – Advanced Professional Writing and Upper-Level Humanities Course – 3 Hours
Total Hours – 120
Completion of the remaining hours to total 120 hours, including the required 40 junior/senior hours.
A minor is not required but is recommended.
