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: R. Petrausch; Graduate Coordinator: J. Breslin; Professor Emeritus: J. Darretta; Associate Professors: J. Breslin, J. Eggensperger, T. Kelso, R. Petrausch, O. Shachar; Assistant Professors: M. Bard, N. Redcross; Clinical Lecturer: N. Barnett-Crosby.

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 a number of hands-on courses and internships;
• to prepare students for professions in mass communication and related areas, for graduate study, and for 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 need to take more than 120 semester credits to graduate.

Transfer Credit Limit

A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred in mass communication courses 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

Seniors in good academic standing who have completed most or all of the courses in their area of specialization 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 highly encouraged and supported by the department. If students take the Internship Option, they should take six (6) credits of Area Electives instead of nine (9) credits.

Public Relations

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

Broadcast Media

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

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