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Mass Communication

Career/Program Overview

RCTC offers hands-on training and education for students interested in a career in Mass Communication. RCTC students may seek career opportunities in various media of Mass Communication or further education and training at a four-year college or university.  Areas of Mass Communication include:  Advertising, Broadcasting (Radio and TV), Film, Newspapers, Magazines, Books, the Recording Industry, Journalism, the Internet, and Public Relations.  Students will receive instruction and valuable hands-on experience through class and extracurricular opportunities.

Curriculum-at-a-Glance

Depending on the program options selected, courses may include:  Principles of Broadcasting, Radio Production, Video Production, Television Production, Digital Film Production, Beginning Newswriting, Broadcast Journalism, Newswriting for the Web, Photojournalism, Freelance Writing, Publications Lab, Desktop Publishing, Mass Communications Law/Ethics, Public Relations, Presentation Graphics, and Principles of Advertising.

For more detailed program information, refer to RCTC’s program course requirements at  http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html.

Program/Degree Options

RCTC offers a Mass Communications Associate in Science degree.  If desired, students may choose to concentrate in one of three areas: Broadcasting, Journalism or Public Relations/Advertising.  RCTC also offers certificate options in the same three areas. 

Program Start Date(s)

Students can start coursework any semester.  Some courses are not offered every semester so students are encouraged to meet with program advisors to plan ahead.

Career Opportunities/Information

The average person spends 40% of their day using media and only 33% sleeping.  (Veronis, Suhler, Stevenson Communications Industry Forecast, 2005-2009)  Careers in the fields of media are numerous, and the overall outlook is very good.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs in several industries of mass communications (Publishing, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, and Motion Picture and Sound Recording) are projected to rise by 2012. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Monthly Labor Review, February 2004, p. 66)

With new technology, the different ways we communicate through Mass Communications have increased.  This will increase demand for people who can create content artistically and technically for media.  The successful media employee of the future will be one who can handle many different aspects of Mass Communications, such as writing, videography, photography, audio and the Internet.

Articulations/Accreditations

Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission:  A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html

Additional Information
Mass Communications Web Site
Program Course Requirements
Course Schedule
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