A mass communication classroom. Jasmine Franklin/The Gramblinite
Dr. Robbie Morganfield, the mass communication department head, spoke to students in class Friday, Nov. 1 about the new curriculum for mass communication students.
The new curriculum has been put into place by the university and is now in full swing. It has been approved by the proper authorities on campus.
“Mass communication students will have up to 72 hours in general courses and will also have a minor from their advisors,” Morganfield said. “Students will not be required to take 48 hours in mass communications, but will be required to take 39 hours instead. They will have nine free hours to take extra courses towards their degree.”
Students will have options to help them complete their degree without so many required classes and students could take classes that they have an interest in as well.
“The change came about students completion and what the industry is demanding, compared to other schools and made sure that it makes sense for us as well,” Morganfield said.
The change is aimed at allowing students to see what other courses they like and to allow them to take other classes they might like as well.
“The change is great for the university to be able to be able to offer students a minor, and also to get their foot inside the door for other concentrations,” Morganfield said.
“It is great that we do not have to take a massive load of classes in on concentration. We learn what we need, and we do not have to take extra classes that we are not going to use,” Trey Williams, a junior mass communication major from New Orleans, said.
Students will be able to focus more on their major, and also will be learning more of the base courses needed in everyday life.
“The curriculum had already been put into place starting this semester, and this will be our first graduation class that will be under the new system,” Morganfield said.
Grambling State University will be slowly going through changes through their curriculum to try to prepare students for the real world. With those changes is an emphasis on learning how to communicate, look for jobs and also how to expand their horizons in the career world.
Students will be able to choose their classes and will also have an option to have a double minor as well. The Department of Mass Communication will still have their normal concentrations in sports journalism, broadcasting, public relations, visual journalism and integrated communications, but certain classes will be electives instead of core classes.
The Department of Mass Communication is trying to emphasize the importance of starting their core classes early so they can start on their internships as well.
“Students will be able to find jobs with their internships starting off as soon as they graduate,” Morganfield said. “Competing in the mass communication field is already tough, and getting an early heads up and allowing companies to see your brand and face is our goal, and that is how jobs hire you.”