As part of the Roanoke County Governor's STEM Academy at BCAT, the Center for Mass Communication provides a four-year course of study exploring all aspects of the communication process. Students will study the history and development of different media and their effects on individuals and society as well as learn the skills necessary to analyze and create sophisticated communications. Other focus topics include marketing techniques, media, radio, and print production along with legal and ethical industry issues. A supervised internship in the areas of television, radio, web, and print media will be part of the four year course of study.

Goals and Objectives:

• To offer students an opportunity to focus on the major elements of the communications industry
• To afford students a hands-on experience in multimedia production
• To develop professionalism, public speaking, and interpersonal communication abilities
• To educate students in traditional and journalistic writing styles
• To provide students a skill-base for entry into the field of mass communication and give them an advantage in the university setting

The program focuses on a hands-on learning experience. Focus topics include: marketing techniques, public speaking, media literacy, multimedia production, and legal and ethical industry issues. Seniors complete an internship within the industry.