Mass Communication, Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Mass Communication prepares a student to work in fields as varied as print journalism, broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising and agencies and organizations requiring Press Secretaries and Information Officers in private and public sectors. Employment opportunities also exist in Training and Development, and administrative roles in information and service industries as well as law enforcement and health care organizations. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication also prepares the students to pursue graduate programs in Communication, Journalism, and Media Management.

Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website. 

 

Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours

Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.

Required

Integrative and Experiential Learning – 3 hours

COMM 1311Introduction to Communication

3

Recommended

Creative Arts – 3 hours

Choose one:
THTF 1310Theatre Appreciation

3

THTF 2366Cinema Appreciation

3

Major Requirements – 60 Hours (42 advanced minimum)

Mass Communication Core – 27 hours (18 advanced)

Required

COMM 1307Introduction to Mass Communication

3

COMM 1315Public Speaking

3

COMM 1336Television Production

3

COMM 3303Writing for Mass Media

3

COMM 3333Theories of Communication

3

COMM 3349Multi-Media Storytelling

3

COMM 3350Research in Communication

3

COMM 4313Communication Law and Ethics

3

COMM 4332Visual Communication

3

Concentrations – 33 hours (24 advanced)

Must complete one concentration of the following:

Advertising and Public Relations

Print Journalism

Broadcast

Advertising and Public Relations – 33 hours (24 advanced)
Advertising and Public Relations Core – 12 hours (12 advanced)
COMM 3304Advertising: Theory and Practice

3

COMM 3321Public Relations: Theory and Practice

3

COMM 4334Communication Campaigns

3

COMM 4335Creative and Media Strategies

3

Cluster Area – 9 hours (9 advanced)
Choose one cluster:
Public Relations
COMM 3305Copy Editing

3

COMM 3327Reporting I

3

COMM 4322Public Relations Writing

3

Advertising
COMM 3348Copywriting and Art Direction

3

COMM 3353Broadcast Advertising Production

3

COMM 4310Media Planning

3

Free Electives – 12 hours (3 advanced)

Choose 12 hours of other electives. Internship in Mass Communication is recommended. A total of 6 internship credit hours may be taken for credit either COMM 4337 twice or COMM 4624 once.

Print Journalism – 33 hours (24 advanced)
Print Journalism Core – 15 hours (15 advanced)
COMM 3305Copy Editing

3

COMM 3307Specialized Reporting

3

COMM 3321Public Relations: Theory and Practice

3

COMM 3327Reporting I

3

COMM 3326Photojournalism

3

Print Journalism Electives – 9 hours (9 advanced)

Choose 9 hours of advanced Mass Communication.

Free Electives – 9 hours

Choose 9 hours of other electives. Internship in Mass Communication is recommended. A total of 6 internship credit hours may be taken for credit either COMM 4337 twice or COMM 4624 once.

Broadcast – 33 hours (24 advanced)
Broadcast Core – 24 hours (21 advanced)
COMM 2310Video and Film Editing I

3

COMM 3327Reporting I

3

COMM 3339Broadcast Audio Production

3

COMM 3351Broadcast News Writing

3

COMM 3352Television News Production and Reporting

3

COMM 3353Broadcast Advertising Production

3

COMM 4312Video and Film Editing II

3

Choose one:
COMM 3338University Radio/Television

3

COMM 4314Advanced Television/Film Production

3

Free Electives – 9 hours (3 advanced)

Choose 9 hours of other electives. Internship in Mass Communication is recommended. A total of 6 internship credit hours may be taken for credit either COMM 4337 twice or COMM 4624 once.

Minor or Free Electives – 12 Hours

Choose an approved minor or free electives. Some minors are more than 18 hours.

Total Credit Hours: 48

Total Credit Hours: 120

Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements, if applicable:

Progression requirements

COMM 1311 in the core with in their first year. All courses in the major require grade of ‘C’ or better.