New program offered in Mass Communication Department

The Mass Communication Department at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, has launched a new program in digital media.

            The 18-credit minor is one of four offered by the department alongside the major in mass communication. Courses include, among others, Web Site Design, Computer Assisted Reporting, Multimedia Design and Publication Design.

            Department Chair Jim Sernoe said the new minor was part of a larger overhaul of the curriculum. "We knew we were behind the curve in addressing the Internet," Dr. Sernoe said, "so when we decided to redesign the major, we also decided to add a new minor."

            Students now complete a 39-credit major that includes print journalism, broadcasting, media law, advertising, speech communication and other courses that contribute to a broad understanding across disciplines within mass communication. In addition to the minor in digital media, students may choose from minors in print journalism, broadcasting or public relations/advertising.

            According to Professor Mitzi Lewis, who teaches several of the courses in the new minor, "The digital media minor allows us to provide students with additional tools as well as the knowledge of how and when to use these tools most effectively. We think this will help them as they enter and navigate our rapidly changing field. "