Pictured :: Leslie Lestinsky :: Public Relations :: South Bend, Indiana (hometown)
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
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About Mass Communication
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in mass communication prepares students for a wide variety of careers including public relations, journalism, freelance reporting, video production, editing, and other careers that focus on the use of the mass media for dissemination of information.
Degree Requirements (120 cr.)
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.
Note :: At least 30 credit hours must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students must complete all requirements in the major with a grade of C or higher.
General Education Curriculum (33-39 cr.)
For a more detailed description of the IU South Bend campuswide general-education requirements, including lists of approved courses, see the General Education website.
All courses certified as meeting the campuswide general-education requirements are designated in the Schedule of Classes.
Fundamental Literacies (13-19 cr.)
- Writing :: ENG-W 131 Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I (with a grade of C or higher)
- Critical Thinking :: Select from approved course list
- Oral Communication :: SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking (with a grade of C or higher)
- Visual Literacy :: Select from approved course list
- Quantitative Reasoning Select from approved course list
- Information Literacy :: COAS-Q 110 Introduction to Information Literacy (1 cr.) (course to be taken in conjunction with ENG-W 131 Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I)
- Computer Literacy :: Select from approved course list
Common Core Courses (12 cr.)
Complete one course from each of the following four areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes. At least one of the areas must be completed at the 300-level.
- The Natural World :: Select from approved course list
- Human Behavior and Social Institutions :: Select from approved course list
- Literary and Intellectual Traditions :: Select from approved course list
- Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity :: Select from approved course list
Contemporary Social Values (8 cr.)
Students must complete one course from each of the following three areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.
- Non-Western Cultures :: Select from approved course list
- Diversity in United States Society :: Select from approved course list
- Health and Wellness (2 cr.) :: Select from approved course list
Additional Requirements (24 cr.)
- World Languages (6 cr.) :: Select two consecutive courses in one language (may be satisfied with language placement test and credit by examination)
- History (3 cr.) :: Select one course in any area of history
- Electives (15 cr.) :: Select five courses from any mix of disciplines
Minor in Mass Communication (18 cr.)
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.
Note :: Minor courses must be approved by a faculty member in the specific discipline.
Mass Communication Core Classes (15 cr.)
- JOUR-C 200 Introduction to Mass Communications
- JOUR-J 200 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I
- JOUR-J 410 Media as Social Institutions
- SPCH-S 205 Introduction to Speech Communication
- TEL-R 287 Process and Effects in Telecommunications
- TEL-R 404 Topical Seminar in Telecommunications
Select one Concentration (21 cr.)
Electronic Media
- JOUR-J 210 Visual Communication
- TEL-T 273 Media Program Design
- TEL-T 283 Introduction to Production Techniques and Practices
- TEL-T 336 Digital Video Production
- TEL-T 434 Advanced Production Workshop
- Two communication electives
Journalism
- JOUR-J 341 Newspaper Reporting
- JOUR-J 351 News Editing
- JOUR-J 401 Depth Reporting and Editing
- Four communication electives
Public Relations
- JOUR-J 319 Introduction to Public Relations
- JOUR-J 428 Public Relations Planning and Research
- SPCH-S 122 Interpersonal Communication
- SPCH-S 223 Business and Professional Communication
- SPCH-S 324 Persuasive Speaking
- SPCH-S 440 Organizational Communication
- One communication elective
Photo courtesy of the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts