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Journalism / Mass Communication Major

Study journalism and mass communication

Society needs people who will seek out the truth and work to make it known. From the rise of the 24-hour news cycle, to the proliferation of social media, to the challenges faced by traditional “print” journalistic formats, a career in journalism is both demanding and fast-paced. In this age the need for dedicated, ethical journalists has never been greater.

By integrating faith and learning, SBU will prepare you to maintain ethical standards in a secular world. Diverse course offerings will allow you to practice effective journalism in a variety of formats including print, electronic and social media, television production, radio production, and more.

The Journalism/Mass Communication degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree plan

The SBU Advantage

Required internships (many students complete more than one) provide valuable real-world experience.
Small class sizes allow you to build close relationships with faculty and other students while tackling hands-on projects that are innovative and challenging.
The unique combination of journalism and mass communication into one degree equips you with knowledge and skills in a variety of media formats.

Faith Integration

As a journalism/mass communication student at SBU, you will be taught to pursue journalism and communication from a faith perspective. You will learn to consider journalism as a tool to inform, challenge and inspire others. You will learn to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) and will be challenged to think through how you can let your faith shape you as you pursue your chosen career.

Careers

SBU journalism/mass communication graduates have pursued a variety of careers at places such as:

Bolivar Herald-Free Press
KOLR10
Marshfield Mail
Ottumwa Post
Ozarks Local News

Internships

Journalism/mass communication students have completed internships during their time at SBU at places such as:

Bolivar Herald-Free Press (local newspaper)
KOLR10 (television news station, Springfield, Mo.)
KY3 (television news station, Springfield, Mo.)
KYOO 99.1 (radio station)

"My coursework taught me how to be a better communicator, journalism ethics and broadcasting techniques used in the news business. SBU faculty and staff helped me network to get the job I have now and made sure I was prepared."

Sarah Bicknell '15

Reporter for Marshfield Mail

Clubs and Organizations

Missouri Broadcast Educators Association

Join SBU's chapter of Missouri Broadcast Educators Association, which fosters excellence in broadcasting education. You will have the opportunity to be recognized for your work. In past years, SBU students have achieved high honors at the annual MBEA competition.

Student media

Put your learning into action through participation in Infuse, SBU's podcast radio station reporting campus and community news. Get hands-on experience with content creation, production and distribution.

Forensics

Join the Speaking Bearcats, SBU's nationally acclaimed forensics speech and debate team, which has won 12 Pi Kappa Delta (intercollegiate speech and debate honorary organization) national championships.

Full-Time Faculty

Taylor Corlee, Instructor

Jonathan Wehmeyer, Assistant Professor

Rachael Morrow, Instructor

Rebecca Rankin, Assistant Professor

Journalism / Mass Communication Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

ENG 1113	English Composition I	3
COM 1103	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
MAT 1143	College Algebra	3
BIB 1013	Old Testament History	3
CIS 1103	Computer and Information Management	3
UNI 1111	University Seminar	1
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

ENG 2213	English Composition II	3
POL 1113	American Government and Politics	3
FAR 10_3	Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre	3
HIS 2213/2223	U.S. History I or II	3
COM 3313	Advanced Public Speaking	3
UNI 1121	Introduction To Critical Thinking	1
Total hours		16

Sophomore

Fall Semester

SPA 1114	Elementary Spanish	4
BIB 1023	New Testament History	3
COM 1013	Media and Society	3
ECO 2003	LIFE Economics	3
COM 3973	Journalism Law and Ethics	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

SPA 1124	Elementary Spanish II	4
BIO 1004	Principles of Biology	4
COM 3373	Writing and Editing for Journalism	3
SPF 2012	Introduction To Spiritual Formation	2
COM 4283	Communication and Social Media	3
Total hours		16

Junior

Fall Semester

COM 2223	Argumentation and Debate	3
PHS 1004	Introduction to Physical Science	4
COM 2033	Introduction to Digital Video or
COM 3343	Multi-Media Production for Nonprofit Organizations (Fall, on demand)	3
COM 4433	Interviewing	3
	Communication Elective	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

	Cultural Studies	2
KIN 1162	Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness	2
COM 3003	Communication Theory (Spring, on demand)	3
COM 3063	Digital Video Journalism	3
COM 3873	History and Contemporary Issues in Journalism	3
	Communication Elective	3
Total hours		16

Senior

Fall Semester

COM 4311	Communication Senior Capstone	1
COM 3013	Rhetorical Theory and Criticism	3
PSY 1013	General Psychology or
SOC 1003	Introductory Sociology	3
COM 4983	Internship in Public Relations	3
	Communication Elective	3
	Communication Elective	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

COM 4983	Internship in Public Relations	3
	Elective	3
	Elective	3
	Elective	3
	Elective	3
	Elective	1
Total hours		16

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Journalism/Mass Communication plan (PDF)