Dec 02, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [OFFICIAL CATALOG]

School of Mass Communication


Stabler Hall, Room 705 | (501) 916-3250 | (501) 569-8371 (fax) | ualr.edu/masscomm

Director (Interim): Hoerschelmann, Olaf; Professor
Professors: Byrne-McCollum, Jamie
Edwards, Tim,
Associate Professor: Rhodes, Carlton M. “Sonny”
Assistant Professors: Robinson, Chris
Thorlton, Kiel
Emeriti: Barnes, Amy
Giese, J. Mark
Guerra, David
Plopper, Bruce
Rollberg, Jeanne
Weekley, David C.

The School of Mass Communication (SMC) combines the strengths of courses in radio, television, film, new media, and journalism to provide students with exposure to a broad spectrum of media studies needed in today’s information world.

Degree Information

Students may receive a degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in either Journalism, Strategic Public Relations, Motion Pictures, Media Production and Design, or Mass Media. If choosing the Media Production and Design emphasis, students must select either the Motion Picture option or the Media Production option.

The B.A. in mass communication (mass media/media studies emphasis and B.A. in mass communication (public relations emphasis) are also available as completely online options.

The School also offers students a variety of mass communication minors.

The School also offers a Master of Arts degree in mass communication. See the UA Little Rock Graduate Catalog for details. 

General Information

All emphases in the BA in Mass Communication are 42 hours plus 12-hours of upper-level courses outside the major. The Journalism, Strategic Public Relations, Motion Picture, and Media Production and Design emphasis have a capstone class. Students in the Mass Media option will work with his or her advisor to design a capstone experience. Students should take their capstone course during their final semester in residence or as near to it as possible.

For returning or transfer students, skills courses completed more than five years ago may not count toward degree requirements and are subject to evaluation on a case-by-case basis. Opportunities exist to gain credit for professional experience or certification.

All material submitted by students as assignments in classes may be used for broadcast or publication. Students taking writing courses must have at least minimal word processing ability.

Students who seek a major from the School of Mass Communication may not seek a minor from the School of Mass Communication.

Student Organizations

The School sponsors chapters of Kappa Tau Alpha, the national journalism honor society, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Public Relations Student Society of America, the National Broadcasting Society, and the Society of Professional Journalists.

Scholarships

School of Mass Communication majors are invited to apply for the following annual scholarships (Scholarship opportunities may vary each year):

  • Arkansas Fly Fishers
  • William K. Rutherford Freedom of Information Act Scholarship
  • Herbert and Gertrude Latkin
  • Harry Ashmore Award
  • Roy Mitchell
  • Edith Wood Sweezy Memorial Scholarship in Journalism
  • Governor Orval E. Faubus Scholarship
  • Jason Irby Scholarship
  • Arkansas Broadcasters Association Scholarship
  • K. A. Engel Endowed Scholarship
  • R.D. Doubleday Scholarship
  • Jane and John Thompson Journalism Scholarship
  • Television Broadcasters of Arkansas Scholarship
  • Golden Mike Award endowed by Steve Stephens and Belinda Shults
  • TreDay.Com Scholarship Project
  • Jerol Garrison Scholarship
  • Signal Media Scholarship
  • Dan and Johnnie Winn Memorial Scholarship
  • THV 11 Media Scholarship
  • ​Patrick and Leslie Rhode Endowed Scholarship

Facilities

The School’s facilities include a professionally equipped high-definition television studio, television field production equipment, two audio production labs, and video editing stations.  Three computer labs are available for Web composition and design, graphic design, video editing, and word processing.

The School houses University Television, operates the LR Angle website, and has cooperative arrangements with KUAR and KLRE, two public radio stations that are affiliated with the University. Students produce programs for all of these media outlets.  Students also write for The UALR Forum, the campus’ independent newspaper.

Admission to the Mass Communication Major

After admission to UA Little Rock, any student may declare a major in Mass Communication. To discuss opportunities in the School of Mass Communication, students should visit the School director in Stabler Hall 705, or call the school at (501) 569-3250.

School of Mass Communication Minors

The School of Mass Communication offers five minors. Students majoring in the School may not minor in the School.

Programs

    Bachelor of Arts
    Early Entry Programs

    Get a head start on your graduate studies while completing your bachelor’s degree in:

    MinorEducator Endorsement