Mass Communication

GUIDELINES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

FALL SEMESTER:

• INQS 125 Inquiry Seminar: It is recommended that students take INQS during fall semester as it is a prerequisite for most upper division mass communication courses. The writing intensiveness makes it difficult to complete INQS and MSCM 175 simultaneously during the spring semester.

• MSCM 150 Introduction to Mass Communication: This is the introductory course to both the major and the minor. It also satisfies the IS or US Linfield curriculum requirement

• MSCM 011 Newspaper Practices or MSCM 012 Broadcast Practices: We encourage students to enroll in the paracurricular section of Newspaper or Broadcast Practices depending on the student's interest in media. This provides a structured introduction to The Linfield Review, KSLC-FM or Wildcat Productions. Students will enroll in one of the required practices classes again, for a grade, later in the major.

• Begin foreign language requirement: Some mass communication students double major in a language and/or intend to study abroad. These first-year guidelines help structure the mass communication major and minor to facilitate study abroad during the junior year.

• Explore a possible double major or minor: The Department of Mass Communication encourages students to double major or minor in a complementary subject area.              

SPRING SEMESTER:

• Any of the above courses not completed in Fall Semester; continue foreign language

• MSCM 114 Mass Communication Tools: This is an introduction to hardware and software modern communicators use.
• MSCM 175 Introduction to Media Writing: This course can be completed during the Spring semester or Fall of second year. Taking this course simultaneously with MSCM 150 is discouraged. The course requires instructor consent, and INQS and keyboard proficiency are prerequisites.

• MSCM 187 Mass Communication Career Preparation This course can be taken at virtually any time but it is best to do so in anticipation of applying for an internship or summer job in mass communications.  

SECOND YEAR:

• Any of the above courses not completed in the first year; continue foreign language

• Any of the MSCM 32x courses in the visual communications area

• MSCM 275 Information Gathering: This course is the third of four required courses in the major. It is best completed in the second year. MSCM 175 is a prerequisite.

OTHER MAJOR/MINOR SPECIFIC ADVISING INFORMATION

• The department takes a liberal arts and practical learning approach to the discipline. It offers courses that explore the historical, critical and theoretical framework of mass communication as well as practical courses that help students develop skills necessary for entry into communication-related industries. To assure breadth of study in the major, the department requires completion of a core of courses and study in advanced writing, visual communication and media studies.
• The department encourages students to minor or double major in a complementary discipline.
• The mass communication major offers only the Bachelor of Arts degree.
• Students must complete all major coursework with a grade of C- or above. 
• Majors should obtain a mass communication Major Requirements Progress Sheet from their faculty advisor to help them plan and track their progress through the major.
• In addition to paracurricular enrollment (MSCM 011 or MSCM 012) recommended during the freshman year, each major must complete one semester of Newspaper Practices (MSCM 111) or Broadcast Practices (MSCM 112) for major credit. 
• Students are strongly encouraged to take MSCM 114 Mass Communication Tools as early as practicable.
• Students are strongly encouraged to seek out internships related to their career interests.
• The Department of Mass Communication also offers a media studies minor. Please see the college catalog or a mass communication faculty member for specific requirements.