Mass Communication

The Department of Communication and Journalism offers three different BA degrees. These degrees are in: Communication, Mass Communication and Journalism. The department also offers minors in Communication and in Public Relations. The Mass Communication major prepares students for careers in the electronic media in Maine and nationwide. Firmly grounded in the liberal arts, it provides students with a background in history, legal, regulatory, ethical and management issues necessary for a career in mass communication or for graduate study. Faculty are established scholars who draw on extensive professional experience and ongoing contacts with media organizations and associations in the state and beyond. An active internship program encourages students to become acquainted with working in mass communication organizations and thus have demonstrable work experience, professional contacts and an understanding of the industry before they enter the job market.

Majors in Mass Communication must complete a minimum of thirty six (36) credits of specific CMJ courses and additional coursework external to the major.

The external coursework must include at least 9 credits in the areas of Writing and Language and at least 18 credits of coursework concentrated in an area outside of the CMJ Department.

The 9 credits of coursework in the areas of Writing and Language must include at least 3 credits in each of the two areas (6 credits from one area; 3 credits from the other).  The Writing area includes the following courses: ENG 205,  ENG 206, ENG 212, ENG 301, ENG 317, ENG 417, and ENG 418. CMJ 236 and CMJ 237 can also be used to meet part of this requirement when not used to meet a CMJ major or sequence requirement.  The Language area includes: French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language or other non-English languages.  

At least 18 credits of coursework concentrated in an area outside of the CMJ Department must be completed. This requirement can be fulfilled by completing: (a) a Minor in another department, (b) an Interdisciplinary Curricula, or (c) a concentration of 6 courses (18 credits) taken in another department, with at least 12 of the 18 credit hours taken in coursework above the 100 level.  No CMJ or Honors courses can be used to meet any part of this requirement.