The Communication Department offers minors in its five concentration areas – Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Communication & Media Studies, Print & Digital Journalism, Public Relations, or Theatre. Students may choose more than one concentration minor. The required hours and specific course requirements vary for each concentration minor.
CO Minor Intent Form
Students majoring in a different department interested in pursuing a CO minor in one or more of its five concentration areas should complete a CO Minor Intent Form. Students must declare their intent to complete the requirements for a minor before their declaration to graduate. Once you complete this form and verify your email address, the completed form will be automatically sent to the department’s advisor. Please note: MSU does not currently have a process for adding a minor in Banner or Degree Works. The information on this form is for college and departmental tracking of minors.
Students majoring in Communication may choose additional areas other than their concentration(s) in the department as unofficial minors. Since completing a CO minor as a CO student is done so in an unofficial capacity, a Minor Intention Form does not need to be completed.
General Information
- A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses in the minor(s).
- All necessary prerequisites must be completed prior to enrolling in the course and cannot be taken concurrently. Prerequisites are listed in the MSU Bulletin.
- Substitutions are typically not allowed. The department head or the appropriate departmental committee must approve any substitutions in advance.
- Advising is not required for students pursuing a minor. It is up to the student to take the correct classes and ensure all necessary minor requirements are met.
- Any questions about the minor or classes should be directed to the department’s advisor at advising@comm.msstate.edu or (662) 325-3779.
Minor Declaration
When students apply for graduation, they must also declare their minor completion in the same application that the student declares their primary degree completion. Minors can only be granted concurrently and in conjunction with the granting of a degree from Mississippi State University. Completion of a minor will be noted on a student’s academic transcript.
Available Minors
Broadcast & Digital Journalism (18 Hours)
The required BDJ minor courses have strict prerequisite requirements, which means that certain BDJ classes need to be taken in a specific order. The BDJ minor program takes at least three semesters/terms to complete. Please see the prerequisite course requirements listed in the MSU Bulletin.
Semester 1:
CO 1403 – Intro to Mass Media
CO 2413 – Intro to News Writing and Reporting (Must pass GSP Exam with a 70% or higher)
Semester 2:
CO 2333 – TV Production
CO 3313 – Writing for the Electronic Media
Semester 3:
CO 3333 – Advanced TV Production
CO 4313 – Mass Media Law or CO 4323 – Mass Media Society
Communication & Media Studies (18 Hours)
When pursuing a CMST minor, in addition to taking the required courses listed below, students must also take CO 1403 Intro to Mass Media. While CO 1403 is not a CMST minor course, it is a prerequisite for CO 4243, which is a required CMST minor course.
CO 1223 – Intro. to Communication Theory
CO 2253 – Fund. of Interpersonal Communication
CO 3833 – Interviewing in Communication
CO 4203 – Nonverbal Communication
CO 4223 – Advanced Communication Theory
CO 4243 – Rhetorical Theory
Print and Digital Journalism (18 Hours)
The required PDJ minor courses have strict prerequisite requirements, which means that certain PDJ classes need to be taken in a specific order. The PDJ minor program takes at least three semesters/terms to complete. Please see the prerequisite course requirements listed in the MSU Bulletin.
Semester 1:
CO 1403 – Intro. to Mass Media
CO 2413 – Intro to News Writing and Reporting (Must pass GSP Exam with a 70% or higher)
Semester 2:
CO 3433 – Editing and Design
CO 3423 – Feature Writing
Semester 3:
CO 3443 – Advanced News Writing and Reporting
CO 4403 – Journalism Ethics
Public Relations (21 Hours)
The required PR minor courses have strict prerequisite requirements, which means that certain PR classes need to be taken in a specific order. The PR minor program takes at least four semesters/terms to complete. Please see the prerequisite course requirements listed in the MSU Bulletin.
Semester 1:
CO 2413 – Intro to News Writing and Reporting (Must pass GSP Exam with a 70% or higher)
CO 3803 – Principles of Public Relations
Semester 2:
CO 3813 – Case Problems
CO 3853 – Public Relations Writing
Semester 3:
CO 3863 – PR Production
CO 4803 – Research in PR
Semester 4:
CO 4813 – PR in Organizations
Theatre (20 Hours)
REQUIRED:
CO 1503 – Intro. to Theatre
Choose 1:
CO 2503 – Acting
CO 2523 – Introduction to Stagecraft
Choose 3 hours:
CO 1542 – Technical Theatre Practicum
CO 2512 – Introduction to Theatrical Design
CO 2531 – Voice and Articulation
CO 2551 – Sound for the Stage and Screen
CO 2561 – Makeup for the Stage
CO 3541 – Theater Performance Practicum
Choose 1:
CO 3502 – Costume Design
CO 3512 – Scenic Design
CO 3522 – Lighting for the Stage and Screen
CO 3532 – Theatre for Change
CO 3552 – Professional Practice for Theatre
Choose 1:
CO 3573 – Script Analysis
CO 3583 – Theatre for Young Audiences
CO 3693 – Drawing for the Theatre
CO 4503 – History of Theatre 1: Classical
CO 4513 – History of Theatre 2: Contemporary
Choose 2:
CO 4523 – Directing
CO 4533 – Advanced Acting
CO 4563 – Stage and Production