Mass Communication
DILLARD UNIVERSITY MASS COMMUNICATION
At Dillard, we understand that effective communication is at the heart of every successful endeavor. In our ever-evolving world, the ability to convey information and ideas through various media channels is vital. Our Mass Communication Program is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to thrive in the dynamic field of mass communication.
As a student in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media disciplines, including journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, and digital media. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you’ll develop a strong foundation in media theory, critical thinking, ethical practices, and hands-on technical skills. Our experienced faculty, who bring a wealth of industry expertise, will guide and mentor you throughout your educational journey.
One of the key strengths of our Mass Communication Program is its focus on experiential learning. You won’t just be sitting in classrooms; you’ll actively engage with real-world media projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives. Whether you’re reporting breaking news, producing captivating documentaries, creating compelling advertising campaigns, or managing social media accounts, you’ll gain practical experience that prepares you for the challenges of the industry.
Whether you dream of becoming a journalist, a media producer, a public relations specialist, or a digital media strategist, the Dillard University Mass Communication Program will empower you to reach your goals. We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our faculty and alumni, and discover the countless opportunities that await you in our program.
Join us on this exciting journey of creativity, innovation, and meaningful communication. Your future in mass communication starts here!
Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
Mission
The mission of the Mass Communication program is to prepare students to be proficient in communicating information and ideas through the utilization of media, to be qualified to hold positions in mass communication, and to gain admission to graduate and professional schools.
Students ready themselves to meet the needs and demands of specific sectors of mass media by selecting options in Multimedia Journalism or Public Relations. Course requirements emphasize the development of strong writing skills, critical thinking, and research skills as well as proficiency in mass media principles and practices.
Students majoring in Mass Communication have the opportunity to work on the Courtbouillon student newspaper; with Bleu News TV; and with WDUB online radio.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication.
- Demonstrate competence in undergraduate research.
- Demonstrate competence in ethical and analytical decision-making in ways that contribute to community improvement and the student’s own leadership development.
- Understand and apply news values in the construction of news and/or public relations deliverables.
- Use technology effectively in the delivery of news and public relations efforts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in mass communication skills through the development of an electronic portfolio.
- Understand how to function effectively in a global society.
- Be prepared for employment or graduate or professional studies.
Programs/Opportunities
- The Courtbouillon (University student newspaper)
- Bleu News TV
- Worldwide Dillard University Broadcasting (WDUB Radio)
Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Multimedia Journalism
Complete a total of 122 credit hours of coursework for graduation.
General Education Core – 41 credit hours
Major Requirements – 33 credit hours
Additional Coursework – 48 credit hours
Major Requirements
- MAC 100 – Introduction to Mass Communication 3 cr.
- MAC 205 – Basic News Writing 3 cr.
- MAC 215 – Visual Communication 3 cr.
- MAC 302 – Media Law 3 cr.
- MAC 305 – Advanced News Writing 3 cr. or
- MAC 330 – Basic Electronic Newsgathering 3 cr.
- MAC 307 – Copy Editing and Layout 3 cr. or
- MAC 332 – Electronic Newsgathering, Production & Editing 3 cr.
- MAC 435 – Advanced Multimedia Project 3 cr.
- MAC 440 – Internship 3 cr.
- MAC 445 – Foundations of Mass Media Research 3 cr.
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective: 6 cr.
Additional Coursework
Includes a minor in another discipline.
- MAT 204 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3 cr. or
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- PHI 200 – Perspectives in Philosophy 3 cr. or
- PHI 202 – Logic 3 cr. or
- PHI 208 – Critical Thinking 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr. or
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- Minor or General Electives: 33 cr.
- Theatre (SPT) Electives: 6 cr.
Mass Communication – Multimedia Journalism Curriculum
First Year
First Semester
- BIO 101 – Biological Sciences I 3 cr. ♦ or
- PHY 101 – Physical Sciences I 3 cr. ♦
- BIO 101L – Biology Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr. ♦ or
- PHY 101L – Physical Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr. ♦
- ENG 111 – Expository Writing 3 cr. ♦
- FFR 121 – Elementary French I 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 121 – Elementary Spanish I 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 101 – First Year Seminar I 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- UCO 101 – University Convocation I 0 cr. ♦
- Physical Education Activity Elective 3 cr. ♦
- Social Science Elective 3 cr. ♦
Total: 16
Second Semester
- AWS 100 – Survey of the African World 3 cr. ♦ or
- REL 208 – The Black Church in the U.S. 3 cr. ♦
- ENG 112 – Argument and Research 3 cr. ♦
- FFR 122 – Elementary French II 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 122 – Elementary Spanish II 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 102 – First Year Seminar II 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- MAC 100 – Introduction to Mass Communication 3 cr.
- MAT 121 – College Algebra 3 cr. ♦
- UCO 102 – University Convocation II 0 cr. ♦
Total: 16
Second Year
First Semester
- ECO 203 – Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr. ♦
- ENG 201 – Readings in World Literature I 3 cr. ♦ or
- ENG 202 – Readings in World Literature II 3 cr. ♦
- MAC 205 – Basic News Writing 3 cr.
- MAC 215 – Visual Communication 3 cr.
- Social Science Elective 3 cr. ♦
Total: 15
Second Semester
- ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination 0 cr. ***
- MAC 305 – Advanced News Writing 3 cr. or
- MAC 330 – Basic Electronic Newsgathering 3 cr.
- MAT 204 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3 cr. or
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr. or
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- Humanities Elective 3 cr. ♦
- Theatre (SPT) Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Third Year
First Semester
- MAC 302 – Media Law 3 cr.
- MAC 307 – Copy Editing and Layout 3 cr. or
- MAC 332 – Electronic Newsgathering, Production & Editing 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- PHI 200 – Perspectives in Philosophy 3 cr. or
- PHI 202 – Logic 3 cr. or
- PHI 208 – Critical Thinking 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective 3 cr.
- Theatre (SPT) Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Fourth Year
First Semester
- MAC 440 – Internship 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- MAC 435 – Advanced Multimedia Project 3 cr. (Senior Comprehensive)
- MAC 445 – Foundations of Mass Media Research 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Total Required Hours: 122
*Service Learning: Students will earn a total of 30 service learning hours after successful completion of FYS 101 & FYS 102 .
**Community Service: Students must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approved community service project to earn a total of 90 hours of community service by the end of their junior year.
***Writing Proficiency Examination: Students must complete ENG 111 and ENG 112 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ to register for ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination . Students who fail to take or do not pass ENG 199 must take ENG 200 – Review of Writing Strategies (3 credit hours).
Note
Return to: College of Arts and Sciences
Mission
The mission of the Mass Communication program is to prepare students to be proficient in communicating information and ideas through the utilization of media, to be qualified to hold positions in mass communication, and to gain admission to graduate and professional schools.
Students ready themselves to meet the needs and demands of specific sectors of mass media by selecting options in Multimedia Journalism or Public Relations. Course requirements emphasize the development of strong writing skills, critical thinking, and research skills as well as proficiency in mass media principles and practices.
Students majoring in Mass Communication have the opportunity to work on the Courtbouillon student newspaper; with Bleu News TV, and with WDUB online radio.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication.
- Demonstrate competence in undergraduate research.
- Demonstrate competence in ethical and analytical decision-making in ways that contribute to community improvement and the student’s own leadership development.
- Understand and apply news values in the construction of news and/or public relations deliverables.
- Use technology effectively in the delivery of news and public relations efforts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in mass communication skills through the development of an electronic portfolio.
- Understand how to function effectively in a global society.
- Be prepared for employment or graduate or professional studies.
Programs/Opportunities
- The Courtbouillon (University student newspaper)
- Bleu News TV
- Worldwide Dillard University Broadcasting (WDUB Radio)
Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Public Relations
Complete a total of 122 credit hours of coursework for graduation.
General Education Core – 41 credit hours
Major Requirements – 33 credit hours
Additional Coursework – 48 credit hours
Major Requirements
- MAC 100 – Introduction to Mass Communication 3 cr.
- MAC 205 – Basic News Writing 3 cr.
- MAC 215 – Visual Communication 3 cr.
- MAC 302 – Media Law 3 cr.
- MAC 323 – Foundations of Public Relations 3 cr.
- MAC 424 – Public Relations Cases and Campaigns 3 cr.
- MAC 435 – Advanced Multimedia Project 3 cr.
- MAC 440 – Internship 3 cr.
- MAC 445 – Foundations of Mass Media Research 3 cr.
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective: 6 cr.
Additional Coursework
Includes a minor in another discipline.
- MAT 204 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3 cr. or
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- PHI 200 – Perspectives in Philosophy 3 cr. or
- PHI 202 – Logic 3 cr. or
- PHI 208 – Critical Thinking 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr. or
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 33 cr.
- Theatre (SPT) Elective: 6 cr.
Mass Communication – Public Relations Curriculum
First Year
First Semester
- BIO 101 – Biological Sciences I 3 cr. ♦ or
- PHY 101 – Physical Sciences I 3 cr. ♦
- BIO 101L – Biology Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr. ♦ or
- PHY 101L – Physical Sciences I Laboratory 1 cr. ♦
- ENG 111 – Expository Writing 3 cr. ♦
- FFR 121 – Elementary French I 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 121 – Elementary Spanish I 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 101 – First Year Seminar I 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- UCO 101 – University Convocation I 0 cr. ♦
- Physical Education Activity Elective 2 cr. ♦
- Social Science Elective 3 cr. ♦
Total: 16
Second Semester
- AWS 100 – Survey of the African World 3 cr. ♦ or
- REL 208 – The Black Church in the U.S. 3 cr. ♦
- ENG 112 – Argument and Research 3 cr. ♦
- FFR 122 – Elementary French II 3 cr. ♦ or
- FSP 122 – Elementary Spanish II 3 cr. ♦
- FYS 102 – First Year Seminar II 1 cr. / Service Learning ♦ *
- MAC 100 – Introduction to Mass Communication 3 cr.
- MAT 121 – College Algebra 3 cr. ♦
- UCO 102 – University Convocation II 0 cr. ♦
Total: 16
Second Year
First Semester
- ECO 203 – Principles of Macroeconomics 3 cr. ♦
- ENG 201 – Readings in World Literature I 3 cr. ♦ or
- ENG 202 – Readings in World Literature II 3 cr. ♦
- MAC 205 – Basic News Writing 3 cr.
- MAC 215 – Visual Communication 3 cr.
- Social Science Elective 3 cr. ♦
Total: 15
Second Semester
- ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination 0 cr. ***
- MAT 204 – Introduction to Probability and Statistics 3 cr. or
- STA 205 – Foundation of Statistics 3 cr.
- POL 201 – American National Government 3 cr. or
- POL 202 – State and Local Government 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Humanities Elective 3 cr. ♦
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective 3 cr. ♦
Total: 15
Third Year
First Semester
- MAC 302 – Media Law 3 cr.
- MAC 323 – Foundations of Public Relations 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- MAC 424 – Public Relations Cases and Campaigns 3 cr.
- PHI 200 – Perspectives in Philosophy 3 cr. or
- PHI 202 – Logic 3 cr. or
- PHI 208 – Critical Thinking 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Theatre (SPT) Elective 3 cr.
- Theatre (SPT) Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Fourth Year
First Semester
- MAC 440 – Internship 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Mass Communication (MAC) Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Second Semester
- MAC 435 – Advanced Multimedia Project 3 cr. (Senior Comprehensive)
- MAC 445 – Foundations of Mass Media Research 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
- Minor or General Elective 3 cr.
Total: 15
Total Required Hours: 122
*Service Learning: Students will earn a total of 30 service learning hours after successful completion of FYS 101 & FYS 102 .
**Community Service: Students must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approved community service project to earn a total of 90 hours of community service by the end of their junior year.
***Writing Proficiency Examination: Students must complete ENG 111 and ENG 112 with a minimum grade of ‘C’ to register for ENG 199 – Writing Proficiency Examination. Students who fail to take or do not pass ENG 199 must take ENG 200 – Review of Writing Strategies (3 credit hours).
Note
FACULTY
Corinne Clements-Russo, M.F.A.
cclements@dillard.edu
Instructor, Mass Communication
Adviser to Bleu News YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/GzIGPomJeFEA)
M.F.A. in Film, Theatre and Communication Arts, University of New Orleans
Location: PSB 382D or Cook 141
Office: 504.816.4697
Fax: 504.816.4035
