Welcome to Briar Cliff University

The Mass Communication curriculum is designed to whet your appetite by enabling you to enroll as a freshman in a series of beginning-level courses: Introduction to Mass Communication, Visual Communication, and the BCU_Radio practicum. We then begin to shape your writing skills. As a sophomore, you will enter our newswriting sequence (print and broadcast). At the beginning of your junior year, now that you have mastered the art of writing, you enter the advanced level coursework in media ethics and law, computer graphic design, and video production.

By the end of your junior year, as a pre-professional, you are ready for courses that are more advanced and internships. By the time of your graduation, you will have the beginnings of an impressive resume, a media portfolio and practical experience in the field. Upon graduation, you will have the basic tools, talent and experience necessary to be highly competitive for the many entry-level media slots.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the mass communication major at Briar Cliff University will obtain:

Knowledge: Information and Theoretical Concepts:
Interpret the role the media and how it has affected society from a historical perspective.
Demonstrate an understanding of the profession within the context of convergence. Have knowledge of theories and concepts prevalent in the field.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Responsibility
Be familiar with important legal issues that face the field of mass communication. Develop personal values based upon ethical standards.
Recognize ethical dilemmas that face mass media professionals.
Recognize the power of the media and its effects on society.

Writing for the Communication Field
Demonstrate proficiency in the various writing styles appropriate for the communication professions.
Demonstrate the ability to write and edit articles for publication.
Critically evaluate written and oral presentations for style and content.

Visual Communication
Interpret, create, and disseminate visual information.

Electronic Applications
Obtain and demonstrate the skill necessary to use technologies appropriate to the field.
Plan, create, and complete projects using electronic media.

Applied Learning
Apply the knowledge and skills appropriate in the communication field.
Demonstrate skills needed for an entry-level position in the profession.

Research in Mass Communication
Understand, analyze, and evaluate research.
Demonstrate an understanding of research methods.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication (54 credits)
MCOM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
MCOM 200 Newswriting I (3)
MCOM 201 Newswriting II (3)
MCOM 216 Basic Photography (3)
MCOM 220 Visual Communication (3)
MCOM 225 Graphic Communication (3)
MCOM 300 Ethical and Legal issues in Mass Media (3)
MCOM 307 Public Relations (3)
MCOM 331 Broadcast Writing and Production (3)
MCOM 331L Broadcast Writing Lab (1)
MCOM 312 Advance Newswriting and Copy Editing (3)
MCOM 332 Television Production (3)
MCOM 332L Television Production Lab (1)
MCOM 315 Advanced Video Production (3)
NEWM 325 Web site Production (3)
MCOM 440 Research in Mass Media (2)
MCOM 490 Internships/Work Experiences (3)

One of the three following courses:
MCOM 310 Color Photojournalism (3)
MCOM 315 Digital Video Production (3)
NEWM 420 Digital Storytelling (3)

Practicum
(8 hours including MCOM 31, 32, 33)
MCOM 31 Cliff News Practicum I (1)
MCOM 32 Cliff News Practicum II (1)
MCOM 33 Cliff News Practicum III (1)
MCOM 51 KLIF Radio Practicum I (1)
MCOM 61 KLIF TV Practicum I (1)
MCOM 52 KLIF Radio Practicum II (1)
MCOM 53 KLIF Radio Practicum III (1)
MCOM 62 KLIF TV Practicum II (1)
MCOM 63 KLIF TV Practicum III (1)

Minor Requirement: Six courses approved by the department chairperson of which two must be at the 300-level courses.

See The Department of Mass Media Handbook for more information about the mass communication major and The Department of Mass Media.