Digital Media and Professional Communication, B.A.

Program Overview

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The Digital Media and Professional Communication B.A. at Texas Tech University equips students with marketable communication skills, critical thinking, and adaptability to navigate communication issues in a globalized society. The program emphasizes practical application through projects, presentations, and a capstone project, preparing graduates for careers in public relations, marketing, social media, and other communication fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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in Digital Media and Professional Communication

• Aims to prepare students with knowledge about media and communication processes and audiences.
• Equips graduates with marketable communication skills, critical thinking, ethical problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Positions graduates to navigate communication issues in a globalized society.

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Objectives by the end of the program:

• Understand communication processes.
• Analyze diverse audiences.
• Apply knowledge to solve communication problems in media, communication, and business industries.

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Communication Literacy Requirement:

• 9-hour plan comprising two foundational courses:
• Professional communication speaking and presentation (PCOM 1100)
• Professional communication writing (PCOM 3373)
• Additional course demonstrating understanding of diverse media and communication audiences.

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Outline:

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Sample Curriculum:

• Year 1:
• Introduction to Professional Communication, Foundations of Media and Communication, American Government, Principles of Professional Communication, Essentials of College Rhetoric, Contemporary Mathematics/College Algebra (Fall)
• Introduction to Digital and Social Media, Introduction to Business and Professional Communication, Advanced College Rhetoric, Mathematics Elective, Life and Physical Sciences (Spring)
• Year 2:
• Life and Physical Sciences, Communicating in a Global Society, History of the United States to 1877, Texas Politics and Topics, Creative Arts (Fall)
• Corporate Citizenship, History of the United States since 1877, Business Communication, MCOM Process Electives (Spring)
• Year 3:
• Media Literacy, MCOM Process Elective, MCOM Audience Electives, Any Junior/Senior Elective (Fall)
• MCOM Process Elective, MCOM Audience Electives, MCOM Applied Electives (Spring)
• Year 4:
• MCOM Process Elective, MCOM Audience Elective (Global Communication option), MCOM Applied Electives, Any Junior/Senior Elective (Fall)
• MCOM Applied Elective, Digital Media and Professional Communication Capstone, Any Junior/Senior Electives (Spring)

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Total Hours: 120

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MCOM Process Electives:

15 hours from ADV 3310, CMI 3308, COMS 1301-3335, JOUR 2300-3355, MCOM 3300-3320, PCOM 4301, PRSC 2310

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MCOM Audience Electives:

15 hours from ADV 3318-4313, CMI 3355-3375, COMS 3302-3356, JOUR 3370, MCOM 3380, PCOM 3385-4301, PRSC 4351

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MCOM Applied Electives:

15 hours from ADV 3350-4330, CMI 3340-3345, COMS 3315-3355, JOUR 4305-4330, PCOM 3315-4325, PRSC 2330, 3351-3354

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Global Communication:

MCOM 2350, ADV 4313, CMI 3355-3358, COMS 3332, JOUR 3370, PRSC 4351, or 4301 special topics course, approved study abroad course, or any foreign language with a grade of C or better.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods and criteria:

• Emphasis on practical application and problem-solving through projects, presentations, and assignments.
• Evaluation of written and oral communication skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.
• Capstone project requiring application of acquired knowledge and skills to a real-world communication challenge.

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods:

• Interactive and engaging learning environment fostering active participation, discussion, and collaboration.
• Use of diverse instructional methods including lectures, case studies, simulations, group projects, and technology-aided learning.
• Emphasis on practical application of theory through real-world projects and assignments.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and dedicated faculty with expertise in media and communication, professional communication, and related fields.

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Unique approaches:

• Integration of technology and digital media tools in the curriculum.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning experiences through internships, practicums, and student-led projects.
• Emphasis on developing global communication competencies and intercultural sensitivity.

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Careers:

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Potential career paths and opportunities:

• Public relations specialist
• Marketing and advertising professional
• Social media manager
• Content creator
• Digital media specialist
• Communication consultant
• Journalist
• Corporate communicator
• Educator
• And more

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Career outcomes:

• Preparation for entry-level positions in various communication and media-related fields.
• Development of skills and knowledge transferable to diverse career paths and industries.
• The program offers opportunities for students to engage in research, attend professional conferences, and network with industry professionals.
• The program prepares students for professional certification exams such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Accredited in Public Relations (APR) exam.