Department DescriptionThe department offers courses leading to a bachelor of arts in communication studies.The bachelor of arts in communication studies degree offers three areas of emphasis:
The Journalism and Mass Communication emphasis offers concentrated study in select areas including print and electronic journalism, radio, television, journalism and advertising. The Film and Media Arts emphasis offers a comprehensive approach to film, digital video and new media production. In addition to the communication studies bachelor's degree, the UMKC debate program operates from the Department of Communication Studies. Students interested in joining the team may submit applications to the director of debate.
Special LaboratoriesThe department has fully equipped production facilities, including a state-of-the-art production studio, film and video editing suites, student radio and audio labs and digital imaging labs. Media production students have access to non-linear digital film and video editing (Avid, Final Cut Pro, iMovie and Pro Tools) and linear tape editing; a three-camera studio with jib arm; computer-controlled lighting; and broadcast standard digital special effects capabilities. Camera production for Super-8mm and 16mm film is also supported, along with growing digital imaging tools and web-based applications. These facilities are housed in the department's media labs in Haag Hall.The nationally syndicated literary program "New Letters on the Air" is produced in association with the department and is broadcast on KCUR-FM, the 100,000-watt public radio station licensed to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Internships are available to qualified students; they should contact the department for more information.
Special Awards and ScholarshipsThe Alex and Josephine B. Coleman Scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding junior- or senior-level student. The award recognizes meritorious undergraduate work in communications and encourages program completion. The Suzanne Crispin Williams Scholarship is awarded annually to a non-traditional returning female student in Communication Studies or Women's Studies. A Film Finishing Fund provides grants to intermediate and advanced production students and the Student Film League holds showcases of student film and video projects. Cash prizes may be awarded for winning entries. The Faye Kircher Public Speaking Contest is held in the fall and spring semesters. Students enrolled in ComS 110 courses are selected by their classmates for participation in the public speaking contest. Cash prizes are awarded.
Career ImplicationsCommunication students may find rewarding careers in the multifaceted communication industry. The program is excellent preparation for careers in business, industry, health, public relations, advertising, radio, video and film production.
Further Educational OpportunitiesThe B.A. in communication studies prepares students for advanced study in communication studies, film and media, as well as in graduate programs such as law, medicine, business, public administration and those associated with the applied and performing arts.
Internship ProgramThe Communication Studies Department strongly recommends the internship experience as a means of linking theory to practice, and preparing students to work effectively in professional settings. Internships provide students with on-the-job experience which is both practical and purposeful.The Internship course number is COMS 484. Each intern is required to enroll in at least one credit hour. One credit hour requires 75 hours of internship work. Two credit hours require 150 hours of internship work. Three credit hours require 225 hours of internship work. Four credit hours require 300 hours of internship work. Information on Internship Opportunities is available in the department office. The coordinator for the Internship Program is Carol Koehler. Advising SystemThe department recommends that students check the current program requirements in the department office before filing the declaration of major form. Students may wish to consult the principal undergraduate adviser Linda Kurz.
Financial AidStudents with University work-study assignments are welcomed as student assistants in various aspects of the department's activities. |
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