Program(s) Available: B.S., Minor
Do you have a knack for technology? Want to learn how to reach a large audience through a specialized media outlet? Northwest has a place for that! If mass media looks like your future, continue reading more about the many possibilities you can study in the School of Communication and Mass Media.
We want our students to have as much access to resources that will make them successful. There's no reason to wait until your junior year to gain hands-on experiences. Bearcats have awesome opportunities day one!
When selecting mass media, there are four different emphases to choose from. They are applied advertising, broadcasting and production, multimedia journalism and sports media. Not sure what route to take? No problem! See below for an outline of the programs.
Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in applied advertising focus on the tangible media and the visual and creative aspects of advertising. At Northwest, students have opportunities to participate in creating and selling advertisements through many platforms within the program.
For this major, internships are required. Northwest offers many on-campus internships in addition to opportunities to network. Advertising students have landed internships in the Midwest and across the country at large brand companies, media companies and advertising agencies.
Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in broadcasting and production gain critical thinking and communication skills that aid in learning processes and techniques for pre-and post-production, recording techniques, microphone and camera operation, script writing and legal and regulations of public radio and television.
This major provides a pathway of either a B.S. with audio concentration or a B.S. with video concentration. It'll allow you to broaden your skillsets when choosing one of the concentrations in addition to your major.
In addition to the concentrations, a minor in broadcasting is also available.
Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in multimedia journalism learn about the creation of news content. If you love the process of crafting and delivering information to others, this may be the perfect program for you! Faculty teach the practice of compelling writing skills and research techniques as well as production, including layout, formatting, editing, photography and videography.
A minor in journalism is also available.
Calling all sports fanatics! Students majoring in mass media with an emphasis in sports media gain knowledge of information gathering, radio, recording and editing. Faculty focus on ensuring students receive knowledge that covers sports, basic journalism, use of audio and video as well as an emphasis on quality and clear writing skills.
Minor programs in audio production, broadcasting and journalism also are available. These 24-credit-hour minors allow students to dive deep into the specialization and prepare for a career in the real world. To learn more, view the academic catalog.
Career Ready
“I chose Northwest because I wanted the school I chose to feel like home. Yes, I moved down the street, but it felt like its own community and a place I could make my own.” — Anna Swink
AdInk is a Northwest organization for students interested in careers related to advertising, marketing, design and public relations. The club is open to all majors and hosts a variety of events and services throughout the academic year.
KNWT is the student-produced television station with original programming for the campus and community. KNWT has received multiple honors as a finalist for the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Award, recognizing it as the top college television station in the nation.
KZLX is the student-led radio station serving the Maryville area. The station plays the most up-to-date and popular artists while providing fun, upbeat and quality entertainment to the community. The station is a two-time winner of the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Award, recognizing it as the top college radio station in the nation.
The Northwest Missourian is the student-led weekly newspaper that covers news on campus and in the Maryville community. The publication is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame and a winner of multiple individual and staff awards each year.
Northwest's student media truck serves as a mobile radio and television studio, equipped with tools that allow students to broadcast remotely and produce live and scheduled programming.
Tower yearbook is produced by students and annually documents campus life. A national leader, the yearbook is an Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame member and regular Pacemaker finalist.
