Journalism, Broadcasting and Mass Communication Technologies

Journalism, broadcasting and mass communication technology is a 36-credit major offered by the Department of Communication. Undergraduate majors may choose from professional emphases in journalism, broadcasting and web-based communication.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses and requirements associated with the pre-communication preparation designation. Once all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements are met, the student completes and submits the pre-communication form, available on the department website, to the department's academic assistant. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.

Pre-Communication Preparation

Students must complete 21 credits of selected courses with a grade of B or above to become a Journalism, Broadcasting, and Mass Communication Technology major. The courses are Comm. 110; Comm. 112; Comm. 114; Comm. 212; Comm. 216; Engl. 110 (unless exempt); Engl. 120; Soc. 110 or PolS. 110 or Psyc. 111 or CJ 201. Pre-communication preparation courses may be retaken only once.

Journalism, Broadcasting, and Mass Communication Technology Major

Students majoring in journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology may earn a B.S. degree (includes an approved minor) or a B.A. degree (includes a modern language proficiency) upon completion of all pre-communication preparation courses and requirements. Students will select one of three tracks. The journalism track will orient students to the principles and practices of news reporting and writing as both a practice and field of study. The second track, broadcasting, will introduce students to the principles and practices of TV and radio production and broadcasting. The third track is web-based communication and will introduce students to the principles of Internet web-based convergence media management and web page design and implementation. Students will complete an applied capstone course after completing all other required course work.

Career Opportunities

Course work in the journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology major prepares students for careers in news reporting, media writing, broadcast writing, reporting, production, web design and web management. The courses in each track emphasize written and oral communication skills and prepare students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways.

Journalism, Broadcasting, and Mass Communication Technology Minor

Many other majors offered at NDSU can be greatly enhanced by a journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology minor. The 21-credit minor includes a 12 credit core and nine credits of communication professional specialization.

Internship Program

Internships offer practical experience for journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology majors. Students must propose an internship, gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation and report on the internship experience. Internships must be taken for credit at least once and a student may have more than one. Majors intern with newspaper and broadcasting firms, computer software agencies and governmental officials, among others. Internships often lead to recommendations and jobs.

Scholarships

The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to juniors and seniors with financial need who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential and commitment. Applications are available in February for awards in April. Visit the department website for information.

Co-Curricular Activities

NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high grades and achievement.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with some experiences in high school music, forensics, theater, journalism, FFA and scouting often serves as good preparation for the major in journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in journalism, broadcasting, and mass communication technology very compatible.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are all committed teachers, researchers, scholars and practitioners. The faculty earned doctorates at the Universities of Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Utah; Purdue University and Cambridge University (England).

Sample Curriculum

*An academic minor or foreign language is required.

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Communication
North Dakota State University
Minard Hall 321
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7705
Fax: (701) 231-7784
Email: Paul.Nelson.1@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/communication/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

(12/08)