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Journalism / Mass Communication

Journalism / Mass Communication Major

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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

DEGREE PLAN

Female student reading on porch swing

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
Sarah Bicknell, Journalism Alum

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

David Bailey

Dr. David Bailey, Professor
Jonathan Wehmeyer

Jonathan Wehmeyer, Instructor
Jordan Compton

Jordan Compton, Department Chair

Rachael Morrow, Instructor

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