CORE COURSES:
COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication - 4 credits
Introduction to and history of mass media, including radio, television, publishing, film, advertising, and print. Discussion of contemporary issues involving the mass media.

COMM 204 Audio Prod. for Radio and the Web- 4 credits
Students produce projects designed to acquaint them with the genres, styles and production techniques of audio in various media, with particular attention to the radio industry. Live broadcasts on KMSC-FM required.

COMM 207 Video Production for TV and the Web- 4 credits
The techniques of manipulating single-camera lighting, sound and non-linear editing during pre-production, production and post production. Also, principles and practice in preparing and executing television studio presentations. Participation in MCTV recommended.

COMM 208 Fundamentals of Journalism for Print and the Web- 4 credits
Writing course with an emphasis on gathering, reporting and presenting news in print and on the web. Introduction to the fundamentals of news writing across media; practice in organization, interviewing and revision.

Media Praticum - 2 credits each time
Supervised, hands-on experience in media through positions with The Collegian Reporter, KMSC-FM, MCTV or Media Sales. Students may repeat a specific practicum once, with a maximum of 8 media practicum credits.

COMM 311 Law of Mass Communication - 4 credits
Study of First Amendment issues, including libel and privacy. The course develops an important area of knowledge for persons planning careers in mass communication, but will also be of interest to media consumers because of the role law plays in shaping media content.

Media Internship - 1-6 credits (2 credits required)
A supervised work experience in media which allows students to bring together theoretical knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the classroom with practical experiences in the work place. (Capstone experience for Mass Communication majors.)

COMM 430 Senior Thesis - 4 credits
A directed course of study to demonstrate the advanced student's proficiency in an area of media criticism agreed upon by the students and the instructor. Topics may come from any area of mass communication, or be combined with production work.

ELECTIVES

COMM 244/444 Topics in Mass Communication- 4 credits
Exploration of a subject of particular interest or timeliness, including contemporary issues, media law, history, and/or production.

COMM 260 Sports Journalism and Broadcasting- 4 credits
Emphasis on radio play-by-play. Students also write and produce sports stories for broadcast, print and the web. Also covers sports radio talk shows and sports highlights segments. Participation in KMSC-FM sports broadcasts and video webcasts are required.

COMM 300 News and Feature Writing - 4 credits
Examination and practice in researching, organizing, writing and producing news and feature articles. Analysis of long–form journalism, literary journalism and criticism.

COMM 324 Electronic Journalism - 4 credits
An introduction to producing news stories and features for radio, television and the web. Live newscasts on KMSC required.

COMM 330 Public Relations - 4 credits
Principles and practice of public relations in commercial and noncommercial fields; publicity and promotion campaigns emphasized.

COMM 395 Seminar in Media, Politics and Democracy- 4 credits
Explores the intersections of democratic theory and media theory in the context of media coverage of electoral politics. Includes a major research project.

Graduates
The Mass Communication BA prepares students to pursue careers at newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations, public relations and advertising agencies, or for graduate work in advanced media studies.

A sample of jobs recent graduates hold includes:

• Director of Marketing and Alumni Relations, Iowa State University
• News anchor, KCAU-TV, Sioux City, Iowa
• Sports Editor, The LeMars Daily Sentinel
• Trade Marketing Manager, ConAgra Foods
• Reporter/Producer, South Dakota Public Television
• Record Company Representative, Los Angeles
• Eric Wylie Productions, Cedar Rapids
• Promotions Director, Air America, Minneapolis
• Producer/Director and mid-day host, KGBI Omaha, NE
• Assistant Director of the Kansas City Art Institute Media Center

Our alumni have also been accepted into graduate programs in history, English, women's studies, philanthropy and development, and photography (in addition to mass communication) at institutions such as Bradley University, the University of Iowa, George Washington University, Chapman University School of Film and Television in Los Angeles, Middlebury College, and the University of Nebraska.