smiling woman in television studio news room

Mass Communication Program

The field of mass communication continues to grow. As technology continues to become more innovative, specialized skills in writing, speaking and designing for the mass media are needed.

In the Mass Communication program, students will learn from professors with real-world experience and gain skills necessary for careers in television, radio and social media in order to hit the ground running. Mass communication courses teach students first-hand on topics that include the use of mass media in society, news reporting and writing and introduction to broadcasting.

COD Mass Communication graduates are leaders and innovators in their field. Graduates have received job opportunities and internships from ESPN, B96, 103.5 Kiss FM, ABC TV, PBS and Simon & Schuster.

Determine Your Path

With a mass media background, students can find employment in the print and electronic job markets around the world as a television news anchor, entertainment reporter, play-by-play sports reporter, producer, blogger, magazine editor or web designer. 

Whether you are interested in taking mass communication course or earning a degree in mass communication, COD offers: 

  • Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
  • Instruction in our state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
  • Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.

Associate in Arts

Students interested in continuing their education in mass communication can earn a general Associate in Arts degree.

COD Stories

Princess Siafa

"The instructors are not only thorough, but they also care about you and your career goals." - Princess Siafa

Princess' COD Story

COD Stories

Bella Michaels

"From the moment I left COD, a lot of amazing things happened that I never thought would have happened, especially not this soon,” she said. “I have gained such great mentors who work at places like ESPN, NBC Sports, Washington Post, Big Ten Network, Stadium and more." - Bella Michaels

Bella's COD Story

COD Stories

Josh Tolentino

"All of the things I do now I did at COD. COD prepared me well. I covered every sport, I curated pages and I practiced journalism across campus." - Josh Tolentino

Josh's COD Story

COD Stories

Rashmi Shivini

"Since I was on the fence about what I wanted to do, I decided COD would help give me some perspective and I could try out classes to help me decide." - Rashmi Shivni

Rashmi's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in mass communication is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Students who complete courses in Mass Communication will:

  • Apply critical thinking skills to the understanding of mass media.
  • Display an understanding of the historical, ethical and current legal framework in which mass communication has evolved in a global society.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of written, visual, multimedia and social media literacies as practiced in the related mass communication industries in the 21st century.
  • Develop and use original content for different media formats, including written, visual, radio, internet, apps.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of mass media communication values including timeliness, impact, and storytelling ability as portrayed in written, visual and spoken formats.
  • Demonstrate usage of mass media writing and speaking skills necessary in a multimedia environment.
  • Understand how to produce a “multimedia package.”

College of DuPage has several mass communication transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

 

Distinguished Mass Communication Alumni: Jimmy Ray Elliot

Jim Elliot in pool with scuba gear

Jimmy Ray Elliot left his lucrative career in media to launch a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization called Diveheart. His vision was to build confidence and independence in children, adults and veterans with disabilities through the sport of scuba diving. Jim was inspired to create Diveheart after teaching his blind daughter how to downhill ski.

Career Information

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