Bachelor in Mass Communication

The Mass Communications Department and Center for New Media provides an applied major in which technological innovation finds meaning in a traditional humanities and social sciences curriculum. The 42-credit major can lead to careers including advertising, broadcasting, journalism, new media and public relations through three primary emphasis areas.

According to a 2012 study, employers rank Communication as the second “most loved” degree. Nationally the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 1.7 million new jobs for arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations. The average hourly wage is $25.89 and average annual wage is $53,850. In Colorado, the number of employees in this category is more than 37,000, with a mean annual wage of more than $49,000. Colorado has a substantially higher concentration than the national average, for jobs in this sector.

The curriculum includes three primary emphasis areas of Electronic Media, Integrated Communication, and Journalism. Students complete the MCCNM core, their emphasis area courses, and several skills-based electives. The MCCNM faculty have many years of professional experience in their field, as well as impressive academic credentials.

Advising is considered a priority in the department, with both students and faculty taking responsibility to ensure that students are successful in their college experience. Faculty members encourage students to use this website and the University catalog to prepare for advising appointments.

Emphasis Areas

Requirements

Students desiring a Mass Communications majors are required to complete the 18 credit hour "core", 9 credit hours of applied electives, plus one of the three emphasis areas:

• Electronic Media
• Integrated Communication
• Journalism

Students desiring a minor in Mass Communications must complete 21 credit hours approved by their minor area advisor and MUST include MCCNM 101 and 201 and six hours of upper-division coursework. The minor may not include more than 3 credits of laboratory work.

Students with a minimum MCCNM GPA of 3.0 are encouraged to complete an Internship or "Field Experience" (MCCNM 494) in their junior or senior year.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will display critical thinking skills, conveying complex ideas related to current issues and ethical expectations of mass media and related disciplines.
• Students will write with clarity and organization utilizing the proper format, writing mechanics and audience focus, in a manner that is professionally competitive for an entry-level position in the discipline.
• Students will demonstrate technical expertise related to the specific emphasis area that is professionally competitive for an entry-level position in their discipline.
• Students will demonstrate command of the subject, organization of thoughts, and skill at interpersonal communication in front of an audience.

Colorado State University-Pueblo is nestled in a historically and culturally rich community of more than 100,000 people, located in the southern part of the state near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—just a short drive to Denver and Colorado Springs.

The state’s geography and attractions create an exciting environment for this vibrant college campus. CSU-Pueblo’s 5,000 students thrive in small classes taught by world-class educators. Outside the classroom, we foster an exciting, adventurous and social environment rich in culture, athletics, and all the beauty the Pikes Peak region has to offer. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, people here have a healthy love for the outdoors.