Communication Department

Welcome!

The Communication Department offers a challenging, hands-on program with specialized options in Journalism, Public Relations, and Organizational Communication. Additionally, an internship program emphasizes practical application and access to job opportunities, giving students a head start on their professional careers.

Graduates of the program earn a Bachelor of Science degree and can pursue a variety of careers in newspapers, magazines, radio and television, public relations agencies and corporate departments, and government agencies.

Communication Department Mission Statement

The Communication Department's mission is twofold: (1) To educate and train students to effectively communicate in a multi-cultural society that features an ever-growing array of communication environments, and whose complexity mandates individuals specially educated and trained in the communication arts and sciences to analyze, interpret, and explain that society. (2) To prepare students to fill communication positions in the mass media, business, government and education vital to the growth and maintenance of a democratic society. Consistent with this mission, the Department provides a learn-by-doing curriculum that requires students to master both theory and correlative skills.

The Communication curriculum is structured to achieve the following five learning outcomes: (1) Students understand and appreciate the facilitating role of communication in human relationships. (2) Students can effectively analyze the information needs and interests of various audiences. (3) Students can gather, organize, and interpret information clearly and logically. (4) Students can communicate information effectively through oral, written, and electronic media. (5) Students employ creative approaches to communication problem solving.

 

The Communication Department offers three options:

The Journalism option prepares students for careers as reporters, photographers, copy editors, and layout designers. Students learn essential writing and reporting skills, and they gain valuable experience as editors and production specialists. Journalism majors are also introduced to courses in digital photography and photojournalism.

The Public Relations option prepares students for careers as agency executives, entertainment publicists, and non-profit PR practitioners. Classes offer state-of-the-art desktop production equipment to help students produce brochures, newsletters, and press kits. Other courses give practical experience in event planning and multi-media communication.

The Organizational Communication option prepares students for a variety of careers in business, government, and education. This option is especially useful for students planning to enter professional schools and graduate programs in communication.

Click on the links above to find out more about the Communication Department's three options.