Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of career will a Mass Communication major prepare me for?

• A Mass Communication major can prepare you for all kinds of careers in media, public relations and any kind of job that requires personal communication skills. For more information, please see the Careers page.

What is the concentration option?

• The concentration option is for Mass Communication students who do not have a minor course of study. The specialties focus in fields that will be beneficial additions to a Mass Communication major. The concentrations include English, Sociology, and Business.

Do I have to be a major to participate in Linfield media?

• No! KSLC, The Linfield Review and The Linfield Link welcome all Linfield students to participate and take an active role in production. Typically, most executive staff positions are Mass Communication majors, but non-majors are also often on staff. You will have the option of receiving credit toward the major for working with Linfield media.

Do any courses outside the department count toward the major?

• Yes. Part of any degree from Linfield is the Linfield Curriculum, which is a diversified span of classes from all disciplines. This will be required for a Mass Communication major.

What does an adviser do? How do I get one?

• Every student is connected with an adviser when they arrive at Linfield. Your adviser will be a faculty member in your major department, and he or she will assist you in structuring your academic schedule. Advisers can also offer support and advice when necessary, as well as information on other Linfield services.

How big is the Mass Communication department?

• Typically, the Mass Communication department graduates about 25 students per year. Approximately 90-120 Linfield students claim Mass Communication as their major.

How big will my classes be?

• As with all Linfield classes, the class size depends on the nature of the class. In lecture courses, most classes will have about 25 students. Writing-intensive and applied lab classes are limited to a maximum of 12 students.

Am I required to be on newspaper or radio staff for my major?

• No. Many Mass Communication majors opt to fulfill the Linfield paracurricular requirement as a deejay at KSLC or as a reporter or photographer for The Linfield Review, but such involvement is not required for a degree.

Is Mass Communication connected to Communication Arts?

• The Mass Communication department and the Department of Theatre and Communication Arts are two completely separate departments.
  

Will Linfield get me an internship? Is one required?

• Linfield emphasizes the importance of internships and encourages students to try real-world experience in a field, but ultimately, the decision rests with the students. Your adviser can help you find an internship, or you can contact Will Lingle for more information.

Do I have to be a writer to be a Mass Communication major?

• No. The mass communication major includes writing-intensive classes to strengthen writing skills, but there are many ways to work in media outside of writing.

What have Linfield Mass Communication majors done after graduation?

• Our graduates have gone into a wide variety of careers. To read about some featured graduates, see the testimonials page.