Communication Studies Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in New Mexico

When the New Mexico Press Association announced the 2012 excellence in media award winners as Majestic Living magazine of Farmington, The Independent newspaper of Edgewood, KRSN AM 1490 of Los Alamos, and Rio Grande Books of Albuquerque, it was the men and women working behind these communicative mouthpieces that really deserved applause. In earlier days, these professionals were likely communications majors interning with local media factions like 29 Lime, ABQ The Magazine, Citadel Broadcasting, KOB-TV, Working Boy Productions, Brand Communications Inc, The Garrity Group, KRQE-TV, Entravision Communications, and Citadel Radio in the Land of Enchantment.

Undergraduate Degrees in Communications – Choosing to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with a major in communications will give you the qualifications you need to start a career in mass media and digital communications. Whether you’re interested in journalism and independent filmmaking, or marketing and public relations, the know-how needed to reach people with a targeted message starts with a degree in communications.

Master’s Degrees in Communications – No matter your professional background or undergraduate major, you could earn a master’s in communications to prepare for a career in any number of diverse areas that include journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media and more.

Publishing

New Mexico has been a fountainhead of Spanish and Southwestern literary ethos since its early emergence, providing inspiration for illustrious authors like D.H. Lawrence, Angelico Chavez, and Nina Otero-Warren. Area publishers, the Sunstone Press, Aspectos Culrurales, and Azro Press continue in this tradition by spotlighting regional authors that produce works revolving around Southwestern settings, themes, and culture. Adding variety to the local fare, Good Karma Publishing and New Atlantean Books provide great reads for residents interested in T’ai Chi Chih, holistic health, and spiritual growth. Other neighborhood publishers include Hurley Media, the Book Stops Here, and the Health Press.

Independent Book Publishers

  • Moon Bear Press
  • Amador Publishers
  • Green Lion Press

Resources for Publishing majors

Journalism

Students that get a first-hand look at the competitive industry of journalism by taking advantage of positions through university papers like University of New Mexico Daily Lobo and NMSU Round Up are sure to acquisition a wealth of knowledge and savoir-faire. By sharping skill sets on campus, journalism grads can unleash their polished talents into press society by working at the widely circulated Albuquerque Journal or popular city guides like Albuquerque Weekly Alibi and the Santa Fe Reporter. Jobs with special interest periodicals the Green Fire Times, the Co-op Connection, and the Four Corners Business Journal may also shape journalism careers here.

Small Town Circulars:

  • De Baca County News
  • Mountain Mail
  • The Raton Range
  • Hidalgo County Herald
  • The Independent

Resource for Journalism majors

New Mexico Press Association

TV and Radio Broadcasting

As New Mexicans cruise the airways, they are likely hear the lingering notes of smooth jazz on KAJZ 105.1 FM “The Horizon” in Santa Fe, classic rock favorites on KBZU 96.3 FM “The Buzzard” in Albuquerque, Top 40 hits on KHQT 103.1 FM “Hot 103” in Las Cruces, or the news/talk radio programs on KINN 1270 AM “K-Talk” in Alamogordo. Although national affiliate broadcasting companies, Hubbard Broadcasting, Ramar Communications, and LIN Media have strong footholds in the community, local networks also hold sway.

Son Broadcasting Network in Albuquerque brings KCHF TV and AM 730 KDAZ into the mix while Hutton Broadcasting in Santa Fe shows its range with KBAC 98.1, BLU 102, ESPN 1400 AM, Talk 1260 KTRC AM, Outlaw Country 107.5, and Project 101.5. College broadcasters from nearby universities showcase their talents on KRWG Channel 22 PBS in Las Cruces and KENW Channel 3 PBS in Portales.

College Radio:

  • KEDP 91.1 FM
  • KMTH 98.7 FM
  • KRUX 91.5 FM
  • KRWG 90.7 FM
  • KSFR 90.7 FM
  • KSJE 90.9 FM
  • KUNM89.9 FM

Resource for Broadcasting majors

New Mexico Broadcasters Association

Public Relations and Marketing

With the rise of information technology, social media outlets, and globalization, New Mexico businesses such as Clean Light Green Light, Buffalo Thunder Resort, and Second Street Brewery often seek ways to upgrade their public standing and widen their customer base. By navigating companies through the delicate nature of image positioning, media buys, event planning, and product promotion, PR and marketing specialists and managers help to generate commercial success. Rather than create and fund their own PR and marketing departments, establishments contract out services from local firms like the Marshall Plan, Jennifer Padilla Public Relations, and Mary Ann Crenshaw & Associates.

Albuquerque Firms:

  • The Garrity Group
  • Desert Sky Communications
  • Cordova Public Relations
  • Watermelon Mountain Web Marketing
  • Jennifer Dunstan Communications
  • DW Turner, Inc.

Resource for PR and Marketing majors

New Mexico American Marketing Association