GPA Policy
Majors must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in all mass communications coursework, in addition to the 2.0 overall GPA required by the university for graduation.
Refer to the College regarding required advising for students on academic probation.
P/N Grading Policy
Mass communications majors are required to take department courses for a letter grade, except for MASS 498 which must be taken P/N.
Transfer Credit
The department accepts no more than 13 credits from other colleges and universities as transfer credits to be applied toward the major. They must be taken in courses which match or are the equivalent of courses that are either offered by the department or allowed by it for elective credit as shown in the areas of concentration.
Internships
Opportunities for mass communications internships exist on and off campus for junior and senior majors to work in professional settings. The internship must be done under professional supervision and is taken only after the student has (1) completed 19 credits in the core curriculum (MASS 411, Ethics and Press Criticism, and MASS 412, History of Mass Communications, are not included) and (2) obtained the written approval of the department's chair. Internship and job opportunities are posted outside Nelson 136, the mass communications office. Refer to the [PDF] Department Internship Policies & Procedures document (676 KiB).
Filing a Program
By the end of the sophomore year the student, through individual consultation with a department advisor, should complete and file with the department a proposed program. The department recommends that students develop a program of study that is complementary to their major in mass communications. Students concentrating in the journalism or media studies concentrations are encouraged to elect courses in liberal arts, such as art, English, literature, modern language, history, humanities, philosophy and political science. Students concentrating in public relations are encouraged to elect courses in business administration, English, psychology, sociology and speech.
Communication Facilities
In addition to fully equipped computerized classrooms, the department has access to a broad range of on-campus facilities that provide students practical experience. Students majoring in mass communications and in other fields contribute to publishing of a student-oriented campus newspaper, The Reporter, a campus magazine and to producing programming for KMSU-FM radio.
Counseling and Guidance
The key to the department's selective approach to mass communications education is its counseling and guidance program. Students are encouraged to meet with their department advisors. Working closely with this faculty person, students develop academic programs that relate to their needs, interests and career aspirations.
