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College of Arts & Sciences

Mass Media 

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Kathy Elliott

Department Assistant

Mass Media & Visual Arts

What is mass media?

About

Mass media is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that delves into the creation, dissemination, and impact of various forms of mass communication.

Streaming services, social media, TV, radio, printed newspapers, and magazines are all considered mass media. Mass media, or mass communication, is an integral part of our daily lives. Its influence affects how we dress, new trends, what we watch, how we vote, and even personal belief systems.

Mass media technologies reach large audiences to inform, persuade, motivate, and connect. So, if you want to work in an industry with a global impact, then majoring in mass media might be for you.

Why study mass media at Baker University?

Baker University gives you a personalized education experience with three tracks: multimedia, public relations, and sports media. You get to pick from an integrated curriculum that best suits your interest.

Mass media lets you jump in and get your hands dirty by contributing to the award-winning online newspaper, and video production. Or if the radio is more your thing, Baker has you covered with our student-run online radio station. No matter which mass media track you decide on, Baker University’s small class size and individual attention will prepare you for success.

Mass Media Tracks

Multimedia

The multimedia track reflects the modern version of traditional journalism in online and digital forms. The multimedia track emphasizes strong writing skills and production knowledge including publications design and video editing. Students on this track are also exposed to the growing demand for digital skills such as website creation and management. Completing the multimedia track prepares students for jobs in traditional newsroom settings, internet-based companies, and graphic-intensive fields.

Public Relations

One of the fastest growing professional fields is public relations. PR practitioners shape organizational messages and craft organizational images. Understanding the ways in which media operate and respond to PR messages is central to the Baker program. PR professionals are the ones who plan, execute, and evaluate an entity’s communication plan, be it through agency, corporate, or nonprofit positions. Students who complete the mass media major on the PR track will be ready to work in this exciting field, but they will also have the versatility to work in sales, marketing, advertising, and corporate communications.

Sports Media

The sports media track takes the best elements of our multimedia and public relations tracks and combines them with elements of sports management and administration. Students on the sports media track will emerge from the program with valuable professional skills that are in demand for careers in sports public relations or college sports information offices. Sports media students are also well prepared to pursue careers in sports broadcasting.

Female student editing video on computer

Career opportunities for mass media majors

Here are career options for mass media majors:

  • Marketing manager
  • Art director
  • Technical writer
  • Graphic designer
  • Interpreter
  • Film and video editor
  • News reporter
  • Social media specialist
  • Sports media manager
  • Communication specialist

Mass Media Course Descriptions

Scholarships

Mass Media Majors

The Department of Mass Media and Visual Arts gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Mass Media
  • Lloyd E. Ligon Memorial Scholarship
  • Eulalia Weber Guise Scholarship
  • Eugene C. Pulliam Journalism Scholarship
  • David Sloop Memorial Scholarship
  • Sherri Wood Memorial Scholarship
  • Nancy and Carl Spear Scholarship
  • Jerry Holley Scholarship
  • Frank and Joyce Leitnaker Scholarship
  • Harold Davis Colburn Scholarship
  • Jesse L. Jones Scholarship
  • Talent-based scholarships for students who plan to be involved in the Baker Orange online campus newspaper, Baker Orange video, or Baker Orange radio, our online campus radio station.

Meet the Faculty

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Dr. Joe Watson

Professor of Mass Media, Chair of Department of Mass Media & Visual Arts

B.A. Pittsburg State University, M.A. The University of Akron, Ph.D. Kent State University

Expertise: broadcasting, broadcast news

Office: Pulliam 201

Dr. Jessica Elam

Assistant Professor of Mass Media

B.S. Webster University, M.A. East Carolina University, Ph.D. North Carolina State University

Expertise: digital media

Office: Pulliam 205

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Tasha Riggins

Assistant Professor of Mass Media

B.A. Allegheny College, M.S. University of Kansas

Expertise: public relations and strategic communication

Office: Pulliam 302