Mass Communication (Technical) | Bismarck State College

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Mass Communication (Technical)

BSC's Mass Communication program provides traditional training in the foundations of writing and reporting as well as video and audio broadcast, electronic publishing and digital content. Students gain hands-on experience through the Mystic Media channels -- The Mystician, MystiCast and The MYX.

Overview

type:
Communications, Art & Design / 2-Year Degree Options
Format:
On-campus
Mass Communication

Overview

Degrees Offered: AAS
Program Begins: Fall, Summer
Delivery Method: On Campus
Phone: 701-224-5486
Email: bsc.has@bismarckstate.edu

Description

Changes in the media world have shown that journalism students need training beyond the concentration of writing and reporting. The Bismarck State College Mass Communication program offers video and audio broadcast, as well as publishing and digital elements.

The degree plan provides background in the journalism/mass communication profession and conveys the importance and responsibility of presenting accurate information in the media. Courses cover ethical writing skills, print publication, web publication, news photography, and audio-video production.

In this two-year program, students take core communications courses and then choose from a variety of electives based on interest and career plan. Students complete courses in writing and editing, broadcasting, audio/visual production, publication and web design, and public relations.

The program offers hands-on professional experience working on BSC’s student print and online news magazine The Mystician, the student broadcast production MystiCast, the student radio station The MYX, and developing publications.

Journalism scholarships are available through the Bismarck State College Foundation. Scholarship recipients act as leaders for the different entities of Mystic Media, the BSC student productions. These positions include the Mystic Media Coordinator, The Mystician Editor-in-Chief, MystiCast Executive Producer, and The MYX Production Manger.

Preparation

Students planning to study Mass Communication should have an interest in writing and the ability to communicate information obtained by observation and interview. Potential students should have curiosity about their world, an eye for detail, and a desire to learn by reading and talking to others. A background in writing, technology, business, and political science can be helpful. Experience with publications or broadcast is also beneficial.

Requirements

Students who complete the curriculum requirements receive an Associate in Applied Science in Mass Communication.

Program Pathways

The Mass Communication Associate in Applied Science may stack into the following Bachelor of Applied Science degree:

  • Sports and Digital Broadcasting

Career Opportunities

Careers in mass communication are diverse, and graduates will find employment in a variety of areas — print, broadcast or electronic media; advertising, marketing, or public relations; government, law, or politics; health, energy, or environmental corporations.

Career Possibilities: journalist, editor, news correspondent, columnist, media specialist, public relations manager, media planner, broadcast producer, photographer, videographer, audio-visual technician, web/technical writer or designer, media personality such as a disc jockey, news reporter or anchor.

Degree Plans

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, Mass Communication students will be able to:

  • Communication Skills (Communication): Interpret information for the purpose of writing a response paper or producing stories for publication and broadcast. 
  • Research and Analytic Abilities (Evaluative Thought): Apply knowledge of research and interview techniques to interact with peers and the wider community to gather, analyze, and explain information collected. 
  • Production/Technical Capabilities (Communication): Demonstrate the ability to use publication and production software and equipment applicable to the needs of workplace demands. 
  • Cooperative Learning (Integrative Learning): Collaborate with others to apply what they learn to produce a finished product for distribution.