Bachelor of Science with a Major in Mass Communications
The School of Communication, Film, and Media offers a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Film & Video Production, minors in Communication Studies, Film & Video Production and Mass Communications.
The curriculum offers a balance of theoretical and conceptual courses that challenge students to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, and professional skills courses that give students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in cutting-edge experiential learning labs – bluestone-Public Relations Firm, WUTV, The West Georgian, and WOLF Radio. Located approximately 45 miles west of Atlanta, the department also gives students the opportunity to regularly network and intern with mass media and public relations professionals in a top-10 media market. Students graduate with portfolios that showcase their scholarship and skills, and give them a competitive edge in the industry.
Learn more about Mass Communications Concentrations:
Journalism
Digital Media & Entertainment
Film & Video Production
Public Relations
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
Through sequenced study in Journalism, Digital Media & Entertainment, Film & Video Production, and Public Relations, students are educated and trained across media industries to meet the demands of a complex, technological media landscape and multicultural society. Across areas of concentration, students master an understanding of the paramount economic, legal/policy, ethical, social, and effects issues facing mass media within the context of freedom of speech, freedom of press, media competition, and media convergence.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Communications.And.Media-Studies
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 120
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
Core Area F - Courses Specific for the Mass Communications Major
(General courses applicable to all concentrations)
- COMM 1154 - 3 hours
- COMM 1110 - 3 hours
- COMM 2254 - 3 hours
- Foreign Language -1000 or 2000 level: 6 hours
- Humanities or Social Science Elective: 3 hours
Note that course may satisfy prerequisite for a minor course if not required for minor.
TOTAL = 18 hours
Courses Specific for the ConcentrationTOTAL = 24 hours
ElectivesElectives must include 3000-4000 level COMM courses OR approved courses from the list below. At least 12 credit hours must be COMM courses.
ABED 3100 MKTG 3801 POLS 4215 SOCI 3603ABED 3106 MKTG 3803 PSYC 3200 SOCI 3733ABED4118 MKTG 3809 PSYC 3600 SOCI 3943ENGL 3200 MKTG 3810 PSYC 4090 SOCI 4203ENGL 3405 MKTG 4861 PSYC 4140 SOCI 4323FILM 3200 MKTG 4864 PSYC 4500 SOCI 4373GEOG 3713 MKTG 4866 SOCI 3100 SPMG 3665MGNT 4630 POLS 3103 SOCI 3273 SPMG 4665Complete 18 credit hours if minor = 18 credit hours
Complete 21 credit hours if minor = 15 credit hours
TOTAL = 18-21 hours
MinorIn addition to required courses, all concentrations require a 15-18 credit-hour minor (see Undergraduate Catalog for options).
TOTAL = 15-18 hours
Major Requirements- Minimum grade of C for ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102, COMM 1110, COMM 1154, and COMM 2254.
- Must complete a major declaration form.
- A maximum of 3 credit hours of COMM 4421 (Practicum) may count toward major requirements though you may complete additional credit hours.
- A maximum of 3 credit hours of COMM 4486 (Internship) may count toward major requirements though you may complete additional credit hours.
- Must complete senior exit survey.
- Must complete requirements for a minor field.
Downloads
LeQuinta (Taylor) Bryant
Clinical Associate Professor
Patrick Clinton
Assistant Professor
Hazel Cole
Associate Professor & Public Relations Head
Melanie Conrad
Associate Dean & Senior Lecturer
Patrick Hadley
Associate Dean, Associate Professor & Graduate Studies Coordinator
Michael D. Hester
Lecturer / Debate Director & CDO Special Assistant
Deon Kay
Professor & Film & Video Production Head
Kyle Lorenzano
Associate Professor, Digital Media & Entertainment Head & Assistant Graduate Studies Coordinator
Christopher Renaud
Associate Professor
John Sewell
Associate Professor & Journalism Head
Kelly Williams
Clinical Associate Professor
Misty Wilson
Senior Lecturer & Communication Studies Head
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that graduates of accredited programs be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
- demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
- present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.