Program Coordinator/Contact
Mary Arnold, Department Head
Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
Yeager Hall 211
605-688-4171
E-mail: mary.arnold@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/mcom
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
A degree in journalism prepares students with essential skills including: writing, speaking, critical thinking and technology. Graduates are well-positioned for a wide variety of careers, ranging from traditional media to business to non-profit organizations. MCOM students may pursue a B.A. or B.S. in Journalism. Students may choose from departmental emphases: News-Editorial Journalism Emphasis or Broadcast Journalism Emphasis.
- News-Editorial Journalism Emphasis. Students who want to be reporters, editors or page designers for print and online media, photojournalists and those seeking employment in corporate or government communications take this emphasis.
- Broadcast Journalism Emphasis. Students who want to pursue careers in digital video storytelling for radio, television or online media and corporate environments take this emphasis.
Academic Requirements
Journalism majors must have a “C” or better in Freshman Composition; must have a graduation average of 2.5 in journalism and mass communication courses; take a minimum of 80 credit hours outside of journalism and mass communication with a minimum of 65 credit hours in the liberal arts and sciences, and must have grades of “C” or better in all major courses.
Equipment and Supplies
Students are also encouraged to purchase a laptop (Macintosh preferred) and software appropriate for the discipline.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
The Department is accredited by the national accrediting body of journalism and mass communication, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
Course Delivery Format
The Journalism major is offered both at the main campus in Brookings and at the University Center in Sioux Falls. The department offers coursework in classroom, studio, online, and field-based settings.
