Department of Mass Communication

Media Center 114
Phone: 410-704-3431
Fax: 410-704-3656

Student Service Center
Media Center 005
Phone: 410-704-4917

Programs of the Department

The Department of Mass Communication offers the following programs of study:

Why Study Mass Communication?

Do you want to:

Pursue a career in advertising, journalism or public relations, or use your skills in healthcare, financial services, information technology, federal agencies or nonprofits?
Learn to choose and use the most effective communication tools and strategies to promote messages, products and programs?
Expand your understanding of the media and prepare to tackle the most complex global, cultural, political and business challenges?

Then, Mass Communication may be the right choice for you.

The mission of the Department of Mass Communication is to prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising or public relations that are enhanced by a solid foundation in broad liberal arts education. Using a forward-thinking, practical and experiential learning approach, the department cultivates the student body’s natural curiosity about the world and fosters skills in media literacy, narrative storytelling, critical thinking, strategic communication and ethical decision-making. Graduates will come away with the ability to make a positive contribution to their profession and become fully engaged citizens.

The department develops students who are:

Effective communicators with strong skills in written, oral and visual communication.
Skilled in the use of the latest technology and tools required to thrive in their chosen fields.
Creative problem solvers with original ideas and flexible thinking.
Critical thinkers and ethical decision-makers with strengths in systematic analysis of evidence.
Engaged learners with openness to ambiguity, differences and risk-taking.

The department provides a learning environment in which students are:

Mentored by diverse faculty who are excellent teachers through a healthy balance of academic training and industry experience.
Guided by a curriculum that fosters strong partnerships and connections with the region’s journalism, advertising and public relations industry.
Equipped with up-to-date technological tools that meet industry standards.
Given ample opportunity for experiential learning in internships, study abroad and away courses and simulation-based course work.
Valued for their differences, unique life experience and perspectives.

The faculty members of the department are committed to scholarly research and/or creative productions in the department’s various areas of expertise. Many faculty worked professionally in the advertising, public relations and journalism fields, and bring their industry experience into the classroom. The department provides service to TU and to a larger community in a variety of ways, such as through the American Advertising Federation, Public Relations Student Society of America, Society of Professional Journalists, as well as faculty and student presentations, workshops and professional networking.

Internship Program Guidelines

The department strongly encourages students to participate in internships. Most Mass Communication majors complete one or more internships during their undergraduate career.

To receive academic credits for an internship, students must be admitted to the major and have obtained junior/senior status, met the minimum GPA requirement and completed the prerequisites.

Visit the department's i nternship page for more information on the internship application and approval process. All internship work sites must be approved by the department's internship coordinator.

Departmental Scholarships

The Department of Mass Communication offers its majors a number of scholarship opportunities.

The Patrick John O’Connell Memorial Scholarship is available for Mass Communication students with a special interest in broadcast journalism, advertising or public relations. Other scholarships include the Eddie Ballard Award for Journalism, the Chrystal Marie Clifford Memorial Scholarship, the Kathryn Dudek Scholarship, the Sam Lacy Sports Communication Scholarship, the Steven and Laura Murfin Scholarship, the George F. Rogers Jr. Memorial Scholarship, the Elizabeth Wainio Memorial Scholarship, the J. Reg Murphy Scholarship, the Garry Bolan Scholarship, and the Keith Ewancio Scholarship. For scholarship information and deadlines, contact the department scholarship coordinator or visit the department website.

Student Organizations

The department supports the following student organizations: the TU Ad Club, TU PR Group and the student chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists.

Graduate Program

The department offers a master's degree in Communication Management. Information regarding the master's program is included in the Graduate Catalog.

Major in Mass Communication

Minor in Mass Communication

Courses

MCOM 101 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION (3)

Issues, theories and structures of mass communication and careers in the mass media. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (MCOM 102) will not receive additional credit for this course.

MCOM 102 HONORS INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION (3)

Issues, theories and structures of mass communication and careers in the mass media. Honors College course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course.

MCOM 210 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA WRITING (3)

An introduction to the writing skills required in print, broadcast, and online journalism, as well as for public relations and emerging media formats. Students who have successfully completed MCOM 256 or MCOM 257 will not receive additional credit for MCOM 210. Prerequisite: MCOM 101 or MCOM 102 (may be taken concurrently with MCOM 210). Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 214 PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING (3)

Review of contribution made by advertising to the United States economy and of the principles and practices as applied to mass media. Prerequisite: MCOM 101.

MCOM 253 PRINCIPLES OF STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)

History and development of the field as a profession; strategic management; research; legal and ethical issues; communication theories; strategies and tactics; global trends. Prerequisite: MCOM 101.

MCOM 258 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL JOURNALISM (3)

Advanced skills in interviewing, reporting, audio and video news production, blogging, and reporting with data. Prerequisite: MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 310 UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY THROUGH MASS MEDIA (3)

An overview of the ways that mass media frame disability for the general public through journalism, TV, film, advertising, photography, documentary, comic art and the Internet. Prerequisites: MCOM 101; junior/senior standing.

MCOM 323 ADVERTISING MEDIA PLANNING (3)

Application of advertising media principles to the development of a media plan that involves objectives, strategy, and execution of traditional, digital and alternative media. Prerequisites: MCOM 214; majors only. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 325 ADVERTISING COPYWRITING (3)

Creative process and production of copy for various media including print, broadcast, direct mail, out-of-home, and new media. Prerequisites: MCOM 214 and (MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257); majors only. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 327 EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN JOURNALISM AND MASS MEDIA (3)

Examines the current state of American journalism by tying today’s media environment to its historical roots. Focuses on the technological, political, economic, cultural and professional forces that have shaped the country's media system over the past 250 years. The course also explores various historical narratives that have come to dominate our understanding of the past and present. While the course primarily focuses on journalism, it examines the development of public relations and advertising as well. Prerequisites: MCOM 101 or EMF 140 or COMM 201; sophomore/junior/senior standing.

MCOM 330 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT PLANNING (3)

Designed to provide students with an understanding of the strategic planning process and how it is integrated into persuasive brand communication plan development. The focus is on how to mine the consumer insights from research and integrate into effective advertising strategies. Prerequisite: MCOM 214.

MCOM 333 SOCIAL MEDIA AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION (3)

Examines the changing landscape of social media and its strategic implication to advertising, journalism, and public relations practitioners. Prerequisites: MCOM 214 or MCOM 253 or MCOM 258; MCOM major or minor.

MCOM 341 DIGITAL PUBLISHING (3)

Computer technology to create publications for delivery in print and online. Prerequisite: MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 352 MEDIA CRITICISM (3)

Theory and practice of media criticism intended for various audiences, including consumer oriented criticism, social criticism, and scholarly criticism. Prerequisite: MCOM 101 or EMF 140 or COMM 201.

MCOM 356 FEATURE WRITING (3)

Researching and writing journalistic articles for publication in newspapers, magazines, and other media. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent; MCOM 258. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

MCOM 357 PUBLIC RELATIONS WRITING (3)

Composing, editing, and producing media materials for both internal and external audiences. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent; MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257; and MCOM 253. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

MCOM 358 EDITING FOR MEDIA WRITERS (3)

Practice in editing and headline writing for print and online media. Prerequisites: MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257; major or minor standing. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 360 LAW AND ETHICS IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)

Examination of ethical and legal issues in advertising and public relations. Topics include professional code of ethics, First Amendment and commercial speech, puffery, deceptive advertising, unfair advertising, libel, slander, privacy, lobbying, copyright, trademark, fair use, and patent protection. Prerequisites: MCOM 214 or MCOM 253; major standing.

MCOM 361 LAW AND ETHICS IN JOURNALISM (3)

Examination of ethical and legal issues in journalism/new media, including privilege, prior restraint, libel, privacy, press and public access, and intellectual property. Students who have successfully completed MCOM 350 and MCOM 433 will not receive additional credit for MCOM 361. Prerequisites: MCOM 258 and major standing.

MCOM 371 MEDIA AUDIENCES AND ANALYTICS (3)

Explores the role of systematic analysis of data for decision making in media and strategic communication. Students learn basic concepts, principles, and practices of online and offline analytics in advertising, public relations, and journalism. The course reviews major analytics tools and platforms for website, search, and social media. The course also explores basic tools for visual communication of analytics data. Emphasis is on the interpretation of analytics and building insights from such knowledge for competitive market research, audience development, and strategic communication strategy. Prerequisites: MCOM 214 or MCOM 253 or MCOM 258; majors only.

MCOM 380 PODCASTING (3)

Students learn audio storytelling skills and put them into practice by creating podcasts that through a narrative journalistic style tell compelling stories about people and issues at Towson and beyond. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for MCOM 380. Prerequisites: MCOM major, MCOM minor, or consent of department.

MCOM 381 BROADCAST JOURNALISM I (3)

Theory and practice of broadcast journalism. The gathering, writing and presentation of news for audio-only and audio-visual media. Ethical standards for broadcast journalism will be analyzed. Prerequisites: MCOM 258; junior/senior standing. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 383 NEWS REPORTING (3)

Experience in reporting. Coverage of specific news beats on and off campus and general assignment work. Consideration of news-gathering techniques, including direct and participant observation, use of survey research data and use of official records. Prerequisite: MCOM 258.

MCOM 385 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY (3)

Seminar on current issues and effects of mass communication. Prerequisite: MCOM 101 or EMF 140.

MCOM 390 MASS COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (3)

Survey of methods and uses of research in advertising and public relations. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; majors only.

MCOM 391 PHOTOJOURNALISM I (3)

Photography for the mass media. History, aesthetics and ethics are covered. Prerequisite: MCOM 258 or consent of instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 402 SPORTS JOURNALISM (3)

Covering sports through news articles, features, broadcast reports, podcasts, and other forms of audio, visual and digital storytelling. Prerequisite: MCOM 210 or MCOM 256 or MCOM 257.

MCOM 407 MULTIMEDIA REPORTING CAPSTONE (3)

Research and create multimedia news and feature articles incorporating hypertext, graphics, photographs, audio and video elements. Capstone course. Prerequisites: MCOM 341 and (MCOM 383 or MCOM 358); MCOM major. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 409 LITERARY JOURNALISM (3)

Literary technique and dramatic structure for print and online journalistic media. Prerequisite: MCOM 356.

MCOM 415 MASS MEDIA GRAPHICS (3)

Communication potential of design elements in a variety of graphics using computer technology. Prerequisites: MCOM 101; MCOM major or minor.

MCOM 419 CORPORATE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT (3)

A survey of practical theories and applications that are related to corporate communication practices. Topics include group and individual behaviors in corporate environments, managing conflict, culture, change, and innovation; and leadership/management communication. The particular emphasis will be placed on advertising, public relations, or brand communication organizations. Prerequisites: MCOM 253, MCOM 357, and MCOM 390; junior/senior standing; majors only.

MCOM 420 MEDIA AND HEALTH COMMUNICATION (3)

Learn about concepts and theories in communication and apply relevant knowledge to improve the quality of health communication in various mediated-communication settings, including health education, health literacy, eHealth and mHealth, health care marketing and promotion, public health campaigns, family communication, health care and management. Prerequisites: MCOM 101; junior/senior standing.

MCOM 431 PUBLIC OPINION AND THE PRESS (3)

Journalistic aspects of public opinion and propaganda; the impact of mass communication media on the formation of public opinion. Techniques of polling and testing public opinion. Prerequisites: MCOM 101; junior/senior standing.

MCOM 440 ADVERTISING MEDIA SALES (3)

Procedures for selling media space and time; strategy, training, and preparation. Prerequisites: MCOM 214; junior/senior standing.

MCOM 443 INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)

Role of advertising and public relations in the world marketplace. Consideration of global and local perspectives, key decisions in agency operations, creative aspects and media. Prerequisites: MCOM 214 or MCOM 253; junior/senior standing.

MCOM 447 ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS (3)

Application of advertising principles and practices to the development of campaigns and the preparation of a plan book. Prerequisites: MCOM 323, MCOM 325, and MCOM 390; majors only.

MCOM 451 PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (3)

Fundraising and development, implementing and evaluating public relations campaigns for nonprofit organizations. Prerequisite: MCOM 357.

MCOM 453 STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS (3)

Research, planning, implementing and evaluating programs and campaigns. Prerequisites: MCOM 357 and MCOM 390; majors only.

MCOM 458 MAGAZINE PUBLISHING (3)

Examination of the principles, practices, problems and trends in magazine publishing through tracing the process of a magazine from copy to bindery. Steps in periodical production stressing emphasis on layout factors. Intensive analysis of magazine markets and case studies of magazine publishing problems. Prerequisites: MCOM 341 and (MCOM 358 or MCOM 383); MCOM majors only.

MCOM 460 INTERNSHIP IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (1-3)

Students work as interns with a professional in the field of advertising or public relations. Graded S/U. Students are allowed to repeat internships. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units, but only 6 units may be counted toward the major. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; average GPA 2.75 in following three courses (MCOM 101, MCOM 210, and MCOM 214/ MCOM 253); completion of appropriate courses determined by the department; majors only.

MCOM 461 INTERNSHIP IN JOURNALISM (1-3)

With approval from the department and under faculty supervision, students work as interns with a professional in the field of journalism. Graded S/U. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units, but only 6 units will apply to the major. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; average GPA 2.75 in following three courses (MCOM 101, MCOM 210, and MCOM 258); completion of appropriate courses determined by the department; majors only.

MCOM 477 SPECIAL TOPICS IN JOURNALISM (3)

In-depth study of a selected area within journalism, dependent upon faculty and student interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or consent of instructor.

MCOM 478 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)

In-depth study of a selected area within advertising and public relations, dependent upon faculty and student interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or consent of instructor.

MCOM 479 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MASS COMMUNICATION (3)

In-depth study of a selected area dependent upon faculty and student interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: junior/senior standing or consent of instructor.

MCOM 481 BROADCAST JOURNALISM II (3)

Advanced news and feature writing, interviewing, reporting, and editing for broadcast and new media. Prerequisites: MCOM 381 or EMF 373 and consent of instructor. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.

MCOM 494 STUDY ABROAD IN MASS COMMUNICATION (3)

Exposes students to how mass media systems and industries operate in different parts of the world. Prerequisite: MCOM 101.

MCOM 496 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MASS COMMUNICATION (1-3)

Directed study through readings, projects, papers, or seminars. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

Faculty

Professors: Kwangmi Kim, Jung-Sook Lee, Stacy Spaulding (Chairperson), Lingling Zhang (Graduate Program Director)

Associate Professors: Hyang-Sook Kim, Kyongseok Kim, John Kirch, Elia Powers, Eun Soo Rhee

Assistant Professors: Rauf Arif, Pallavi Guha, Sushma Kumble, Juan Liu, Enakshi Roy, Efe Sevin, Christopher Vardeman

Lecturers: Clifford Neill, Michelle Nicolosi

Lecturer II: Jennifer Atwater

Professor of Practice: Karen Mishra