The department’s mission is to develop students in journalism and mass communications within a student-centered environment that fosters an understanding of African American and other diverse cultures worldwide, preparing them to integrate multiple skill sets suitable for further academic advancement or for local, national, and global professional employment in an ever-changing media landscape.
The BA in Mass Communications at Savannah State University prepares students for careers in journalism, multimedia production, strategic communication, social media marketing, and digital and online content creation. Through hands-on work in video, design, writing, strategic communication, and camera performance, students build strong portfolios and industry-ready skills.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as videographer, digital content creator, graphic designer, scriptwriter, social media manager, social media marketing, podcast producer, communication specialist, health communication and community outreach, and multimedia journalist, with the flexibility to work in newsrooms, creative agencies, nonprofits, and corporate communication teams.
In the state of Georgia, only three universities are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (): University of Georgia, Savannah State University, and, just recently, University of West Georgia. JMC has been accredited since 2007.
The Pathways
Designated by the university as a “Center of Excellence,” the department strives to provide a liberal arts preparation that incorporates multimedia, digital communication, strategic communication, film, African Americans in the media, entertainment, sports, and history. The department’s curriculum enables students to excel and compete in the media industry.
Students pursuing the BA in Mass Communications can tailor a degree pathway that best suits their professional goals:
Professional Certification with the Georgia Film Academy:
The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) is a statewide initiative, a unique collaboration between Georgia’s university and technical college systems, that provides hands-on, professional training in film, television, and digital entertainment to develop a skilled workforce for the state’s growing film industry. The GFA offers certifications in various crafts, teaches industry-standard procedures, provides access to professional equipment, and offers students opportunities to gain real-world experience through professional productions and internships. With professionally qualified instructors, state-of-the-art equipment, and premier training facilities, learners are equipped as valuable assets to the industry, ready to excel immediately after completing their certification.
Real World Experience
Develop Professional Skills
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.
Labs & Facilities
The labs feature essential tools for success, including industry-standard software like free access to Adobe Student Accounts and Microsoft Office downloads. Students can also take advantage of an equipment checkout program (details coming soon) and personalized support through the JMC Help Desk, offering live software assistance and virtual sessions with expert coordinators. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, these labs ensure students have the resources they need to thrive in a competitive media landscape.
