Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.03.03

Mass Communication and Theatre

Chair and Professor: Dr. Anderson, 450-3162
Professors: Dr. Roden
Associate Professor: Mr. Gale
Assistant Professors: Dr. Blakey, Dr. Browne, Mr. Fritzges, Dr. Heo, Dr. Hutchinson, Ms. Lu, Ms. Meador
Lecturers: Mr. Gunter, Mr. Meador, Ms. Stephens, Ms. Walter
Professional Staff: Mr. Meils, Ms. Parker

[1] Purposes

The Department offers professional training in the areas of filmmaking, journalism, television, and theatre. It also seeks to educate interested non-professionals who seek to become participating members of a knowledgeable audience. And additionally, through broadcast, print, cinematic, and theatrical productions, students and faculty of the Department share their work with the people of Arkansas.

[2] Facilities

New, state-of-the-art facilities support each program of the department. Mass Communication is housed in a new facility that includes two television production studios, audio studios, Final Cut Pro, Avid, and Discreet editing suites, 2 computer labs, production areas, and a darkroom. Theatre facilities include a well-equipped technical area, a CAD laboratory, a 150-seat studio theatre, a 300-seat proscenium theatre, and the new 1200-seat Reynolds Performance Hall.

[3] The Honors Program in Mass Communication and Theatre

A student may be invited by the faculty of the department to enter the honors program in the first semester of the senior year. To earn departmental honors, the student must major in one of the emphasis areas of the Department of Mass Communication and Theatre and enroll in MCOM 3322. In addition, the student will submit a final project paper or performance no later than February 1 for Spring graduation, October 1 for fall graduation, or June 1 for summer graduation.

[4] Baccalaureate Degrees

[4.1] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication

The degrees of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in mass communication with an emphasis in digital filmmaking, journalism, or television require the successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) the general education component; (2) specific degree requirements; (3) a common program core of MCOM 1300 and 1362; (4) a major as described below; and (5) a minor as arranged through the student's minor advisor.

[4.1.1] Digital Filmmaking (42 hours)

In addition to university requirements and the program core 6 hours, students will take MCOM 2366, 3356, 4356, 3315 or 3316, 3350 or 3351, WRTG 3320. Students will complete 15 hours of electives from MCOM 3307, 3315 or 3316, 3350 or 3351, 3363, 3373, 4313, 4315, 4323, 4392 or WRTG 3300. In addition to these courses, students are required to complete an internship.

[4.1.2] Journalism Emphasis (43 hours)

In addition to university requirements and the program core 6 hours, students will take MCOM 2300, 2305, 3300, 3301, 3305 and 3308. Students will complete 12 hours of electives from MCOM 3302, 3307, 3322, 3334, 3391/4391, 4311, 4323, 4331, 4332, SPCH 3310, WRTG 3310. In addition to these courses, students are required to complete a minimum of four 1-hour courses in print media applications at the appropriate level and complete an internship.

[4.1.3] Television Emphasis (42 hours)

In addition to university requirements and the program core 6 hours, students will take MCOM 2300, 2366, 3301, 3365, 3374, 4315. Students will complete 12 hours of electives from MCOM 2301, 2305, 3300, 3302, 3307, 3308, 3322, 3363, 3373, 3391/4391, 4313, 4323, 4331. In addition to these courses, students are required to complete a minimum of three 1-hour courses in electronic media applications at the appropriate level and complete an internship.

[4.1.4] Mass Communication Minor (26 hours)

Students seeking a minor in mass communication are required to complete MCOM 1300, 1362, 2300, 3301, and at least 2 hours of credit in print media applications or electronic media applications. The remaining 12 hours are to be selected in consultation with a departmental advisor from courses listed under one of the Mass Communication emphasis areas.

[4.2] Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Theatre

The degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in theatre requires the successful completion of 124 hours, including (1) the general education component, (2) specific degree requirements, (3) requirements for the major as described below, and (4) a minor as arranged through the student's minor advisor.

[4.2.1] Major in Theatre (40 hours)

In addition to university requirements, students will be required to take THEA 1350, 1370, 2325, 2331, 2390, 3324, 3325, 3332 or 3310 or 4340, and 4320. Students will complete nine hours of electives from THEA 1360, 2320, 3300, 3310, 3320, 3332, 3391, 3392, 4310, 4315, 4321, 4322, or 4340. In addition to these courses, students are required to complete at least four 1-hour courses in theatre production and performance at the appropriate level.

[4.2.2] Theatre Minor (26 hours)

Students seeking a minor in theatre are required to complete THEA 1350, 1370, 2331, 2390, and at least 2 hours of theatre production and performance. The remaining 12 hours are to be selected in consultation with a departmental advisor from courses listed under theatre (THEA).

[5] Courses in Mass Communication (MCOM)

Follow this link for MCOM course descriptions: course link.

[6] Courses in Theatre (THEA)

Follow this link for THEA course descriptions: course link.