Bachelor in Media Studies - Journalism

Journalism's primary obligation is to the truth, revealing information to help us make decisions about our lives.

Mercy College offers innovative and challenging courses for students pursuing careers in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, public relations and corporate communications.

Media Studies offers over 50 courses divided into three specializations - Film/Culture, Journalism, and Radio and Television Production. The Media Studies program is designed for the student who works well in a communal environment and is interested in sharing ideas to facilitate a creative experience. The Journalism program enables students to acquire technical, creative, critical, and communication skills necessary for work in media-related industries through professionally-oriented workshops, internship experiences, and college-wide media activities such as the school newspaper, television production shop, and drama club.

Meet Louis Grasso, Assistant Professor, Media Studies

Media Studies: Journalism Fast Facts

• Award-winning newspaper for two consecutive years
• Produces 2500 issues of a monthly newspaper to its five campus locations
• Available online
• Newspaper office equipped with Macintosh and PC platforms for writing and copy editing
• Academically qualified faculty with private sector experience

Media Studies: Journalism B.S. Curriculum

Students who choose the major concentration in Media Studies with a concentration in Journalism must complete:

• MEDA 134 The Feature Article I
• MEDA 145 Media in America
• MEDA 399 Internship in Media Studies

Concentration Requirements

• MEDA 130 News Reporting I
• MEDA 232 News Reporting II
• MEDA 234 The Feature Article II
• MEDA 222 Newspaper Publication Practice I
• MEDA 333 Newspaper Publication Practice II

Additional Requirements

Students in this major must complete 6 credits selected from the following:

• MEDA 132 Copy Editing & Graphics
• MEDA/ COMM 154 Publicity Writing
• MEDA 240 Magazine Editing/Production
• MEDA 251 Sports Reporting
• MEDA 252 The Practice of Public Relations
• MEDA 255 Creative Advertising
• MEDA 261 Media and the Law
• MEDA 275 Photojournalism
• MEDA 295 Topics in Media Studies
• MEDA 230 Entertainment Writing
• MEDA 345 Writing for the Digital Media
• MEDA 387 Challenges in American Journalism
• MEDA 397 Independent Study in Media

Students in this major must complete 12 credits in a concentration of Media Studies offerings numbered from MEDA 110-499 chosen in conjunction while the program head and six credits in major electives (or major English courses numbered 200 or above).

There is an 18-credit residency requirement in the major of Media Studies.

AbsolutVision / Unsplash

Program Outcomes

By the end of this program, students should be able to:

• Develop appropriate creative, technical, and communication skills necessary for work in media-related fields
• Acquire the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for careers in their chosen fields
• Use media technology to communicate and present material as per their major
• Create personal and social presentations in their chosen media
• Find ready employment in their chosen fields or continue onto advanced study

Career Opportunities

Representative career opportunities include news reporter, sports reporter, news editor, copy editor, feature writer, freelance writer, non-fiction novelist, magazine writer, entertainment critic, public relations writer, and media relations specialists.