Media & Journalism (B.A., B.S.)

Required Courses for Journalism specialization (12 hours)

• MCOM 151 - Introduction to Mass Communication (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]
• MCOM 210 - Basic Newswriting (C)
• MCOM 331 - Video Production (C)
• MCOM 402 - Media Law and Ethics

Required Experiential Core (2 hours minimum, 5 credit hours maximum)

• MCOM 494 - Internship (C)

• And/Or

• MCOM 495 - Practicum (C)

Specialization: Journalism (24 hours)

The journalism specialization prepares students to become journalists. Students learn to research, write, and present stories in a multiplatform media market. The department requires students to learn print, broadcast and online journalism skills. Later, students can concentrate in one area if they wish. USD has excellent facilities for studying journalism. It is the home of the Al Neuharth Center for Excellence in Journalism and student media including The Volante campus newspaper, Coyote News, KYOT-TV, and KAOR-FM. The department has excellent video and audio production facilities for the study of multiplatform journalism. USD sponsors a student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Required Courses for Strategic Communication specialization (9 hours)

• MCOM 402 - Media Law and Ethics
• MCOM 331 - Video Production (C)
• MCOM 151 - Introduction to Mass Communication (C) [SGR #4, HSDC]

Required Experiential Core (2 hours minimum, 5 credit hours maximum)

• MCOM 494 - Internship (C)

• And/Or

• MCOM 495 - Practicum (C)

Specialization: Strategic Communication (Advertising/Public Relations) (27 hours)

The Department of Media & Journalism prepares individuals for successful careers in Advertising and Public Relations. There are Strategic Communication careers at AD/PR agencies, in healthcare, universities, government, and a variety of other business and non-profit organizations. Students use M&J’s state of the art facilities to create graphic materials, plan campaigns, and prepare press releases and multiplatform content. Coyote Creative is the student creative agency in which students produce commercials, public service announcements and promotional campaigns. Coyote Communication is the student Ad/PR agency. The department hosts student chapters of the American Advertising Federation and Public Relations Student Society of America, and students have the opportunity to network with practicing strategic communication professionals.