By: Lauren Avila
FRESNO, Calif. (April 18, 2024)
“I really love the community feel about Fresno State,” Elenore Oliva said. She is an MCJ major who is currently in her first semester at Fresno State. “It just seems like we’re all in it together and that’s my favorite thing about it.”
California State University, Fresno is the springboard for more than 24,000 students who use it as the starting point for their careers, and by extension their life goals.
“Receive the light that you may give it forth” is the ongoing motto for the university but it is also suitable for the Media, Communications, and Journalism Department. The department is just one part of the school that contributes to 60 degrees offered.
What makes the MCJ department stand out?
The Media, Communications, and Journalism Department started in 1928. It is often referred to as the “MCJ Dept” and it currently has four distinct subgenres for the program. They include Advertising & Public Relations, Digital Journalism, Broadcast/Multiplatform Journalism, and Film & Media Arts.
All of these categories are areas of expertise that students are able to embed themselves in to learn and assimilate to for experience. They are often led by professionals who have previous experience in the field. The department submerges the students in real world experiences in the forms of research, writing, filmmaking, recording, and essentially trying all aspects of what the name of the department would imply.
The mission statement of the department states, “Through blending theory, professional practice and hands-on learning, we build leaders who can think critically, write well and thrive in rapidly changing environments.”
Reasons to love MCJ
The community that this program has built is what makes it appealing to prospective and current students.
“Everybody is so welcoming and everybody wants to help you,” Oliva said.
The MCJ department promotes networking and building connections amongst students, much like what they may face in professional settings. In order to do so, events are organized to bring the entire department together.
Recently, the department hosted its very first MCJ picnic. It was supposed to take place outside but unfortunately it was rained out on the day and moved, appropriately, to the MCJ TV studio.
The coordinated event offered the opportunity for students and faculty to play games, socialize with each other, pose with “Victor E.,” the school mascot, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.
This MCJ opportunity is made possible by people like Vanessa Navarro who is the administrative support coordinator. She is responsible for much of the backend paperwork which is unseen by many, yet simultaneously benefits all.
Navarro is attached to Fresno State for more than just her job. It is her undergraduate alma mater, having received her degree in Anthropology from there.
As a staff member, she appreciates the MCJ department differently than a student might otherwise would.
When asked what she liked about the department, she answered with visible joy.
“I would say the camaraderie between all the faculty and staff,” Navarro said, smiling. “When I came into the department they really embraced me.”
To learn more about the department, visit the MCJ Department website. Follow the department on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Flourishing Fresno 