Mass Media and Strategic Communication (MMSC) majors are passionate about storytelling, enjoy creative problem-solving, and want to make a meaningful impact on society. Students work on real-world projects, create effective content, and engage with diverse audiences through print and digital communication channels.
MMSC majors gain a broad foundation in mass media and strategic communication and develop specialized skills in one of the four concentrations. Students enhance their foundational skills and knowledge through the WRAPP (writing, research and information management, audience and strategy, production and performance, and professional readiness) electives within the major. This flexible framework allows students to choose from a range of courses that prepare them for their desired career path.
Concentrations
Students majoring in Mass Media and Strategic Communication may choose from four concentrations:
- Broadcast and Multimedia Production
- Journalism and Digital Communication
- Media Design and Digital Content Production
- Strategic Communication and Public Relations
Student Learning Outcomes
“It’s a wrap!” as a phrase is commonly used in the television and film industry to indicate that a scene is finished. Completing a college degree requires time, effort, attention to detail, and work - much like creating a media production. Students should feel a sense of excitement and accomplishment because they know their career preparation is complete. Additionally, students should be able to demonstrate to future employers that they have the depth and breadth of skills needed to succeed in mass media and strategic communication. We help students “WRAPP” their knowledge and skills in our MMSC degree program. The WRAPP framework folds our seven competency areas and seven student learning outcomes (SLOs) into five categories: Writing, Research and Information Management, Audience and Strategy, Production and Performance, and Professional Readiness. Upon completing our program, graduates will be able to demonstrate mastery of the following learning outcomes.
W-Writing
MMSC students must write in a variety of formats and manage written content for any communication need.
R-Research and Information Management
MMSC students need to understand how to conduct both scientific and non-scientific research. Research is broadly defined and includes gathering information for news, scientific studies, and data mining and management. MMSC students must also know how to critically evaluate information in order to decipher truth from misinformation and to manage and use information, including the in-depth study of law, ethics, culture, and media history.
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SLO 2: Develop content and business strategies using appropriate research techniques and data. (Competencies: Critical Thinking, Communication Strategy, and Planning; Business and Research/Information Management; Human Communication)
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SLO 3: Develop strategies for the application of professional ethics. (Competency: Professional Ethics)
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SLO 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the profession’s historical, cultural, and legal issues. (Competencies: Human Communication; Historical, Cultural, and Legal Issues)
A-Audience and Strategy
MMSC students need to identify, analyze, and understand audiences and use that knowledge to develop strategies to communicate with target audiences effectively.
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SLO 5: Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse audience perspectives reflected in a global society. (Competencies: Content Production and Management; Human Communication; Critical Thinking, Communication Strategy, and Planning)
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SLO 6: Demonstrate critical thinking skills through the use of professional strategic planning techniques. (Competencies: Critical Thinking; Communication Strategy, and Planning; Business and Research/Information Management)
P-Production and Performance
MMSC students need to develop a knowledge of visual communication, design, production, and performance techniques. Students also need proficiency in using the appropriate tools to produce, deliver, and manage communication media and content.
P-Professional Readiness
MMSC students need to understand the professional practice and workplace expectations, preparing for internships and the job market.
Dr. Robert Nanney, Chair
305 Gooch Hall
731-881-7546
fax 731-881-7550
rnanney@utm.edu
Mass Media & Strategic Communication Minor
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