1 University Plaza, MS2775
016 Grauel Building
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Academic Year Represented
2023
Mission Statement
The Department of Mass Media offers a rigorous curriculum for five accredited academic programs – Advertising, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations and TV/Film – and a 15-hour minor in Mass Communication. In fall 2022 a new online major in Media Management and a Media for Managers certificate program were launched. These programs are set to be reviewed during a site team visit in fall 2023. The Department is the only media program in the state to have both ACEJMC accreditation and CEPR certification. The Department's mission is to prepare a diverse student body to ethically and effectively understand, craft and lead media communications in an increasingly converged, diverse and interactive media environment. We recognize a special responsibility to prepare students to overcome personal barriers, recognize their talents, and achieve their professional goals. We emphasize student-centered and experiential learning through innovative curricula and work in collaboration with media partners to prepare individuals to be critical, creative and independent thinkers. (Revised 9/14/2022)
Technology/Equipment/Facilities
Our primary academic space is the lower level of the Grauel Building, where classrooms, two conference rooms, the department office and faculty offices are located. Experiential learning takes place in Rose Theatre, a 500-seat auditorium on the main level of the Grauel Building, and the Rust Center for Media, a 13,000-square foot facility used by our student-run news organization, strategic communication agency, and visual media producers.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications
Graduate Degrees Offered
N/A
Majors
- Advertising - Media Management - Multimedia Journalism - Public Relations - Television/Film
Tracks within Majors
N/A
Internships Accepted for Credit
Internships are encouraged but not required and may be obtained without academic credit. Students who elect to enroll in the MC486 internship course may do so for 1, 2, or 3 hours of credit. An internship agreement and assessment are required by the student and professional supervisor. The department chair serves as academic supervisor.
Internships Facilitated
Students who elect to enroll in the MC496 practicum course may do so for 3 hours of credit. A practicum student will work within the University community on a professional project. An internship agreement and assessment are required by the student and professional supervisor. The department chair serves as academic supervisor.
Experiential and/or Immersion Programs for Credit
Each of the 5 academic programs includes experiential learning opportunities as part of capstone courses. Additionally, students may participate in student media (Arrow student-run news organization, SE Creative strategic communication agency, SE-TV) for co- and extra-curricular learning opportunities.
Online Options
The Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication - Media Management is a degree program offered fully online beginning in Fall 2022. The department also offers a 15 credit-hour Media for Managers certificate (available in person or online) for people wanting to obtain additional skills in media production. Many other courses are offered as blended, online and Hyflex learning delivery at least once annually.
Study-Abroad Options
The department participates in the Magellan program for students who want to study abroad.
Graduate Programs
N/A
Department Budget
$1,014,471
Amount Spent per Student
$548
Undergrad Student Fees
$9,858
Undergraduate Student Fees Exclusive of Housing and Meal Plan
$1,344
Undergraduate Student Fees for Housing and Meal Plan
$7,350
Undergrad In-State Tuition
$8,151
Undergrad Out-of-State Tuition
$8,151
Average Undergraduate Financial Aid
$9,600
Average Undergraduate Student Debt
$30,940
Graduate Student Fees
$None
Graduate In-State Tuition
Graduate Out-of-State Tuition
Average Graduate Financial Aid
Average Graduate Student Debt
Total Accredited Unit Enrollment
229
Undergraduate Enrollment
229
Graduate Enrollment
0
Number of In-State Students
184
Percentage of In-State Students
80
Number of International Students
1
Percentage of International Students
0
Male
108
Female
121
Not Specified
0
White
166
Black
28
Asian
5
Hispanic/Latino
3
Pacific Islands or Native Hawaiian
1
Native American or Native Alaskan
1
Other
35
Average Size of Skill Based Classes
16
Average Size of Non-Skill Based Classes
26
First Year Student (Freshman) Retention Rate at University
88
Four Year Completion Rate
25
Six Year Completion Rate
65
Full-Time Employment within Six Months of Graduation
100
Full-Time Employment Within Field of Study
Part-Time Employment Within Field of Study
Full-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
Part-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
Attending a Graduate Program
Unemployed
Unknown Status
Full-Time Faculty
7
Part-Time Faculty
5
Faculty with Tenure
5
Faculty on Tenure Track
0
Untenured Part-Time Faculty
5
Untenured Full-Time Faculty
2
Percentage of Faculty within Scholarship or Research Field
63
Male
4
Female
8
Unspecified
0
White
8
Black
3
Asian
1
Hispanic/Latino
0
Pacific Island or Native Hawaiian
0
Native American or Native Alaskan
0
Other
0
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for All Classes
28
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for Skill Classes
20