Support the CollegeCollege of Arts & Science & University Studies
Academic Advising
What Can I Do With a Major in Mass Communication?
Mass Communication is a field of inquiry that examines the processes, institutions and effects of the media as they function in national and international contexts. The general goals of this curriculum are threefold: [1] to develop students' competence in the critique of communication practices, [2] to increase students' appreciation of the history of media communication and [3] to understand its impact on policies, institutions, and culture. Students study a broad range of media issues, including critical and cultural studies, communication technology and policy analysis, international communication, gender and sexuality issues, ethnic and minority studies, and more. In addition students experience how to put this knowledge into practice in various forms of media production.
Interests
A general interest in communication processes and their effects, along with a specific appeal to utilizing the media as a creative form of expression
Competencies
- Communication
- Verbal/nonverbal
Writing
Evaluating ideas and contents
Reading
Observing people/data/things
Influencing/persuading
Informing/explaining
Applying persuasive skills in media
Mediating/negotiating - Detailing/Organizing
- Planning
Self-expression
Working as part of a team
Working independently
Working against deadlines
Attending to accuracy and accountability
Making decisions - Research/Analyzing
- Synthesizing of media
Organizing
Problem solving
Gathering information and data
Planning
Defining - Creativity
- Designing projects
Adapting ideas
Developing programs/articles
Generating ideas
Sizing up situations
Presenting information and data
Opportunities - Careers
- Business/Industry
- Research analyst
Assistant buyer
Consultant
Sales representative
Business manager
Information specialist
Account coordinator
Customer service representative - Education
- Educational writer
Teacher
Media specialist
Media librarian - Journalism
- Reporter
Technical writer
Newspaper editor
Rewrite editor
Critic
News director
Sports director
Proofreader
Columnist
News analyst
Copyright specialist
Historian
Assignment editor
Radio/TV reporter
Videographer
Editor
Biographer
Print coordinator
Video journalist - Government
- Lobbyist
Mediator
Copyright specialist
Administrative assistant
Press secretary
Telecommunications specialist - Publishing
- Booking agent
Literary agent
Editor
Traffic manager - Advertising/Marketing
- Media buyer
Designer
Publicity director
Information specialist
Marketing communications trainee
Account management
Graphics & production specialist
Promotion representative - Broadcasting/Cable/CorporateVideo
- Educational television producer
Program director
Announcer
Broadcast technician
Traffic manager
Film editor
Disc jockey
Production supervisor
Sound mixer
Executive producer
Technical producer
Special effects specialist
Engineer
Floor manager
Scriptwriter
News director
Station manager
Video graphics artist
Producer
Director
Technical director
Lighting director - Human Relations
- Community affairs director
Program administrator
Public relations representative - Production
- Assistant development officer
Operations manager
Production manager
Multimedia design
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students with a degree in mass communications may continue on to graduate study in communications, business administration, film school, law school, etc.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer or volunteer work and internships at radio and television stations, production facilities, advertising agencies, governmental agencies, and businesses, as well as involvement in student organizations such as the American Advertising Federation, the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Student Society, the Program Board, Alpha Epsilon Rho (National Student Broadcast Honorary), WMSR (student radio station), WMUB (University radio station), and participation in Miami University television productions for public television and cable.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Mass Communication (120 Williams Hall, 529-3521)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.