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Mass Communications
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) offers courses leading to a baccalaureate degree (B.A.) with a strong foundation in journalism, public relations and strategic communications, or multimedia and digital communications.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications prepares students for careers in all areas of mass communications.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications (JMC) offers courses leading to a baccalaureate degree (B.A.) with a strong foundation in journalism, public relations and strategic communications, or multimedia and digital communications. In addition to getting skills in all three areas, students can choose to focus on the following areas in the form of certificates or professional certifications:
- BA in Mass Communications
- BA in Mass Communications + Social Media Certificate
- Ba in Mass Communications + Public Relations and Public Affairs Certificate
- BA in Mass Communications + Film Certificate
- BA in Mass Communications + Film & Television Production (Georgia Film Academy)
- BA in Mass Communications + Film & Television Post-Production (Georgia Film Academy)
- BA in Mass Communications + Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development (Georgia Film Academy)
The department offers courses in multimedia publishing, photography for multimedia, multimedia production, public relations, non-linear editing, web design, copy editing, social media, TV production, new media, law and ethics, African Americans in the media, to name a few. For the complete list of courses, click here.
Students will have many opportunities before graduation to develop professional skills. JMC offers a fully functional television production studio and control room, Tiger’s Roar, SSU’s award-winning student newspaper, a converged student media center, and a podcast station. JMC also offers public relations and advertising experience in and out of the classroom through internships, volunteer opportunities, a student-led PR agency, and classroom projects.
Students also have the opportunity to engage with professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA), and the Mass Communication Student Association (MCSA), among others.
Mass Communication Degree & Certificates
Students enrolled in the mass communications degree program will be assigned a mentor in the department and a professional advisor. Students are required to be counseled by an advisor prior to registering for a course. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses prior to registering for an upper-level course. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all major courses and all courses that are appropriate to the major. Generally, the courses appropriate to the major are listed under Area F courses. Senior mass communications majors must take the departmental exit examination, produce a senior project, and submit a senior digital portfolio.
$118,430
Average Annual Salary
Public Relations Manager
$64,880
Average Annual Salary
Social Media Specialists
+ 4%
Increase in Jobs Annually
For Digital Media Specialists
A degree in Mass Communications opens doors to a range of careers
A degree in Mass Communications opens doors to a range of careers across industries such as public relations, journalism, and digital media. In 2024, demand for media and communication roles is projected to grow by about 4% over the next decade, with new roles emerging as companies seek talent for social media and digital content creation.
Popular Careers
News Anchor / Reporter
Copy Editor
Video Producer / Editor
Social Media Manager
Publicist / Brand Manager
Director / Producer
Film Editor
Screenwriter
Camera Operator
Copy Editor
Video Producer / Editor
Social Media Manager
Publicist / Brand Manager
Director / Producer
Film Editor
Screenwriter
Camera Operator
Savannah State University’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is one of only three programs in the State of Georgia that is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
The department has been accredited since 2007. ACEJMC requires that, irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies. The following competencies are specific to departmental course offerings:
- PSLO 1 (First Amendment and Freedom of Expression): students will apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press in a global context and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located.
- PSLO 2 (History and Roles of Media): Students will demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
- PSLO 3 (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): Students will demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts.
- PSLO 4 (Presentation of Images and Information): Students will present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies.
- PSLO 5 (Written Communication): Students will write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences, and purposes they serve. ISLO 2 (Written Communication)
- PSLO 6 (Ethical Principles): Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity. ISLO 4 (Ethical Reasoning)
- PSLO 7 (Critical Thinking in Information Research and Evaluation): Students will apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work. ISLO 1 (Critical Thinking) / ISLO 3 (Information Literacy)
- PSLO 8 (Basic Numerical and Statistical Concepts): Students will effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts. ISLO 5 (Quantitate Literacy)
- PSLO 9 (Critical Evaluation of Own and Other’s Work): Students will critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
- PSLO 10 (Application of Tools and Technology): Students will apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work. ISLO 6 (Integrative Learning)