Six Degrees of Education

The W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications’ programs and curriculum are based in the conviction that future journalists and mass communicators are best prepared for life and for their careers when they are broadly educated in the liberal arts. The importance of preparing them for the demands of the workplace is recognized as well. Knowledge and skills essential to success in journalism and mass communications are emphasized, with the aim of preparing students for full participation, including leadership, in their professions. In addition, the school’s program seeks to promote knowledge and awareness about mass communications among students who do not intend to pursue careers in one of the mass communications fields. Students in journalism and mass communications majors will learn

1. how to gather, write, edit, package, and present information and entertainment in a multimedia context
2. how the field of mass communications changes and evolves and how to adapt accordingly
3. how to make responsible and effective decisions
4. the roles, effects, and impacts of mass communications in society

The school offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in three majors that house eight emphases:

• Advertising/Public Relations
  • Advertising emphasis
  • Public Relations emphasis

• Journalism
  • Broadcast emphasis
  • Online emphasis
  • Print emphasis
  • Sports emphasis

• Media studies/Production
  • Radio/television production and management emphasis
  • Video production

Professionally oriented courses and laboratory experiences are combined with extensive liberal arts preparation to provide students with the background necessary for employment in mass communications. The program is accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

During your tenure in the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications we want you to learn six things. There are, naturally, a multitude of specific skills you’ll learn that fold into these six goals, but from a road view every graduate will:

1. Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press.
2. Prepare and disseminate oral and written communications by:
   • using and presenting images and information
   • writing correctly and clearly
   • conducting research and evaluating information
   • critically evaluating your work and that of others
   • synthesizing information
3. Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
4. Articulate ethical responsibilities of the field.
5. Demonstrate competency to be employed in a mass communications field by:
   • thinking critically, creatively and independently
   • understanding the history and roles of professionals
   • understanding diversity
6. Apply tools and technologies of the profession.