Communications and Journalism
Majors and Degrees Offered
- Advertising and Marketing Communications*
- Broadcast Journalism
- Journalism
- Media Communications*
- Media Literacy
- Public Relations*
- Scriptwriting
- Speech Communication Studies
*Also offered at select international
campuses.
Certificates Offered
General Education Requirements
A minimum of 36 credit hours must be taken from the liberal arts and
sciences with the following distribution:
Category One - Humanities - 18 hours
Literature, history, foreign language, general studies, religious
studies, philosophy, visual art, dance, theatre, music, composition
Category Two -Social Sciences - 12 hours
Political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, women's studies,
multicultural studies, international relations, international studies,
economics, human rights
Category Three - Math/Computer Science - 6 hours
Computer applications, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences,
physical sciences
Special Study Opportunities
Internships
Students have opportunities to learn about their fields of interest through
internships and externships in communication businesses and organizations. In
recent years, students in the department of Communications and Journalism
have secured internships at organizations in St. Louis as well as in New York,
Chicago, Nashville, California, London, Japan, Switzerland and Thailand. Prestigious
internships have included: MTV Network in New York, NBC "Late Night with Conan
O'Brien," ABC "The View" in New York, KSDK-TV, KMOV-TV, KPLR-TV WB Channel 11,
Busch Entertainment Corp., KTVI-TV Fox Channel 2, KETC-TV Public Broadcasting
Service Channel 9, KMOX Radio, St. Louis Post-Dispatch , Fleishman
Hillard Public Relations, Mary Engelbreit Studios, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, The
Vision Factory, Waylon Advertising, Clayton Studios, The St. Louis Botanical
Gardens, The St. Louis Science Center, The Ronald McDonald House, The Hughes
Group, Zipatoni, the St. Louis Rams, Nestle Purina, Petcare and the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. Independent study and reading courses add further flexibility to
the established curriculum.
Double Majors
An area of concentration (major) in the
School of Communications may be combined with a major
in another Webster University School or College as part of the student's
bachelor of arts degree plan. Double majors are not allowed
between the departments of the School of Communications.
Minors
The following apply to all minors:
- A minor must be comprised of 18 credit hours taken at Webster University.
- No course counted toward a major can also count toward a minor.
- Students may have a major and a minor within the same department in the School of Communications; they may not major and minor within the same area of emphasis. (For example, students who major in journalism may not also minor in global journalism.) Students must earn a grade of C- or better in any course they wish to apply toward a minor.
In addition to the requirements for all minors listed above, the following additional criteria apply:
Advertising and Marketing Communications
MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing, MNGT 3510 Advertising, AND 12 additional credit hours of ADVT. Students planning to minor in this area should see their advisors in Advertising/ Marketing Communications to help plan their specific programs.
Broadcast Journalism
EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production AND 15 additional credit hours from BJRN 1830, 2410, 2850, 3580, 3590, BJRN 2110,VIDE 1810.
Journalism
MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications AND 15 additional credit hours of JOUR.
Media Communications
MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications AND 15 additional credit hours within the School of Communications.
Media Literacy
MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications AND 15 additional credit hours from MEDC 1500, 1630, 2630, 3190, 3850, 4110, 4620, and 4850.
Public Relations
MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications, PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations, PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations, AND 9 additional credit hours of PBRL.
Speech Communication Studies
Any 18 credit hours from SPCM courses. Students may also count POLT 1550 OR 3550 toward this minor. A minimum of 6 credit hours must be at the 3000 or 4000 level.
Scriptwriting
MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing, SCPT 2900 Scriptwriting, AND 12 additional credit hours selected from SCPT 3110, 3150, 3400, 3500, 4090, 4400, 4500.
Special Requirements
Portfolio Review
Students declaring a major within the Department of Communications and Journalism (except in speech communication studies) complete a portfolio of their work as part of their degree requirements. Students majoring in advertising and marketing communications, public relations, scriptwriting, media literacy and media communications must complete a portfolio review with a panel of faculty within their major after they have successfully completed the following course requirements:
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- 9 credit hours as defined by each major
In the review students learn to develop personal portfolios of their work in their areas of interest. In addition, this mid-program review process enables the faculty to gauge the talent, aptitude, and potential of the student in his or her area of study.
The student’s portfolio is judged on both the quality and presentation of the material. Faculty members consider accuracy, creativity, content, and technical expertise in the work presented, and enthusiasm and professionalism of delivery when judging the student for formal admittance into his or her major in the School of Communications. Portfolio deadlines are announced each academic year, and reviews are held each semester.
Instead of the portfolio review panel, students majoring in journalism and global journalism complete a portfolio of their work as part of the requirement of JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop, under the guidance of their professors. Students majoring in broadcast journalism complete a résumé and résumé tape as part of the requirements for BJRN 4700 Professional Development in Broadcast Journalism, under the guidance of their professors. Students majoring in speech communication studies incorporate elements of all their coursework in their culminating senior overview in place of a portfolio review.
Students should contact their academic advisors in the School of Communications for more specific information about portfolio review requirements as
soon as they enter Webster University.
Capstone Course
Successful completion of a capstone class with a grade of B or better
is part of the degree requirement for each major and emphasis. A capstone
class is an advanced course designated by the major in which students
learn to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter. The capstone
class should be taken in the student's senior year.
Grade Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C- or better in any course they wish to
apply toward their major or toward the 36 required credit hours in general
education. The pass/fail option is not available for courses that students
wish to apply toward their major or toward their general education requirements,
unless those courses are offered only under the pass/fail option. (For
example, creative writing courses in the English Department are offered
only as pass/fail and may count toward Category I of general education.)
Transfer Students-Pre-Enrollment Interview
Transfer students with prior coursework in communications must submit
a portfolio of their work in a pre-enrollment interview to determine
placement within the curriculum and their standing regarding portfolio
review. If the student meets the portfolio review criteria, this pre-enrollment
interview may serve as the portfolio review.
Transfer students should not expect to obtain a degree in the Department
of Communications and Journalism in less than four full semesters of
sequenced courses.
Transfer students who have completed the associate of
arts (A.A.) degree will have satisfied the school's general education requirement.
Advertising and Marketing Communications
Students majoring in Advertising and Marketing Communications gain a
strong academic base and an understanding of the marketing communications
tools available to promote a business or an organization's goods and
services. These include: newspaper, magazine, collateral, radio, television,
Web-based, place-based and direct advertising; public relations and publicity;
and trade and consumer promotions shows. Students learn the different phases
of the marketing communications process through hands-on experience in
research, planning, strategy development, copywriting, visual communication,
budgeting, media buying, campaign analysis and the production of both
stand-alone pieces and fully-integrated marketing communications campaigns
to be used in student portfolios.
Important note for transfer students: Entry into this
major as a junior or senior is limited. To improve admission prospects
and ensure proper course sequence, junior and senior transfer students
should apply for admission to the spring or summer semesters. All transfer
students should plan on a minimum of five full semesters at Webster University
to complete their degree in this major.
Student Learning Outcomes
Advertising and Marketing Communications program graduates will have:
- Knowledge of the role of marketing communications
in achieving organizational objectives. This includes
awareness of American and international business
practices, and familiarity with the functions of
business departments relating to the marketing communications
function;
- An understanding of the role of marketing communications
tools, including advertising, public relations, sales
promotion, personal selling and direct communications,
as well as an understanding of their interrelationships;
- The ability to plan a complete marketing communication
program including situation analysis, research, objective-setting,
target audience definition, creative development,
media planning, budgeting and program outcome evaluation;
- The ability to craft creative, persuasive messages
for specific target audiences, product/service categories
and media formats;
- An understanding of both traditional and non-traditional
media and their uses;
- An understanding of how to seek employment in specialized
areas of the marketing communications industry;
- Production skills in those areas important to functioning
successfully as an entry-level professional;
- The necessary interpersonal, organizational and
presentation communication skills to enhance client
service at any level; and
- A polished professional portfolio of advertising
and marketing communications materials with which
to conduct a job search.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- ADVT 1940 Introduction to Marketing Communications
- ADVT 2550 Creative Strategies for Advertising
- MNGT 3510 Advertising
Degree Requirements
- 60 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 32 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing 3
hours
- ADVT 1940 Introduction to Marketing Communications 3
hours
- PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications
and Public Relations 3 hours
- INTM 2350 Production Tools for Advertising and
PR 3 hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- ADVT 2550 Creative Strategies for Advertising 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- ADVT 2910 Writing for Advertising 3
hours
- ADVT 3500 Visual Communication for Advertising
and Public Relations 3 hours
- MNGT 3500 Marketing 3
hours
- MNGT 3510 Advertising 3
hours
- ADVT 4040 Advertising Production
(Print, Television, Radio, or Internet) 3
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- ADVT 4190 Advertising Research 3
hours
- ADVT 4910 Advertising Campaign Production 3-6
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum OR
ADVT 4620 Senior Overview 3 hours
*Capstone Course
In addition, a minimum of 6 credit hours from the following:
- PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations 3
hours
- COAP 3010 Advanced Applications Topics:
Advanced Desktop Publishing 3 hours
- ADVT 3150 Topics: Advertising 1-3
hours
- PHOT 3190 Digital Photographic Imaging 3
hours
- PBRL 3200 Specialized Publications 3
hours
- ART 3850 Topics in Studio Art: Photoshop 1-3
hours
- ADVT 3910 International Advertising 3
hours
- PBRL 4050 Special Events 3
hours
- ADVT 4200 Media Planning, Buying, and Selling 3
hours
- MNGT 4510 Advanced Advertising 3
hours
- MEDC 4550 Interactive Media 3
hours
- ADVT 4700 Professional Development
in Advertising/Marketing Communications 3
hours
- PBRL 4800 Media Relations 3
hours
- PBRL 4920 Public Relations Campaign 3
hours
Broadcast and Digital Journalism
Students majoring in broadcast and digital journalism develop skills required in reporting, writing, producing, and editing news for radio ,television and digital media. Students have hands-on experiences through class projects, work on various television news programs, news shifts at the University-sponsored radio station, and internships. The program also examines issues including the impact of broadcast and digital news, and ethical considerations.
Portfolio Requirements
Students majoring in broadcast journalism complete a resume tape as
part of the requirements for BRJN 4700 Professional Development in Broadcast
Journalism, under the guidance of their professor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of the program will learn:
- News writing skills for broadcast and digital delivery
- Broadcast performance skills
- How to conduct interviews for broadcast and digital outlets
- How to record and edit stories and packages for broadcast and digital delivery
- How to write and produce stories for on-line and digital delivery
- How to identify and create the components of radio and television newscasts as well as digital sites
Degree Requirements
- 57 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 35 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3 hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3 hours
- JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3 hours
- VIDE 1810 Video Production I 3 hours
- BJRN 1830 Broadcast Delivery and Interpretation 3 hours
- BJRN 2070 History of Broadcasting 3 hours
- BJRN 2110 Production Techniques 3 hours
- BJRN 2600 Introduction to Digital Journalism 3 hours
- BJRN 3600 Online Digital Journalism Production 3 hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3 hours
- INTM 1600, Introduction to Interactive Media 3 hours
- BJRN 2410 Introduction to Radio-TV Journalism 3 hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3 hours
- BJRN 2850 Radio-TV News Reporting 3 hours
- BJRN 3580 Radio News Reporting and Production 3 hours
- BJRN 3590 Television News: Reporting and Producing 3 hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3 hours
- BJRN 4700 Professional Development in
Broadcast Journalism 3 hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum* OR
BJRN 4620 Senior Overview* 3 hours
*Capstone Course
A minimum of 3 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- BJRN 1930 Sports Broadcasting 3
hours
- JOUR 2360 History and Principles of American Journalism 3
hours
- JOUR 3080 Global Journalism 3
hours
- BJRN 3220 Presentation of TV News 3
hours
- JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop 2-4
hours
- JOUR 4170 Investigative Journalism 3
hours
- AUDI 4600 Radio Production Workshop 4
hours
Journalism
The print journalism major prepares students for entry-level jobs on
weekly and daily newspapers, as well as for magazine and free-lance writing
careers. Students learn all aspects of publication production, acquire
desktop publishing computer skills, and write for the award-winning weekly
campus newspaper, The Journal and its online edition. Majors
are required to learn all genres of newspaper writing, as well as to
receive a firm grounding in journalism history, media ethics, and communications
law. Many students work in internships on monthly, weekly, and daily
publications before entering the journalism career field.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of the program will learn:
- Associated Press (AP) style news writing skills;
- The history of journalism;
- How to interview sources and write stories;
- How to identify and create the components of newspaper,
magazine and websites;
- The functions performed by newsroom personnel;
- How news judgment affects story choice;
- How to identify and address ethical issues facing
journalists;
- The legal rights and constraints affecting journalism.
Portfolio Requirements
Students majoring in journalism complete a portfolio of their work as
part of the requirement of JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop, under
the guidance of their professor.
Degree Requirements
- 50 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 42 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 2140 Advanced Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 2170 Copyreading/News Editing 3
hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- JOUR 2360 History and Principles of American Journalism 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- JOUR 3060 Community Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 3130 Feature Writing 3
hours
- JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop
(minimum of two semesters required) 8
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum* 3
hours
*Capstone Course
A minimum of 6 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- JOUR 2300 Journalism: Layout and Design 3
hours
- JOUR 2380 Free Expression and the First Amendment 3
hours
- JOUR 3080 Global Journalism 3
hours
- JOUR 3150 Topics in Modern Media 1-3
hours
- JOUR 3750 Environmental Journalism
and Communications 3
hours
- JOUR 4050 Sports Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 4170 Investigative Journalism 3
hours
- JOUR 4380 Magazine Journalism 3 hours
- JOUR 4610 Readings in Journalism 1-6
hours
- JOUR 4620 Senior Overview 3-6
hours
Journalism with an Emphasis in Global Journalism
The global journalism emphasis prepares students for careers in national
and international reporting, as well as for graduate studies in the foreign
service or international business areas. Students in this major will
have an educational experience abroad and can be expected to achieve
proficiency in another language.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of the program share learning outcomes with those
who major in journalism:
- Associated Press (AP) style news writing skills;
- The history of journalism;
- How to interview sources and write stories;
- How to identify and create the components of newspaper,
magazine and websites;
- The functions performed by newsroom personnel;
- How news judgment affects story choice;
- How to identify and address ethical issues facing
journalists;
- The legal rights and constraints affecting journalism.
In addition, students learn the technology and regulation of international
communication, journalism philosophies and economic structures of media
in both the developed world and in underdeveloped countries.
Portfolio Requirements
Students majoring in journalism with an emphasis in global journalism
complete a portfolio of their work as part of the requirement of JOUR
3300 Newspaper Production Workshop, under the guidance of their professor.
Degree Requirements
- 53 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 39 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 2140 Advanced Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 2170 Copyreading/News Editing 3
hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- JOUR 3080 Global Journalism 3
hours
- JOUR 3120 Global Affairs Reporting 3
hours
- JOUR 3190 Topics in International Journalism 3
hours
- JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop
(minimum of two semesters required) 8 hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- JOUR 4220 Advanced Global Journalism 3
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum* 3
hours
*Capstone Course
A minimum of 6 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- COAP 2020 Desktop Publishing 3
hours
- INTL 2030 International Law 3
hours
- JOUR 2300 Journalism: Layout and Design 3
hours
- HIST 3150 International Affairs 3
hours
- POLT 3400 Comparative Politics 3
hours
- JOUR 4170 Investigative Journalism 3
hours
Media Communications
The B.A. in media communications enables students to become familiar
with several areas within the communications curriculum. Students may
devise a concentration in the theory and history of media, or may combine
work in two or more media (for example, journalism and photography, or
advertising and public relations).
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students majoring in Media Communications will learn:
- The history of significant forms of mass communications,
including print, radio, television, film, photography
and interactive media;
- Essential principles of regulations governing media;
- How to apply ethical principles to the decision
making processes in a media organization;
- How to conduct basic quantitative and qualitative
research in media studies;
- The essential principles of writing for various
forms of media.
In addition, students will choose a specific area of focus within the
School of Communications, either in media theory or production, and will
learn basic, intermediate and advanced concepts in that field, demonstrating
their facility in a Senior Overview or a Professional Practicum.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- 9 credit hours in the School of Communications
in addition to MEDC 1010 and EPMD 1000
Degree Requirements
- 48 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 44 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing, OR
JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3
hours
- MEDC 1630 Media Literacy 3 hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 3190 Introduction to Media Research 3
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 4620 Senior Overview, OR
MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum* 3 hours
*Capstone Course
In addition, students must choose 6 credit hours from the following:
- SPCM 1280 Interpersonal Communication 3
hours
- MEDC 1500 Applied Media Aesthetics 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 3260 International Communications 3
hours
Students must choose 3 credit hours from among the following courses:
- AUDI 1000 Audio Production I 3
hours
- PHOT 1000 Photo I 3
hours
- INTM 1600 Introduction to Interactive Media 3
hours
- VIDE 1810 Video Production I 3 hours
- ADVT 1940 Introduction to Marketing Communications 3
hours
- BJRN 2410 Introduction to Radio-TV Journalism 3
hours
- SCPT 2900 Scriptwriting 3
hours
- PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations 3
hours
Students also must take an additional 15 credit hours in courses offered
by the School of Communications (or in courses offered by other Webster
University schools and colleges which are required courses for School
of Communications majors, such as MNGT 3500, MNGT 3510, MNGT 4510, BUSN
1200, COAP 2020, COAP 3010, and INTL 2030, etc.). At least nine of those
15 credit hours must be within a single area (for example, within public
relations, or journalism, or photography, etc.), and of those 9 credit
hours within a single area, six must be at the 3000 level or higher.**
**Students may petition to pursue a senior overview in this area.
Media Communications with an Emphasis in Media Literacy
Students of media literacy apply critical thinking skills in analyzing
the source of much of our information: the media. The emphasis in media
literacy consists of the following areas of study: an awareness of the
impact of the media on the individual and society; an understanding of
the process of mass communication; the development of critical approaches
with which to analyze and discuss media messages; an awareness of media
content as a "text" that provides insight into our contemporary culture
and ourselves; an awareness of the depiction of diverse groups within
a culture by the media; and the cultivation of an enhanced enjoyment,
understanding, and appreciation of media content.
Student Learning Outcomes:
After completing their course of study in media literacy, students will
demonstrate the ability to:
- Identify media literacy concepts;
- Develop an awareness of the impact of the media
on the individual and society;
- Apply media literacy concepts to media and media
programming;
- Develop an awareness of media content as a cultural "text" that
provides insight into contemporary society;
- Become familiar with quantitative and qualitative
approaches to Media Literacy;
- Conduct primary research and analysis, using media
literacy quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- MEDC 1630 Media Literacy
- MEDC 2630, Media Literacy II
- MEDC 3190 Introduction to Media Research
Degree Requirements
- 54 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 41 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing 3
hours
- MEDC 1630 Media Literacy 3
hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 2630 Media Literacy II 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 3190 Introduction to Media Research 3
hours
- MEDC 3900 Studies in Media Literacy 3
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 4110 Digital Media Culture 3
hours
- MEDC 4190 Media Research Methodologies 3
hours
- MEDC 4620 Senior Overview * 3
hours
-OR- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum 3-8 hours
- MEDC 4850 Seminar in Media Studies 3
hours
*Capstone Course
A minimum of 12 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- MEDC 1500 Applied Media Aesthetics 3
hours
- VIDE 1810 Video I 3 hours
- SPCM 2600 Nonverbal Approaches to the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 3260 International Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 3500 Political Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 3850 Television: A Critical Study 3
hours
- MEDC 3900 Studies in Media Literacy 3 hours
- MEDC 4220 Genre Studies 3
hours
- MEDC 4440 Patterns of Media Ownership 3
hours
- JOUR 4500 Media Criticism for Publication 3
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum 3
hours
Public Relations
The public relations major combines a strong base in academic study
with opportunities to test concepts through projects with actual clients.
Writing proficiency is a necessary element of the major, as writing and
knowledge of target audiences form the basic foundation of good public
relations. Students learn theories and gain hands-on experience in creating
strategic information programs, internal communications plans, media
relations, and special events as they build their professional portfolios
using all available formats of media (print, video, radio and television,
newspapers, and digital and electronic applications). Students learn
from practicing professionals who are their professors, lecturers, mentors,
and clients, bringing a real-world substance to the major. Internships
augment the experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Successful graduates of the program will gain:
- Understanding and mastery of public relations and
corporate communications functions employed in both
business and non-profit organizations, including
problem analysis, strategic planning, message development
and tactical solutions;
- A thorough knowledge of philosophy and function
of the news media and the necessary skills to interface
with members of the media in both proactive and reactive
contact;
- Knowledge of American business in its various forms
and an awareness of the functions of business departments
as they relate to public relations;
- Solid writing skills in business, media and public
relations formats, such as white papers, news releases,
strategic and tactical public relations campaign
materials and plans, etc.;
- Production skills in those tactical areas important
to successfully functioning as a public relations
professional including: publishing graphics, internet
web site management, computer software applications
and any other medium relevant to the student's chosen
career path;
- Communication skills needed for superior client
relationships, including interpersonal communications,
organizational communications and business presentations.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications
and Public Relations
- INTM 2350 Production Tools for Advertising and
PR
- PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations
Degree Requirements
- 60 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 32 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3 hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing 3
hours
- BUSN 1200 Introduction to Business 3
hours
- SPCM 1280 Interpersonal Communications 3
hours
- PBRL 2100 Fundamentals of Strategic Communications
and Public Relations 3 hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- INTM 2350 Production Tools for Advertising and
PR 3 hours
- PBRL 2920 Writing for Public Relations 3
hours
- INTM 3100 Programming for Web Communications 3
hours
- ADVT 3500 Visual Communication for Advertising
and Public Relations 3 hours
- SPCM 3500 Presentations for Media Professionals 3
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3
hours
- PBRL 4300 Crisis Communications Management 3
hours
- PBRL 4800 Media Relations 3 hours
- PBRL 4920 Public Relations Campaigns* 3
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum,
OR PBRL 4620 Senior Overview 3
hours
*Capstone Course
In addition, a minimum of 6 credit hours from the following:
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- PBRL 3200 Specialized Publications 3
hours
- MEDC 3260 International Communications 3
hours
- MNGT 3550 Public Relations 3
hours
- PBRL 3920 Public Information Production 3
hours
- PBRL 4050 Special Events 3
hours
- PBRL 4200 Organizational Communication 3
hours
- PBRL 4700 Professional Development in Public Relations 3
hours
Relevant electives (not required for the major, but the faculty suggests
students consider these courses to supplement their major):
- JOUR 2300 Journalism: Layout and Design 3
hours
- MNGT 3500 Marketing 3
hours
- MNGT 3510 Advertising 3
hours
- PBRL 4190 Public Relations Research 3
hours
- MEDC 4500 Interactive Media 3
hours
Scriptwriting
The major in scriptwriting provides students with a structured approach
to understanding the craft of writing scripts for film, television, and
other electronic media. By analyzing scripts and producing their own
creative work, students learn character development, plot, structure,
suspense, and tension, as well as the conventions of various genres.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Successful graduates from the program will learn:
- The conventions of structuring scripts for film
and television, why the conventions are the conventions
and the effect of using alternative structures;
- How to create effective characters that engage
an audience;
- How to build and maintain suspense and tension
using both structure and pacing;
- The principle elements of storytelling for visual
media--action, image and dialogue--and how and when
to use each tool for greatest effect;
- How to elicit an audience's emotional response
using a variety of means;
- The industry standard for proper script format.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing
- SCPT 2900 Scriptwriting
- SCPT 3500 Writing Screenplays for Film or SCPT
3400 Television Scriptwriting
Degree Requirements
- 51 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 41 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3 hours
- MEDC 1010 Introduction to Mass Communications 3
hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing 3
hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- MEDC 2800 Cultural Diversity in the Media 3
hours
- SCPT 2900 Scriptwriting 3
hours
- SCPT 3110 Script Analysis 3 hours
- SCPT 3400 Television Scriptwriting 3 hours
- SCPT 3500 Writing Screenplays for Film 3
hours
- MEDC 4100 The Law and the Media 3 hours
- SCPT 4400 Advanced Television Scriptwriting: Genres 3
hours
- SCPT 4500 Advanced Scriptwriting 3
hours
- MEDC 4620 Senior Overview* 6
hours
*Capstone Course
A minimum of 9 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- MEDC 1500 Applied Media Aesthetics 3
hours
- FLST 1800 Film Appreciation 3
hours
- VIDE 1810 Video Production I 3
hours
- FLST 2050 History of Film 4 hours
- FLST 2060 Modern World Cinema 4 hours
- FLST 2160 Introduction to Film Theory and Criticism 3
hours
- FILM 2320 Filmmaking I 3 hours
- BJRN 2410 Introduction to Radio-TV Journalism 3
hours
- ENGL 3010 Playwriting 3 hours
- SCPT 3150 Topics 3 hours
- SCPT 4090 Screenplay Development 3
hours
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum 3
hours
- MEDC 5346 Writing for Media Communications:
Scriptwriting (for seniors only) 3 hours
Speech Communication Studies
The undergraduate degree in speech communication studies provides students
with an understanding of the processes of oral communication. Students
are exposed to a variety of theory and skill development opportunities
ranging from forensics and presentational applications to rhetorical
awareness and analysis. The program offers opportunities to study in
three areas: interpersonal/relational communication, professional speaking
and performance, and a comprehensive general approach to the field. Each
program incorporates coursework from a variety of discipline areas to
provide a comprehensive theoretical and practical curriculum.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Successful graduates from this program will learn:
- To deliver oral presentations appropriate for particular
audiences and occasions;
- To understand and demonstrate the differences between
effective oral and written communications;
- What distinguishes effective interpersonal communication
from ineffective interpersonal communication;
- To demonstrate the ability to critically apply
rational communication principles to relationships;
- To utilize strategies to effectively adapt messages
to audiences in an effort to achieve their communication
goals;
- To critically listen to and evaluate messages;
- To demonstrate skills essential to communicating
and contributing effectively within group contexts;
- To appreciate the importance of recognizing the
role life experience and background play in one's
unique communication style;
- To apply their experiences within the speech communication
studies program to contexts within their own experiences,
continuing that application throughout their lives.
Portfolio Review Course Requirements
A portfolio review is not required for this
major. Instead, students majoring in Speech Communication
Studies incorporate elements of all their coursework
in their culminating senior overview.
Degree Requirements
- 51 required credit hours
- 36 general education credit hours
- 41 elective credit hours
Required Courses
- SPCM 1040 Public Speaking 3 hours
- MEDC 1050 Introduction to Media Writing, OR
WRIT 1010 Composition, OR
JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3 hours
- SPCM 1280 Interpersonal Communication 3
hours
- POLT 1550 Introduction to Political Argumentation
and
Debate, OR SPCM 2000 Forensics 3 hours
- MEDC 1630 Media Literacy 3
hours
- MEDC 2200 Ethics in the Media 3
hours
- SPCM 2200 Group Communication 3
hours
- SPCM 2400 Persuasion 3
hours
- SPCM 2600 Nonverbal Approaches to the Media 3
hours
- SPCM 3600 Rhetoric 3 hours
- JOUR 2380 Free Expression and the First Amendment 3
hours
- SPCM 3800 Communication and Diverse Populations,
OR
- MEDC 3800 Studies in Cultural Diversity: Communication
and Diverse Populations 3 hours
- SPCM 4500 Conflict Resolution 3
hours
- SPCM 4600 Communication Theory 3
hours
- SPCM 4620 Senior Overview* OR
- MEDC 4950 Professional Media Practicum * 3
hours
*Capstone Course
In addition, a minimum of 6 credit hours must be chosen from the following:
- EPMD 1000 Introduction to Media Production 3
hours
- SPCM 3100 Communication as Storytelling 3
hours
- SPCM 3150 Topics in Speech Communication Studies 3
hours
- MEDC 3190 Introduction to Media Research 3
hours
- SPCM 3300 Navigating Relationships 3
hours
- SPCM 3500 Presentations for Media Professionals 3
hours
- POLT 3550 Competitive Political Argumentation and
Debate 3 hours
- SPCM 4610 Readings 3 hours
- SPCM 4616 Communication Research and Analysis 3
hours
Certificate Program: Sports Journalism
The certificate program in sports journalism provides students a basic
understanding of the field of sports journalism. The program combines
theoretical information with writing and production experience. Webster
University will issue a certificate recognizing the successful completion
(C or better in all courses) of a 19-credit-hour core in sports journalism.
All courses must be taken at Webster University.
Portfolio Requirements
Students obtaining a certificate in Sports Journalism complete a portfolio
of their work as part of the requirements of JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production
Workshop, under the supervision of their professor.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
- Introductory level media production class
(video, audio, interactive digital media, photography) 3 hours
- JOUR 1030 Fundamentals of Reporting 3 hours
- BJRN 1830 Broadcast Delivery and Interpretation 3 hours
- BJRN 1930 Sports Broadcasting 3 hours
- JOUR 3300 Newspaper Production Workshop 4 hours
- JOUR 4050 Sports Reporting 3
hours
