Masters of Accountancy
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a...
B.S. in Mass Communication
Richmond, Virginia
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mass Communication program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers students a comprehensive education in various aspects of media and communication. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences necessary to succeed in today's dynamic media landscape. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations, digital media, and broadcasting.
Curriculum: VCU's B.S. in Mass Communication curriculum covers a broad range of topics relevant to the field of media and communication. Core courses provide students with a solid foundation in media theory, ethics, law, and research methods. Students also have the opportunity to take specialized courses in their area of interest, such as news reporting, media writing, strategic communication, multimedia storytelling, and media production. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including internships, practicums, and capstone projects, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and build a professional portfolio.
Research Focus: The Mass Communication program at VCU emphasizes research and critical thinking skills to help students analyze media content, understand audience behavior, and evaluate media effects. Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects that explore various aspects of media and communication, including media representation, media literacy, audience reception, and media convergence. Students have the opportunity to participate in research activities, conduct independent studies, and collaborate with faculty on research projects, gaining valuable insights into the role of media in society and developing research skills that are essential for careers in the field.
Industry Engagement: VCU's Mass Communication program fosters strong connections with industry professionals, media organizations, and communication agencies to provide students with opportunities for internships, networking, and career development. Students have access to internship placements at local and national media outlets, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and nonprofit organizations, gaining hands-on experience and valuable industry contacts. Guest speakers, industry panels, and networking events organized by the program allow students to learn from professionals in the field, explore career paths, and build relationships that can lead to job opportunities upon graduation.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the global nature of media and communication, VCU's Mass Communication program integrates a global perspective into its curriculum and activities. Courses explore international media systems, cross-cultural communication, global media trends, and the impact of globalization on media industries. Study abroad programs, international exchanges, and collaborative projects with global partners offer students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in international media markets, develop cross-cultural competencies, and understand the role of media in shaping perceptions and identities across cultures.
Location
Richmond, Virginia
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 37588
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: US$ 80
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 is often required.
- PTE : A minimum overall score of 53 is required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.
International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.
VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.
VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.
VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.
Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.
External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.
It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mass Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) possess a diverse skill set and are well-equipped for a variety of career paths in the dynamic field of media and communication.
Journalist/Reporter: B.S. in Mass Communication graduates can pursue careers as journalists or reporters for newspapers, magazines, online publications, television stations, or radio stations. They research and report on news stories, conduct interviews, write articles, and produce multimedia content to inform and engage audiences.
Advertising Specialist: Graduates can work in advertising agencies or marketing departments, creating and implementing advertising campaigns for products, services, or brands. They may specialize in areas such as copywriting, media planning, digital advertising, or account management.
Public Relations Specialist: B.S. in Mass Communication graduates can pursue careers in public relations, working for corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or PR firms. They develop and execute PR campaigns, manage media relations, write press releases, and handle crisis communication to maintain positive public perception and manage reputational risks.
Social Media Manager: With the rise of social media, there is a growing demand for social media managers who can create and manage social media content, engage with followers, and analyze social media metrics to optimize engagement and reach organizational goals.
Content Creator/Producer: Graduates can work as content creators or producers for various media platforms, including websites, blogs, podcasts, and video channels. They develop and produce compelling content that resonates with target audiences, driving engagement and building brand awareness.
Digital Marketing Specialist: B.S. in Mass Communication graduates can pursue careers in digital marketing, helping organizations leverage online channels such as search engines, social media, email, and websites to reach and engage target audiences, generate leads, and drive sales.
Broadcast Journalist: Graduates can work as broadcast journalists for television or radio stations, reporting on news stories, conducting interviews, and presenting information to audiences through live broadcasts or recorded segments.
Media Planner/Buyer: Media planners and buyers work in advertising agencies or marketing departments, determining the most effective media channels to reach target audiences and negotiating advertising placements and rates with media outlets.
Public Affairs Specialist: B.S. in Mass Communication graduates can work in public affairs roles for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or advocacy groups, communicating with stakeholders, developing public outreach strategies, and advocating for organizational goals.
Corporate Communications Specialist: Graduates can work in corporate communications departments, managing internal and external communications, writing corporate materials, and representing the organization to the media, employees, shareholders, and the public.
