Department of Mass Communication

Return to: Colleges and Departments

Robert Markstrom, Head
Faculty: Bacon, Bell, Chrisco, Hunt, Kay, Standley, Stratton, Veuleman, Vinson

Mission

The mission of the Department of Mass Communication is to provide education that will enable graduates to improve the media and professional communication activities and the quality of life in the multicultural community of Southwest Louisiana, value lifelong learning, and enhance communication professions through focus on:

• Critical thinking in a variety of contexts throughout the world
• Service to the university and community in assessing and improving oral and written communication skills
• Professionalism and Ethical Understanding
• Technology Proficiency and Mass Media Understanding

Fundamental to this mission is the faculty commitment to excellence in teaching, community service, faculty practice, student success, creative scholarly activity, and research in communication.

The Department of Mass Communication offers a major in Mass Communication with concentrations in Journalism, New Media, Public Relations, and Sales Communication. The department also offers minors in Communication Studies and Mass Communication.

Majors in the Department of Mass Communication who will seek admission to law school should see the recommendations under “Preparation for Law School” and should ask their academic advisors to integrate the recommended courses into their curricula.

The department encourages majors to participate in extracurricular activities such as Debate Council, Lambda Pi Eta, National Broadcasting Society, Public Relations Student Society of America, and Society of Professional Journalists. These organizations can provide students with valuable pre-professional experiences.

Grade Requirements

Courses in Mass Communication or Communication Studies must have a grade of “C” or higher to be used as completed prerequisites or applied towards graduation requirements. Courses transferred to McNeese State University from another institution must satisfy the same requirements. All students in the Department of Mass Communication (including minors) must receive a grade of “C” or higher in English 101, 102, or equivalent courses. See the department for advising.

Return to: Colleges and Departments