University of New Mexico
Department of Communication & Journalism


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UNM Lobo		 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication


Program Overview

Effective fall 2006, the Department of Communication and Journalism at the University of New Mexico offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Mass Communication through the College of Arts and Sciences. Our program helps to prepare students for a variety of careers in advertising and public relations. Students work in one of two professional concentrations suitable to their interests and goals. In conjunction with specializing in one of these areas, each major is required to take at least one course in writing for the media, along with courses that explore ethics and multimedia and visual communication. Students must complete at least one of the following sequences below:

Public Relations - Students begin this track with instruction in the techniques and strategies employed by public relations practitioners, with an emphasis on history, theory, and skills necessary to enter the profession. A more advanced course provides an introduction to the analysis of public relations cases. Students learn to review, criticize, and suggest policy alternatives while developing a substantive specialty.

Advertising - In an introductory course, students learn about the theory, strategy and techniques of advertising and advertising campaigns. This is followed by instruction in advertising copywriting, including practice in a variety of print and electronic media formats.

Advisement and Program Information

C&J Advisement:
     Dennis Herrick, Chair, Undergraduate Journalism & Mass Communication Committee
     ( )

Program Information:
     Mary Bibeau, C&J academic adviser
     (277-1903, )

A&S Advisement Center:
 The A&S Advisement Center, located in Ortega 251, is open for appointments for advisement Mondays through Thursdays. The center reserves Fridays for walk-ins.

To assure that you don't experience unnecessary delays when you come for advisement, please observe these guidelines:

  1. Bring your up-to-date unofficial transcript.
  2. Bring your updated green or yellow A&S Graduation requirements sheet.
  3. Bring your updated Core Curriculum sheet if needed.
  4. Bring your Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) report from Admissions if you have transferred classes from another institution.
  5. When you sign in, ask about the availability of the particular advisor you want to see.
  6. When you sign in, be specific in stating the reason for your visit.
  7. Check your UNM e-mail frequently to receive up-to-date information and to enable us to communicate with you.
    Note: Official notices such as Project Progress cannot be posted to e-mail accounts with private providers.


Admissions Information

For information on undergraduate admissions (click here). For information if you are an international student (click here).

Major Study Requirements

Students must choose from one of two (2) emphasis areas: Public Relations or Advertising. A major requires 36 hours of course work which include 15 hours in core courses listed below, 12 hours in the selected concentration, and 9 hours of C&J electives. The electives can be chosen from among any department courses (including other concentrations), and can be taken at any time during the program. C&J 130 Public Speaking counts as an elective. A 2.5 grade point average is required for admission into the program.


Other Requirements

  • You must take C&J 171 before you take the first course in the concentrations.
  • You may continue taking core courses other than C&J 171 as you take courses in a concentration, and you may take electives at the same time you are taking required courses.
  • Students must have a 2.5 grade point average for all course work in the major. You must have a grade of "C" or better in all departmental courses. A "C-" does not count as a "C."
  • Majors must take nine hours of C&J electives.

Independent Studies

C&J policy prohibits students from using Independent Studies as a substitute for a required course.

Core Requirements for Mass Communication Majors

(Effective Fall 2006) Core Courses — 15 hours
The following course must be taken prior to concentration:
  • C&J 171 - Writing for the Mass Media I

The following can be taken in conjunction with most concentration courses:

  • C&J 110 - Introduction to Mass Communication
  • C&J 269 - Multimedia and Visual Communication (171 is a prerequisite)
  • C&J 327 - Persuasive Communication
  • C&J 465 - Mass Media Ethics
  • Stat 145 - Introduction to Statistics

Requirements (in addition to core) for
Public Relations concentration

  • C&J 385 - Introduction to Public Relations (offered only in fall)
  • C&J 386 - Writing for Public Relations (171 is prerequsite)
  • C&J 485 - Public Relations Case Studies (offered only in fall; 385 and 386 are prequisites)
  • C&J 489 - Public Relations campaigns (offered only in spring; 485 is prerequisite)

Requirements (in addition to core) for
Advertising concentration

  • C&J 380 - Introduction to Advertising
  • C&J 381 - Advertising Media Planning (171 and 380 are prerequisites)
  • C&J 384 - Advertising Creative (171 and 380 are prerequisites)
  • C&J 482 - Advertising Campaigns (offered only in spring; 381 and 384 are prerequisites)

Course Descriptions
Click here for details on all undergraduate courses offered through the Department of Communication and Journalism.

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