Mar 28, 2024  
2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Mass Communication


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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 B.A. in Mass Communication 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.  The major also prepares students for graduate study in related communication fields, law, the humanities and social sciences.  Faculty are established scholars who draw on extensive professional experience and ongoing contracts with media organizations and associations around the state and beyond.

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.

Requirements for Mass Communication Majors:


For students transferring equivalent courses from other colleges, a minimum of 24 credits of CMJ courses must be taken at the University of Maine for the degree, regardless of the number of equivalent courses accepted in transfer. The faculty will determine equivalency (if any) of transfer courses in the discipline. Some CMJ courses require the completion of one or more prerequisite courses.

A grade of “C-” or better is required in all CMJ courses submitted to satisfy departmental requirements for the major.

Major Course Requirements - 7 courses (21 credits)


Choose from the list 21 credits: at least 18 credits of 300-400 level courses.

Additional credits:


Students MAY also take additional credits in department courses beyond the 36 required for the major, but must take at least 72 credit hours outside of CMJ courses.  Additional CMJ course work may include:

Suggested curriculum for BA in Mass Communication


First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


  • BA Upper Level Requirement Credits: 3
  • General Education Science or Mathematics/Statistics Credits:3
  • CMJ External Requirements Credits:9
  • Second Year - Second Semester


    Third Year - First Semester


    • Credits: 3
    • General Education Science or Mathematics/Statistics Credits: 3
    • CMJ External Requirement Credits:3
    • CMJ 3xx or 4xx Requirement Credits:3
    • BA Upper Level Requirement Credits:3

    Third Year - Second Semester


  • CMJ 3xx or 4xx Requirement Credits: 6
  • CMJ External Requirement Credits:3
  • BA Upper Level Requirement Credits:3
  • General Education Science or Mathematics/Statistics Credits:3
  • Fourth Year - First Semester


    Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Electives ** Credits: 15

    ** May be used to meet remaining General Education, college B.A., or department requirements.
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