Mass Communications

If your goal is to become a media writer, public relations specialist, print journalist or broadcast, station manager, or an advertising executive, you’ll want to take a serious look at the Mass Communications program at the Texas A & M University-Texarkana (TAMU-T).

The Mass Communications curriculum is designed to appeal to those who wish to

begin their professional careers in media and promotional communication industries, profit, nonprofit, education and government sectors immediately after graduation. It also prepares those who wish to continue their education at the Master’s level in the School of Communication or elsewhere. The Department enjoys close associations with media outlets throughout the state and region. Many Mass Communications students will work professionally with local media organizations while they pursue their studies. Practicum courses will offer students in Mass Communications opportunities to apply their skills in a variety of "in-house" co-curricular activities including the student newspaper, local and regional newspapers, radio and television stations, internet firms, profit, nonprofit and government sectors. Mass Communications students will have internships and practicum training throughout the state, in Hollywood, different media outlet including, local and national newspapers, public relations and advertising firms, multinational corporations, international organizations including World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations, network television stations including CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS and MSNBC, and news network affiliates in many other locations. And will have opportunities to work with the US House of Representatives, Senators and White House as interns or staff.

Why Choose Mass Communications?

Are you the kind of person who likes to work on creative projects? Do you have strong people skills and like to work in a team-oriented environment? Do you like to write compelling stories that translate well to the screen, radio, or print? Would you like to be able to analyze the advertising and public relations needs of business, industry and the public sector and then design media campaigns that address those needs? Do you feel the call to provide the public with essential information through accurate and effective news producing and reporting? Do you

want to work professionally with cutting edge technology in a rapidly expanding

field that offers new and interesting challenges every day? Do you want to work with your Senators or House Representatives as their assistant or communication advisor? Do you want to work with International Organizations like World Bank, United Nations and International Monetary Fund? Do you want to have international experience working with Multinational Corporations? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, you’re probably a person who would thrive in a wide

variety of careers in Mass Communications.

About the Program

At TAMU-T, the Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications program provides a fifty four hour core of foundational courses that includes writing and editing for media; mass communications and society; ethics; practicum and internship. The degree requires a total of 126 credit hours.

2+2 College To University

Texas A & M University offers a unique “2+2” program that allows the seamless transfer from Texarkana College and Northeast Texas Community College into TAMU-T, allowing students to complete a full $-year degree process smoothly.

What Can I Do With a Mass Communications Degree?

The Mass Communications program at TAMU-T recognizes the current trend of convergence, or the blurring of lines among traditionally discrete forms of mass communication. Digital technology now provides for the blending of media such as text, voice, music, video, graphics, and other elements to a degree not possible just a few years ago. Delivery systems are also expanding rapidly and now include the Internet, satellite, cable, and telephony, as well as traditional broadcast and print media. The opportunities in Mass Communications are also expanding significantly as a result of these developments. The successful media professional must have not only a strong foundation in these technologies, but also an integrative view of mass communications. The program directly utilizes state-of-the-art computer classrooms.

The student newspaper is produced with computers and digital cameras. Our mission is not only to prepare Mass Communication graduates for the industry professions of today, but to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will serve them well in the media careers of tomorrow.

The Mass Communications Faculty

At TMU-T, you’ll find experienced and highly qualified faculty in the Department of Mass Communications. While teaching is paramount, the faculty engages in a wide variety of research and public service activities. Mass Communications faculty members have a wide variety of academic backgrounds that serve the diverse course offerings. In addition, faculty members have extensive professional experience in various fields within mass communications. Faculty play an essential and supportive role in advising student newspaper, and supervising co-curricular opportunities. Mass Communications students and faculty work together during advising periods to plan coursework that will meet individual needs and future career plans.

For More Information

For more information contact Dr. Serajul I. Bhuiyan, Associate Professor and Program Director Department of Mass Communications at (903) 223-3169, Fax 903-223-3120