Communications

The Communications major prepares students with the skills they will need to succeed in the professional world. Students will prepare for a variety of fields, including corporate communications, online content management, broadcast journalism, sports communications, social media management, public relations, and community relations. They will obtain real-world experience publishing articles, blogs, vlogs and other professional work on the university’s online platforms, Spire-Times and YouTube. Students cover sports and other school events, taking part in live coverage on the student-run social media accounts. In addition, all communications majors will gain experience with an internship in their junior or senior years. Our faculty encourage creativity, development of professional skills and mastery of the technology used today. Graduates will be prepared to launch directly into a career or enter graduate studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Communication students will:

Understand the history, protocols, operations, and dissemination of media communications.
Understand the process to responsibly produce written and oral messages.
Develop strategies and plans that analyze, produce, and interpret successful media messages.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively using digital technology.
Demonstrate an understanding of ethics and professionalism, as related to journalism and communications.

The major consists of a common core and electives tailored to the student’s professional interests and plans in the area of emphasis they have chosen.

Common Core (36 crs)

AR 180 Multimedia

COM 120 Public Speaking

COM 125 Interpersonal Communication

COM 200 Introduction to Journalism

COM 305 Media Literacy

COM 310 Applied Electronic Journalism I

COM 329 Introduction to Mass Media

COM 330 Writing for the Media

COM 370 Diversity in the Media

COM 451 Ethics and Law in a Digital World

COM 591 Internship

COM 599 Writing for Your Professional Life (senior capstone)

Communications majors should add courses from the area of emphasis that fits their professional aspirations.

Broadcast/Journalism Communications (15 crs)

Students interested in the Broadcast/Journalism emphasis take classes in journalism; media writing; social media; digital photography; applied journalism; media law and ethics. Journalism professionals work in various fields including broadcasting; writing; TV and radio stations as on-air talent; producers; directors; photographers; corporate audio/visual production; non-profits; training centers; and creative agencies.

Students interested in Broadcast/Journalism are required to take the common core and the following courses:

AR 275 Digital Photography

COM 375 Professional Social Media Communications

COM 410 Applied Electronic Journalism II

MKT 231 Principles of Marketing

MKT 351 Principles of Advertising

Sports Communications (15 crs)

Students interested in the Sports Communications emphasis take classes in multimedia; photography; video work; media law and ethics; graphic design; specialized sports literature and broadcasting. Students will be well-equipped and qualified to write, produce and disseminate sports messages in a professional manner.

Students interested in Sports Communications are required to take the common core and the following courses:

AR 275 Digital Photography

COM 250 Introduction to Sports Reporting and Broadcasting

COM 410 Applied Electronic Journalism II

EN 340 Sports Literature

SM 342 Sport Marketing and Fundraising

Organizational Communications (15 crs)

Students interested in the Organizational Communications emphasis take classes in social media; business and interpersonal communications; and copy editing. Students in this track will be well qualified to work in corporate communications and marketing departments, content writing, social and digital media, public relations, event planning, fundraising and more.

Students interested in Organizational Communications are required to take the common core and the following courses:

COM 375 Professional Social Media Communications

COM 415 Copy Editing

EN 200 Technical and Professional Writing OR SPA 320 Spanish Conversation for the Professions

MGT 350 Business Communication

MKT 231 Principles of Marketing OR MKT 351 Principles of Advertising