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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2018-2019

Mass Communications

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Journalism/digital and journalism/broadcast
Program description

The Robertson School of Media and Culture prepares effective and skilled communicators through quality instruction, advising and student services, based on real-world applications. Through research, professional service and scholarship in applied communications, the school advances the knowledge and practice of a multidisciplinary and evolving media environment. The school values truth, ethics, creativity, innovation, collaboration, cultural diversity, shared governance and community engagement.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with specialization in one of three concentrations: advertising, journalism and public relations. The school also awards the Master of Science in Mass Communications, with concentrations in the areas of integrated PR and advertising, multimedia journalism, and strategic public relations.

Career opportunities

Our program prepares journalism graduates to work as reporters and editors for newspapers, television newsrooms, news websites, radio news operations, magazines, news-oriented newsletters and other organizations. Moreover, these journalism skills transfer to many other fields, such as law, business, teaching and government service. 

Change of major requirements
Email rfroach@vcu.edu for information about eligibility and change of major workshop sign-up.
Bachelor-level job titles
  • Advertising & Promotions Manager 
  • Audio & Video Equipment Operators
  • Broadcast News Analyst
  • Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture
  • Multimedia Artists & Animators  
  • Proofreaders and Copy Markers
  • Public Relations Specialist  
  • Radio and Television Announcer
  • Reporters & Correspondents
  • Retail Sales Management
  • Search Marketing Strategists 
  • Social Science Research Assistant
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • STAT 210
Science required
  • Core only
Foreign language requirements
  • Yes
Additional tuition/fees
  • No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.50

Contact information

Department name:
Robertson School of Media and Culture
Building/room location:
Temple, 2nd floor
Phone:
(804) 828-2660
Email:
robertsonsmc@vcu.edu
https://robertson.vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Take MASC 101 and maintain 2.5 GPA.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organization.
  • Take a tour of the Student Media Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
  • Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
  • Find work you admire; follow on Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Write everyday! Use a journal, a blog, etc.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
  • Take MASC 261 in fall and MASC 203 in spring.
  • Take UNIV 200.
  • File request/petition to declare concentration in MASC 203.
  • Maintain 2.5 GPA (major and cumulative).
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Join VCU’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalist.
  • Write for The Commonwealth Times.
  • Tour local TV stations and/or Print-based organizations like the Richmond Times Dispatch, RVA magazine or Style Weekly.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins with Robertson School’s Career Development Advisor.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Apply for research opportunities - think about connecting other interests with journalism.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Apply to scholarships for next year. Many deadlines are January - March.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See an advisor at least once, each semester.
  • Complete MASC 303, 363 and 367 in the fall.
  • For digital, complete MASC 301 in fall semester and MASC 305 in spring semester. For broadcast, complete MASC 460 and 415 in spring semester.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Volunteer for CreateAthon during spring semester spring break.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Take a course that links diversity to your field of study.
  • Join a cultural organization.
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
  • Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
  • Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
  • Complete an internship or freelance.
  • Attend professional conferences such as SPJ.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Begin to develop your portfolio.
  • Create a website.
  • Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Attend a graduation workshop a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete your capstone and internship.
  • Attend the annual Portfolio Review event for graduating Journalism majors.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Attend the annual Portfolio Review event for graduating Journalism majors.
  • Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
  • Gain feedback from professionals on your professional work. Develop/incorporate side project/interests into portfolio.
  • Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2018-2019

Mass Communications

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
Journalism/digital and journalism/broadcast
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Take MASC 101 and maintain 2.5 GPA.
  • Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
  • Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
  • Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organization.
  • Take a tour of the Student Media Center.
  • Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
  • Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
  • Find work you admire; follow on Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.
  • Write everyday! Use a journal, a blog, etc.
  • Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
  • Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
Experience Year 2
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
  • Take MASC 261 in fall and MASC 203 in spring.
  • Take UNIV 200.
  • File request/petition to declare concentration in MASC 203.
  • Maintain 2.5 GPA (major and cumulative).
  • Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Join VCU’s student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalist.
  • Write for The Commonwealth Times.
  • Tour local TV stations and/or Print-based organizations like the Richmond Times Dispatch, RVA magazine or Style Weekly.
  • Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
  • Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
  • Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins with Robertson School’s Career Development Advisor.
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Apply for research opportunities - think about connecting other interests with journalism.
  • Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
  • Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
  • Apply to scholarships for next year. Many deadlines are January - March.
Year 3
  • See an advisor at least once, each semester.
  • Complete MASC 303, 363 and 367 in the fall.
  • For digital, complete MASC 301 in fall semester and MASC 305 in spring semester. For broadcast, complete MASC 460 and 415 in spring semester.
  • Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Volunteer for CreateAthon during spring semester spring break.
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Take a course that links diversity to your field of study.
  • Join a cultural organization.
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
  • Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
  • Identify at least three career options within your field of interest that you may want to pursue.
  • Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
  • Complete an internship or freelance.
  • Attend professional conferences such as SPJ.
  • Begin to develop your portfolio.
  • Create a website.
  • Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
  • Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel Year 4
  • Attend a graduation workshop a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Complete your capstone and internship.
  • Attend the annual Portfolio Review event for graduating Journalism majors.
  • Attend the annual Portfolio Review event for graduating Journalism majors.
  • Present at the Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
  • Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus.
  • Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
  • Gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
  • Gain feedback from professionals on your professional work. Develop/incorporate side project/interests into portfolio.
  • Expand your network and remember that you can network anywhere.
  • Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.