Senior Portfolio
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University requires graduating students to submit a portfolio of their best work that represents the knowledge, values and competencies expected of them.
The faculty in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication believe students should have developed certain competencies by graduation; portfolio submissions should be selected with the following competencies in mind:
1. To understand the history and development of mass media in the United States.
2. To write well using a variety of mass communication writing styles.
3. To be able to gather information through interviews, databases and library searches and to understand statistics and data analysis
4. To understand legal and ethical issues as they apply to the mass media.
5. To understand concepts of design, photography and presentation of images as they relate to communication.
6. To think creatively, critically and independently.
7. Critically evaluate their own work and that of others as it applies to grammar, spelling, punctuation and style.
8. To apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communication professions.
9. To understand diversity issues in relation to mass communication.
Procedure: Students should pick up a portfolio checklist from the School’s main office in Old Main, Room 102, as soon as they achieve full major status. They should save work from classes, practicum or independent studies, and internships throughout their years of study at Texas State. This includes but is not limited to writing samples, audiotapes and videotapes, campaign plans, internship projects and evaluations, graphics and other visual presentations. Projects and papers specifically addressing one or more of the above competencies should also be collected.
Portfolio materials need to be organized and submitted in a binder or folder. They are analyzed for quality and completeness. A copy of all evaluations will be kept in the School. Students may see their portfolio evaluation after it is completed and pick up their portfolios.
Deadlines: Portfolios for students in advertising, electronic media, journalism and public relations will turn in their portfolios in the designated classes:
Advertising-MC 4307 or MC 4306
Electronic Media-MC 3312
Journalism-MC 4386
Public Relations-MC 4320
Should a student not take the class required for their major then it is the student’s responsibility to turn it in to the SJMC office 45 days prior to graduation. General MC students will turn in portfolios to Dr. David Nolan (OM, Room 226) 45 days prior to graduation. Failure to complete a senior portfolio will result in a hold placed on your records.
Student benefits: Journalism and mass communication industries typically require students to present examples of their work as part of the interviewing process. The portfolio will help students in the job search by having a tangible record of accomplishments or evidence of what they have actually done and what they can do.