Mass Communication

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Iona College offers a major program leading to a BA degree in mass communication (HEGIS 0601). The major program has four areas of specialization: advertising, journalism, public relations, and television and video. In addition, the department offers a minor concentration and a number of electives.

Faculty

Chair: T. Kelso; Graduate Coordinator for Public Relations Program: J. Breslin; Graduate Coordinator for Sports Communication and Media Program: M. Damergis; Professor Emeritus: J. Darretta; Associate Professors: J. Breslin, T. Kelso, R. Petrausch, N. Redcross, O. Shachar; Assistant Professors: Z. Altinay, M. Bard, N. Barnett-Cosby; Clinical Lecturer: M. Damergis.

Objectives

The goals of the department are:

• to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the discipline of mass communication within a liberal arts framework;
• to assist students in the development of practical skills in at least one area of mass communication through hands-on courses and internships;
• to prepare students for success in the following areas: (1) professions in mass communication and related fields, (2) graduate study, and (3) advanced professional training programs; and
• to provide an undergraduate degree option to students who are looking for a relevant and challenging major that will prepare them to be successful citizens of the information society.

Major Credit Limitation

Students in the undergraduate major in mass communication are required to take 39 semester credits of MCO courses. Students who wish to take more than 39 semester credits of MCO courses will be expected to take more than 120 semester credits to graduate.

Transfer Credit Limit

A maximum of 9 credits in mass communication courses may be transferred from junior colleges and a maximum of 12 credits in mass communication courses may be transferred from four-year colleges. Additional credits in mass communication will not be accepted as electives.

Internships

Students majoring in mass communication who are in good academic standing and have attained at least second-term sophomore status are eligible to apply to the department chair for permission to take MCO 498 - Internship in Mass Communication  (3 credits). MCO 498 - Internship in Mass Communication  (3 credits) is optional, but is highly encouraged and supported by the department. Because MCO 498 counts toward satisfying MCO general elective requirements, if students take the internship option, then they need to complete only another 6 credits, instead of 9 credits, of MCO general electives.

Public Relations

The Mass Communication Department offers a public relations specialization, as well as elective courses in the field. The program in public relations is supported by the faculty in the Mass Communication Department.

Broadcast Media

The Mass Communication Department offers a broadcast media concentration, as well as electives in the field. The program in broadcast media is supported by the faculty in the Mass Communication Department.

Programs

• Mass Communication, Advertising, BA (0601)
• Mass Communication, Broadcast Media, BA (0601)
• Mass Communication, Journalism, BA (0601)
• Mass Communication, Public Relations, BA (0601)

• Mass Communication BA/Public Relations MA (0601)

• Mass Communication Minor

Return to: School of Arts and Science