Communication Studies

The Interpersonal and Public Communication emphasis puts theory into practice for real-world problem solving.

Greater Understanding of Communications and Relationships

• Students gain an understanding of communication within a wide range of contexts: social, political, public, intercultural, and professional.
• Students examine how communication shapes relationships, and how to navigate the multiple roles they will occupy in their professional and personal lives.

In the Journalism and Mass Communication program, you’ll learn and gain hands-on experience with news writing and reporting for newspapers, magazines, the Web, radio and TV, visual design, advertising and public relations in an urban environment.

Journalism

Provides students with the academic background and professional skills to be successful at working for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, and related media. Writing, editing, photography, design and presentation for mass audiences are stressed. Students will be prepared to to work as a reporter, photographer or producer.

Mass Communication

Uses theories and practical methods to show how mass media impact the society. Students learn clear and effective communication with the public through media, as well as knowledge of media history, cross-cultural mass media, media ethics and media law.

Advertising/Public Relations

Emphasizes strategic planning, creative and production. Students learn how to serve as an account executive at an agency, how to do advertising/public relations research, and how to create and produce advertisements.

The Film and Media Studies emphasis area combines the study of film history and theory with the art and practice of filmmaking. All of our courses emphasize critical thinking, creative exploration and skill development.

Film and Media Studies Courses

• In our production classes, we teach a small-crew, independent-artist approach to filmmaking. Students gain experience in all phases of film production, including idea development, writing, pre-production planning, producing, directing, cinematography, sound design and editing.
• Students make short films in courses covering narrative, documentary, animation and experimental modes, building a portfolio of original work.
• Production courses and film studies courses are designed to complement each other, but students in the Film and Media Studies emphasis may opt to concentrate wholly within film studies.
• Introductory film studies classes cover basic film history and theory, and we also offer a wide range of upper level courses in Hollywood, independent and international cinema.

Student Filmmaking Support

Our department also supports our students’ development as filmmakers outside of coursework. Opportunities include:

• Competitive scholarships for film and media students;
• Competitive student production grants;
• Film festival and competition entry fee reimbursement;
• Departmental trip to the True/False Film Festival in Columbia, MO;
• Student Film League, a student-run UMKC film organization.