Department of Journalism and Mass Communications

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications prepares students for careers in all areas of mass communications. Designated by the university as a “Center of Excellence,” the department strives to provide a liberal arts preparation that incorporates literature, art, film, philosophy, African American studies, music, and history. The department’s curriculum enables students to excel and to compete in the media industry.

Objectives

To offer students state-of-the-art equipment and instruction in print and online journalism, broadcast, and public relations/advertising to prepare them for jobs in professional media and many other fields.
To aid students in developing critical thinking/analytical skills, writing skills, computer/software usage skills in print, on the Web for broadcasting, and public relations/advertising.
To orient students to the importance of minority contributions to the areas studied in mass communications to enhance their global view of the world.
To assist students in developing a broad interdisciplinary liberal arts perspective inclusive of literature, art, film, philosophy, African American studies, languages, music, and history.
To involve students in applied experiences in the program to enhance their employability in a modern workforce.
To prepare students for graduate study in mass communications, film, and other areas of endeavor.

Accreditation

In addition to the University of Georgia, Savannah State University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is one of only two programs in the State of Georgia that accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (www.ACEJMC.org). The department has been accredited since 2007. ACEJMC requires that irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies. The following competencies are specific to departmental course offerings:

Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications;
Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity;
Think critically, creatively, and independently;
Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences, and purposes they serve;
Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness;
Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

Academic Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications

Students enrolled in the mass communications degree program will be assigned an academic advisor in the department. Students are required to be counseled by an advisor prior to registering for a course. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses prior to registering for an upper level course. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all major courses and all courses that are appropriate to the major. Generally, the courses appropriate to the major are listed under Area F courses. Senior mass communications majors must take the departmental exit examination and submit the senior portfolio.