Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Mass Communication

With a curriculum that incorporates client-based projects and internship opportunities, the mass communication bachelor's degree program at McNeese gives students the hands-on experience needed to succeed in print, television, radio, digital and other media channels.

Program Highlights

Mass Communication Bachelor’s Degree Program Highlights

The way that people produce and consume information has undergone a dramatic transformation in the 21st century with the emergence of social media and other digital channels. With a curriculum that encompasses video production, web page design, media law, diversity in media, media writing and media research, McNeese’s bachelor’s degree in mass communication teaches students how to create engaging, relevant messages and stories that resonate with diverse audiences across the globe. Mass communication majors graduate with the knowledge and experience to combine creative and critical thinking to succeed in the rapidly evolving media landscape, including traditional mediums like print and broadcast media as well as online new media platforms.

Compliment another degree program with a mass communication minor

Communication is a skill that is highly sought-after by employers and is applicable to any career track, including those in business, law and STEM fields. Pursue a minor in mass communication or communication studies and learn the theories and applications of a variety of skills — including written, verbal and non-verbal communication — and graduate with a competitive advantage on the job market.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

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Program overview

Explore More for Mass Communication Majors

Here are just a few of the many benefits you’ll gain while earning a bachelor’s degree in maass communication from McNeese.

Expert Faculty:

The core faculty of McNeese’s Department of Mass Communication are experienced professionals in their chosen fields, specializing in public relations, speech and debate, interpersonal and persuasive communication and digital, broadcast and print production. With small classes and one-on-one advising, students receive personalized career and academic guidance from professors and instructors who know first-hand how to succeed in a variety of media fields.

Professional Networking Opportunities:

Every year, mass communication students visit the Society of Professional Journalists regional conference and the Public Relations Student Society of America national conference to learn about the latest media tools and techniques and network with professionals who are invested in student success. The Department of Mass Communication also cultivates relationships with professionals in public relations, journalism and political organizations in the community who hold speaking engagements for mass communications majors on campus.

Service-Based Classes:

Service-based classes give mass communication majors the opportunity to connect with internal university clients or local external clients and work with them on a professional basis on media projects. Students have an unmatched opportunity to gain experience identifying and meeting client needs and goals, analyzing client’s customer bases, working within a budget, creating media materials and more.

Hands-On Experience:

Every mass communication major is required to participate in an internship before graduation. Critical to student success, internships provide hands-on experience for students to partner with local organizations and businesses and work in a professional environment in the field of their choosing.

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Mass Communication Bachelor's Degree Concentrations

Journalism

Learn the best practices of responsible journalism, from gathering facts and writing engaging content to creating web content and distributing news through traditional and digital channels.

Journalism Curriculum

Public Relations

Discover how to develop policies and programs to build positive relationships with diverse groups through media relations, crisis communication and social media management.

Public Relations Curriculum

Integrated Digital Media

Explore how to use different media platforms to develop and distribute the most effective messages to the right audiences at the right times.

Integrated Digital Media Curriculum

Sports and Entertainment Communication

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a Mass Communication Degree?

A mass communication degree opens the door to a range of career opportunities in television, radio, print and digital platforms. Or students can continue their education with a graduate degree to reach professional career goals or specialize their skill set.

Graduate Schools or Programs

Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Master of Arts in Journalism
Master of Arts in Strategic Public Relations

Job Titles or Employers

Broadcast Technician
Camera Operator
Circulation Manager
Copy Editor
Correspondent
Critic
Customer Service Representative
Director
Editorial Assistant
Events Planner
Graphic Artist
Lobbyist
Media Researcher
News Anchor
Newspaper Editor
Photojournalist
Press Secretary
Public Information Officer
Public Relations Specialist
Reporter
Salesperson
Sportscaster
Video Specialist
Web Designer
Writer

Student Activities

McNeese’s Speech and Debate team competes on the national circuit and provides students the opportunity to practice public speaking, debate and persuasive communication techniques. The McNeese chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honors Society, is open to outstanding communication majors and minors and encourages excellence in communication studies amongst its members.

The Poke Press

The Poke Press is McNeese’s online publication for campus news and events, opinions and student interest stories. Mass Communication majors at McNeese can gain professional experience at every level by working with Poke Press staff, from joining the editorial board to designing web layout to publishing human interest or news-related articles.

Professional Organizations

Two professional organizations maintain connections to McNeese’s mass communications program. The Public Relations Student Society of America connects participating students with highly-qualified public relations professionals for the purposes of career development, while The Society for Professional Journalists works with McNeese students to encourage the free practice of journalism and high ethical standards.