2024-2025 Catalog
Journalism and Mass Communication
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Kenneth R. Pybus, Chair
ACU Box 27892
Abilene, Texas 79699-7892
Don Morris Center, Room 301
Phone: 325-674-2296
Fax: 325-674-2139
Email: kenneth.pybus@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/jmc
Faculty
Karley Adrion, Assistant Professor
Hutton Harris, Assistant College Professor
Susan Lewis, Associate Professor
Doug Mendenhall, Associate Professor
Kenneth Pybus, Professor
Jessica Smith, Professor
Cade White, College Professor
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The department offers the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Majors in journalism and mass communication may concentrate in one of three programs: advertising/public relations, multimedia or journalism or they may pursue teaching certification in journalism/multimedia. The multimedia major also has a film concentration.
The department also cooperates with the Department of Art and Design to offer the Bachelor of Science interdisciplinary degree in graphic design/advertising. A minor in advertising/public relations, multimedia, or journalism may be added to other majors outside the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Introduction
The mission of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department is to engage students in critical and creative thinking in the classroom, in the laboratory, and through mentoring relationships, leading them to become exceptional, ethical, and agile communicators in a rapidly changing media environment, embracing technology, valuing diversity, and embodying Christ-centered service.
Course work in the department carefully balances theoretical and practical information about journalism and mass communication. The curriculum is designed to help students master analytical processes, writing, technology, and the theoretical, historical, ethical, and legal foundations of their major field choices.
State-of-the-art laboratories and a faculty that balances strong academic and professional preparation complement the unique purposes of the university and the department. Student media and media agencies operated by the department are The Optimist, a student media news outlet; Morris+Mitchell, a student-run advertising/public relations agency; and ACUTV, which provides video production services for many academic and athletic events on campus. KACU-FM, a National Public Radio affiliate, also operates under the direction of the department. All of these operations have access to up-to-date technology so the graduate is proficient in contemporary media operations. In addition, students in several of the department’s majors, and especially those in the multimedia-film track, participate in the university’s spring FilmFest, an annual student short film festival.
Professionally oriented student organizations supplement student preparation. Among those available are: Kappa Tau Alpha, a national honor society for journalism and mass communication students, and a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
All majors are strongly encouraged to be active members of professional societies or associations.
Study Abroad Opportunities
All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year. From time to time, the department offers major-specific courses as part of the university’s study abroad program. Contact the department chair for timing.
Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)
Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to a program, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog. Before enrolling in JMC 224 - Media Writing , a student must make a score of 70 or higher on the Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Exam or have an ACT English score of 24 or an SAT Reading + Writing score of 590.
Degree plans include academic and practical experience. In addition to on-campus media and agency experience, students are required to complete an internship. They have the opportunity to work in local media, agencies, non-profits, and businesses. Some choose to do internships near their home. Other recent graduates have participated in summer internships in Washington, D.C., Nashville, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Seattle, Chicago, and other locales.
ProgramsBachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceMinorCoursesJournalism and Mass Communication
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