MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Preparation
Students planning to study Mass Communications should have an interest in writing and the potential to communicate information obtained by observation and interview. Other helpful characteristics are curiosity, eye for detail, and desire to learn by reading and talking to others. A background in writing, technology, business and political science is helpful. Experience with publications or broadcast is also beneficial.
Program Requirements
Students who complete the curriculum requirements can complete a transfer degree, a technical degree or graduate with both degrees.
ABOUT THE
PROGRAM
Recent changes in the media world have shown that students entering this industry need training beyond the journalism concentration of writing and reporting. BSC now offers video and audio broadcast, as well as electronic (Web) publishing and digital elements as part of the Mass Communications program. The degree plan provides background in the journalism/mass communications profession and conveys the importance and responsibility of presenting accurate information in the media. Courses cover ethical writing skills, news photography, print publication, Web publication and video-audio production. The program offers hands-on professional experience working on The Mystician, BSC's student print and online news magazine, and the broadcast components, MystiCast and The MYX. Journalism scholarships are available through the BSC Foundation. Scholarship recipients act as leads for the student newspaper and the video and radio broadcasts.
COMMUNICATION DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
Mass Communication (Transfer) - Associate in Arts or Associate in Science
Students earning one of these degrees will complete general courses with a focus on communications classes as electives.
Mass Communication (Technical) - Associate in Applied Science
In this two-year program, students take core communications courses and then choose one focus area to specialize. Focus areas are Writing and Reporting, Media Production, Publication and Web Design, and Public Relations and Marketing.
Those transferring to other institutions or earning both transfer and technical degrees should consult the catalog of the transfer school and modify BSC's suggested curriculum where necessary. Contact your BSC advisor for assistance with transfer planning.
Sports & Digital Broadcasting - Bachelor of Applied Science
This degree focuses on mass communication and sports broadcasting. Students learn to produce professional-quality sports content for television, radio, and online platforms, preparing for careers such as sports anchors, commentators, producers, or multimedia content creators in the sports media world. The program will focus on sports broadcasting and journalism, live event production, digital content creation, on-camera presentation and commentary, and technical skills in editing, camera operation, and streaming technologies.
Integrated Marketing & Communication - Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program in Integrated Marketing and Communication prepares students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving marketing and communication industry. Students will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of marketing, advertising, public relations, digital media, and strategic communication. The program emphasizes the integration of multiple communication channels — such as digital media, social media, print, broadcast, and face-to-face communication — to create consistent, targeted messaging that resonates with customers and stakeholders.
Students will learn to craft persuasive marketing campaigns, develop brand strategies, and leverage data analytics to measure and improve marketing effectiveness. The program also provides a strong foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and project management, equipping graduates to lead teams, manage complex communication projects, and make informed decisions in a fast-paced business environment.
Digital Broadcasting - Certificate
The degree plan provides background in the journalism/mass communication profession and conveys the importance and responsibility of presenting accurate information in the media. Courses focus on digital communication fundamentals as well as audio and video production.
The program offers hands-on professional experience working on BSC’s student broadcast production MystiCast and the student radio station, The MYX.
Print & Digital Publications - Certificate
The degree plan provides background in the journalism/mass communication profession and conveys the importance and responsibility of presenting accurate information in the media. Courses cover reporting, feature writing, interpretive writing, opinion writing, and English usage and grammar.
The program offers hands-on professional experience working on BSC’s student print and online news magazine The Mystician.
Graphic Design & Communications - Associate in Applied Science
The Graphic Design and Communications program is structured to give students a background in several areas of the graphic design field. Study includes classroom and lab instruction in a Mac-equipped computer studio, where students develop skills in layout, typography, print media, print production, web design, and digital photography. Coursework includes preparing art for print and online publication in advertisements, branding-identity systems, digital photography, illustration, direct mail, brochure design, desktop publishing, interactive design, and computer graphics using industry standard software. Admission occurs in the Fall. Students are encouraged to apply early as openings are limited.
Sophomore students will prepare a portfolio of his or her best work for presentation to potential employers and art directors.
Career Opportunities
With society continually in need of information, careers in the communications industry are diverse. Graduates will find employment in a variety of areas: print, broadcast and electronic media, advertising, public relations, government agencies, and industries, including energy and digital technology.
Career Possibilities: journalist-reporter, correspondent, editor, news analyst, news director, broadcast producer, photographer, videographer, audio-video technician, Web page writer/editor/designer, technical writer, public relations specialist, freelance writer, blogger or vlogger.
THE ADVISERS
Mystic Media/The Mystician Adviser
karen Bauer
As an associate professor of journalism and student media adviser at Bismarck State College, karen Bauer might never retire—as long as she continues learning from her students.
She began her journalism career as a paste-up artist at the local newspaper but decided to go back to school when she was scolded for sending error-filled copy back to the editors for changes.
She started her education at BSC taking journalism classes and joining the student newspaper staff. She also took English classes and found that her calling was teaching, so she transferred to the University of Mary and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts major in English/English Teaching and a minor in philosophy.
She completed her Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia in December 2020.
While teaching English at a Bismarck middle school, she had the opportunity to go full circle and return to BSC. In the spring of 2000, she received an offer for the adviser position at the student newspaper, The Mystician. She accepted and has been there ever since.
Several years ago, she helped develop an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mass Communications, which provides students with the experience of working on the newspaper, video broadcast, internet radio and the literary arts magazine.
She teaches journalism courses and is the BSC Mystic Media and The Mystician adviser.
Every year brings challenges, but students continue to be her reward – helping them produce quality news media for the campus and community and taking them on journalism adventures from New York City to St. Joseph, Missouri to Fort Yates, North Dakota.
She is an advocate for free speech rights for students and a supporter of the John Wall New Voices Act.
In her rare spare time, karen plays with her grandchildren, enjoys reading and writing, likes walking and gardening, listens to NPR and reads the Saturday newspaper—always with a hot cup of coffee.
And the lower case 'k' is not a typo.
Tel: 701.224.5522
MystiCast Adviser
Dusty Anderson
Dusty Anderson has been making videos since high school. Recording videos on his parents old VHS-C camcorder and connecting multiple VCRs together to edit sparked his passion for video and all things AV tech.
Dusty graduated with an AAS in Commercial Art (now Graphic Design and Communications) at BSC, while working full-time at KFYR-TV. While working at the TV station, Dusty held pretty much every behind the scene job there was. He did everything from directing newscasts, to shooting and editing commercials/promotional pieces. He was honored to have been nominated for an Emmy award as co-execiutive producer and editor for a documentary that was put together in just weeks, following the 2009 floods.
Dusty has freelanced for several large productions. He has worked for TLC’s Trading Spaces Family, ESPN Monday Night Football, and twice for PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, among others. He also spent three years as the Dakota Wizards, Tricaster Director, where he learned how to live-stream video content.
He currently serves as BSC’s Digital Media & Video Design Manager, where he gets to spend his time figuring out logistics for all thing’s audio/video on campus. Dusty has been with BSC for over 15 years and is credited with starting both MystiCast and getting The MYX up and running.
Dusty enjoys all the hands-on learning that comes with the video industry. Seeing students create their own videos and productions makes him excited for the future of broadcasting.
Dusty spends most of his free time hanging out with his family, collecting sports cards and binge watching television shows. He also coaches boy's soccer at Century High school and with Magic Soccer and loves watching his two boy's play both soccer and baseball.
dustin.e.anderson@bismarckstate.edu
Tel: 701.224.5674
The MYX Adviser
Cole Bernhardt
Cole Bernhardt has worked in the multi-media field for over 15 years. He works full time at Bismarck State College as a Media Production Associate, creating media content for the college relations department of the college. He has been an adviser for Mystic Media and The MYX for 10 years.
Cole began his multimedia career after graduation with a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He started a production company called Red Rope Productions in Fargo, ND. Specializing in producing music videos and promotional material for musical acts in the region.
Following his experience with private ownership, Cole accepted a Production Manager position at the Fox Broadcasting affiliate in Bismarck ND in 2010. This gave him the opportunity to slow life down a bit while continuing to gain experience in the field.
In 2014 Cole accepted his current position at Bismarck State College. About a year into his job at BSC is when he was offered the adjunct position with Mystic Media. This was Cole’s first experience in teaching and he is very grateful to have the experience. He enjoys teaching the next generation and watching them grow their talents and pursue their dreams.
Cole is also an experienced musician, playing professionally for 20 years. Through out his musical career he has toured the far corners of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Playing small honkey tonks to large capacity venues. He has had the opportunity to open for acts such as Poison, 38 special, and John Michael Montgomery. At the height of his touring days, he would play nearly every weekend and sometimes two weeks straight through, averaging 150 gigs a year. These days he has cut his gigs down to around 50 a year as to devote more time to his family and career.
cole.bernhardt@bismarckstate.edu
Tel: 701.224.2679
MYSTIC MEDIA MISSION STATEMENT AND DISCLAIMER
The purpose of college media is to serve and give voice to the students. We, as the student based forum of journalism on the Bismarck State College campus, provide content that is information, fair, concise and of importance to students and the community. With this goal in mind, Mystic Media is dedicated to accuracy and maintaining ethical journalistic practices. We strive to give a voice to student issues and policies within the local community. Our goal is to incorporate as many students as possible and be an outlet for student expression. Mystic Media strives to be objective and is not affiliated with any outside organizations. Mystic Media upholds the principles guaranteed by the First Amendment and utilizes these rights to bring diverse, entertaining, and thought-provoking material to the college community. Thoughts expressed may not be the opinion of all the staff or BSC community.