College of Mass Communication

About

Established in 1966 as the School of Journalism & Communication, the Silliman University College of Mass Communication holds the distinction of being the first communication school outside Manila to offer a degree program in journalism and mass communication. Over six decades, the College has developed a strong reputation as a pioneer in community-oriented journalism and communication education in the Philippines.

Strategically located in Dumaguete City -- an academic hub in central Philippines -- the College leverages its regional setting to promote a community-based, development-driven approach to communication education. With a focus on public service, ethical practice, and social responsibility to the environment, the College continues to train media professionals who are responsive to the needs of the countryside, and attuned to national and global communication trends.

Vision

A leading communication school in the country committed to develop ethical, competent, and socially responsible mass media professionals.

Mission

Develop curricular programs that will hone the skills, and enhance the competencies of future mass communicators.

Instill in future mass communication practitioners a sense of mission and stewardship in their profession.

Pursue opportunities for growth by keeping abreast with developments in communication education, and mass media industry.

Objectives

Train mass communicators who are liberally educated, socially responsible, and professionally competent, ethical, imbued with Christian values, and dedicated to public welfare and human development.

Develop mass communicators who will contribute to national development by advocating a culture of peace, justice, and responsible stewardship of the environment.

Help strengthen the community press as a catalyst for promoting responsible local governance through an informed citizenry.

The Program

The SU College of Mass Communication, holder of a Level IV recognition by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges & Universities (PAASCU), offers a four-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC), and a four-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication (major in Broadcasting). In addition, the College offers a two-year Certificate in Environmental Journalism (CEJ), a pioneering professional program that integrates environmental awareness and communication practice. The offering of Master of Arts in Environment Communication (MAEC) is in the pipeline.

Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)

Bachelor of Mass Communication (major in Broadcasting)

Certificate in Environmental Journalism (CEJ)

Beyond academic instruction, the College regularly organizes seminars, workshops, and training sessions for practicing journalists, campus writers, and communication professionals. It is also actively involved in research, particularly in the areas of community journalism, campus journalism, environmental communication, and communication/journalism education.

Internship Program and Industry Exposure

As part of the senior-level curriculum, students undergo a supervised internship program requiring a minimum of 200 hours of fieldwork. This provides critical exposure to professional environments and allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Students elect to conduct their internships with: national broadsheets and community newspapers, local/regional radio and national television networks, corporate communications and PR firms, advertising agencies, news/wire services in online platforms, and government information offices. These experiences broaden the students’ professional networks and enhance their employability upon graduation.

Linkages and Partnerships

The SU College of Mass Communication maintains long-standing partnerships with local, national, and international institutions that contribute to the enrichment of its programs through scholarships, training, research support, and faculty development. These include the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), the Press Foundation for Asia (PFA), the Center for Media Freedom & Responsibility (CMFR), the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the national television networks, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Vera Files; the US Embassy, the Canadian Embassy, and the Asian Institute of Journalism & Communication.

The College is also a founding member of the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE), and an institutional member of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC).

Facilities

Housed at the Emilio T. Yap Hall -- named in honor of the long-time publisher of the Manila Bulletin -- the SU College of Mass Communication is equipped with: four multi-media classrooms, the Crispin C. Maslog Conference & Reading Room, the Alexander G. Amor Electronic Newsroom & Computer Laboratory, a Video Studio with video production and editing facilities, the CMC Radio Studio (fondly referred to by alumni as the Henry Mack Studio) with radio production and editing facilities; a KMC Student Lounge, the Guidance & Counseling Office, a Faculty Lounge, and the Dean’s Office.

The Weekly Sillimanian (the official student newspaper) and the Portal (the graduating students’ yearbook) provide real-world laboratory experiences in print journalism, feature writing, photojournalism, editing, graphic arts design and layout.

Commitment to Relevance and Excellence

In today’s fast-changing media landscape, the SU College of Mass Communication continues to adapt its curriculum and pedagogy to include digital media, mobile journalism, and content creation for online platforms. The College remains committed to producing graduates who are not only career-ready, but also capable of using media as a tool for development, democratic participation, and environmental advocacy.

Careers in Communication

Graduates of the BMC program in the last 60 years have pursued successful careers in the mass media, corporate, government, non-government, academic, and other sectors.  The quality training they acquired at Silliman enabled them to become excellent journalists, photojournalists, and editors in print, broadcast, or new media outfits; multimedia content developers, videographers, or digital artists; columnists or opinion writers; independent providers of communication services or products; public information or media relations officers or managers; communication or social science researchers, professors, and education managers.

BMC graduates also can go into crossover careers as implementers of development or corporate responsibility programs; knowledge managers, information and data analysts, or curators; technical writers in various fields; events organizers or activity planners; coaches or trainers in communication and language.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Leadership

Dr. Irma Faith B. Pal

College Dean, 2025-2028

Rank: Assistant Professor

Doctor of Communication, UP Open University

MA in Environmental Studies, Brown University, USA

BA Communication (Journalism), University of the Philippines Diliman

Faculty & Staff

Full-time faculty

Lecturers

Adjunct Faculty

Staff

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

F.I.R.E

Courses

Admission