Real World Experience...

That is the basis of the award-winning Mass Communication program. The Mass Communication program has been cited as one of the most successful programs at Midwestern State year after year. It is the combination of academic preparation and skills training that employers and graduate schools find appealing. Students trace their success to close faculty interaction.

Concepts taught in class are tested at the campus newspaper, The Wichitan, explored at the MSU2 television station, and applied in advertising campaigns. Training on state-of-the-art equipment and mass media internships enhance skills important in today's competitive job market. Recent internship opportunities included: The Dallas Morning News, Southwest Airlines, Ebony magazine, Sen. John Edwards’ office, KXAS-TV Dallas, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Documentaries, public relations campaigns, graphic design projects and writing exercises help prepare students for graduate school or their job search after graduation. Alumni work in newspapers, television stations, advertising and public relations firms and a host of communication corporations. They are also accepted into the finest graduate institutions.

Faculty members work side by side with students as they discover their talents, and students are exposed to equipment and training early in their college careers. As a result, regional and national awards are bestowed on this exceptional program year after year. A recent list includes: Associated Press Managing Editors Best non-Daily Newspaper in Texas, 1998; First Place Television Sweepstakes by the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2002; First Place Newspaper Sweepstakes by the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, 2003 and 2004; and a Pacemaker Award from the National Newspaper Association. Students have also won awards recently from organizations such as the Southwest Journalism Congress, the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Media Association and College Broadcasters, Inc.

Recent students have won scholarships in regional and nationwide competitions through organizations such as the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Women Journalists, the Dallas Press Club, the International Radio & TV Society and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Substantial scholarships are available to students who have promising transcripts, and paid student assistantships are available for those working for the campus newspaper or television station.

The Mass Communication major comprises 39 hours of mass media courses, with an 18-hour minor in broadcasting, journalism, digital media, or public relations and advertising. Students must have accumulated a 3.0 grade point average in their major and minor before enrolling in the exit course.

There are literally hundreds of careers available for Mass Communication students: Communications Consultant; Graphic Artist; Editor; Radio/Television Director; Copywriter; Photographer; Booking Agent; Survey Research Consultant; Disc Jockey; Advertising Agent; Art Director; Public Relations Officer; Commercial Designer; Director of Conventions; Media Buyer; News Anchor; Print Reporter; Station Manager; Public Opinion Researcher; Press Secretary; News Reporter; Lobbyist; Camera Operator; Creative Director; Marketing Manager; Radio/Television Producer; Director of Tourism; Videographer; College Placement Officer; Telecommunications Technician; Information Specialist; Customer Service Representative; Affirmative Action Officer; and Community Affairs Liaison.