Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication

Master Modern Media. Develop Valuable Workplace Skills.

We live in an information age with ever-expanding ways to find and consume data. A bachelor’s degree in mass communication from UT Tyler trains you to effectively create and share stories through a variety of channels.

Learn the tools of the trade to develop narratives, shape brands, publish content, connect with audiences and become a more effective communicator. At UT Tyler, add your voice to lively classroom discussions led by seasoned professionals and pursue hands-on experiences through student media groups and internships. Collectively, this knowledge base equips you for careers in journalism, advertising, business, media, government, public relations, politics or law school.

Why Major in Mass Communication at UT Tyler?

The ability to communicate clearly, concisely and convincingly serves you well in any career. UT Tyler’s program delivers a broad and flexible education designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the evolving media landscape.

• The Latest Technologies: Gain hands-on experience in multiple media platforms and communication tools to develop stories through web design, video production, news writing and photography.
• Specialized Student Groups: Join the staff of the Patriot Talon student media outlet to gain valuable experience in writing, photography, selling ads and more. Participate in the UT Tyler debate team to polish your public speaking skills.
• Internships: Develop hands-on experience through college internships at local television and radio stations, magazines, advertising agencies and marketing offices.
• Expert Faculty: Study with professors who have solid experience in both the professional and academic sides of mass communication. Learn from graphic artists, writers and published authors who are part of the Department of Communication’s team.
• Small Class Sizes: Study in small classes taught by dedicated full-time faculty who provide individualized attention.
• Networking: Join our network of successful alumni working in journalism, media, communications and other industries all over the U.S.

Curriculum

Our continually updated curriculum covers current digital media techniques and technologies in video production, multimedia writing and multimedia production.

Students choose between two specializations to deepen their expertise in an area of interest: multimedia journalism or public relations/integrated communication.

All mass communication students take these core courses:

• Media Design and Production
• Writing for Mass Media
• Introduction to Multimedia Production
• Media Law and Ethics
• Mass Communication Theory

Within each specialization, the Bachelor of Arts format requires a foreign language sequence. The Bachelor of Science requires a set of courses in geography, economics, computer science, mathematics and/or science in place of the foreign language.

Students interested in teacher certification in mass communication for Texas secondary schools must meet additional requirements that vary according to whether mass communication is their first or second teaching field.

Mass Communication Major Requirements

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication?

Since our degree program teaches a wealth of transferable skills, graduates pursue careers in a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government agencies, advertising agencies, publishing companies, news and media outlets, and marketing firms. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of public relations professionals to grow by 8% through 2031 — faster than the average for all occupations.

The communication, research and analytical skills gained additionally provide preparation for law school.

Potential job titles include:

• Author
• Broadcaster
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Literary Agent
• Photojournalist
• Podcaster
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporter
• Scriptwriter
• Social Media Manager
• Sportswriter