Mass Communications & Journalism

The Mass Communication and Journalism program at Kentucky State University prepares and equips students for careers as journalists or public relations professionals serving the information and communication needs of local, national, and global communities.  The Mass Communication and Journalism program focuses on four key areas to prepare students for careers in media: writing, critical thinking, discipline knowledge, and technology.

The department is a dynamic program leading to careers in a multitude of fields. Students pursuing a major or minor in Mass Communication and Journalism will develop skills that will help them gain employment developing web or social media content as well as the legacy media of TV, radio, and print. Students are also prepared for careers in communications or public relations in any business, non-profit or public sector setting.  This active program gives students a wealth of hands-on experience through The Thorobred News website produced and edited by students and project-based classes resulting in student-produced videos, podcasts and investigative projects. In addition, every student completes at least one semester of on-site work in a professional news, public relations, public affairs or communications setting.

Students pursuing a MCJ Bachelor’s degree will choose from one of the two concentrations:

MCJ students need 120 undergraduate hours to graduate.  Within the 120 hours, all MCJ majors will complete a 30-hour MCJ Core Curriculum, and then take additional COMcialized courses within his or her area of concentration. There is also a minor program in MCJ.

Faculty encourage students to participate in the student website, The Thorobred News and engage with other student journalists and practicing professionals through a variety of organizations and conferences.

MCJ Requirements

Core Courses 21 hours

JOU 204 Introduction to Journalism

JOU 210 Introduction to Mass Communication

JOU 322 Digital Photojournalism

JOU 364 Visual Design

JOU 365 Public Affairs Reporting

JOU 366 Public Relations Seminar

JOU 367 Video Production

Multimedia Journalism Concentration 15 hours

JOU 302 Student Media Workshop

JOU 362 The Editor’s Desk

JOU 363 Magazine and Feature Writing

JOU 373 Broadcast Announcing

JOU 434 Practicum in Journalism

Public Relations Concentration 15 hours

JOU 308 Media Advertising and Sales

JOU 370 Public Relations Campaigns

JOU 371 Public Events Planning

JOU 375 Advertising Seminar

JOU 436 Practicum in Public Relations