three students standing and talking in front of whiteboard

Media Studies Major

Study media

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 Media Studies degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

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 media studies graduates have pursued a variety of careers at places such as:

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

Internships

Media Studies 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.

Media Studies FOUR YEAR PLAN

Discover Core Curriculum