Majors
Minors
Interdisciplinary Programs

Majors

Communication Studies BA

The communication studies major begins with a traditional liberal arts perspective, infuses an international/intercultural perspective, and then focuses on practical application of communication knowledge and skill. The major is intended for students who wish to be at home in a wide range of situations and cultures and who value the role of communication in creating effective relationships locally and globally. The major is also an effective foundation for advanced study (academic or professional). Students must complete the communication foundation courses prior to acceptance into the communication studies major.

Public Relations BA

Public relations has become an indispensable part of any organization, company, institution, or government trying to create a body of public opinion to support its mission, vision, or values. Understood as a management function in modern organizations in the corporate world, this same professional level has been adopted by NGOs, non-profit organizations, and even governments and countries as a whole. This new scenario offers plenty of opportunities for multifaceted public relations practitioners with skills in written and interpersonal communication, research, negotiation, leadership, creativity, logistics, and problem solving. Students must complete the communication foundation courses prior to acceptance into the public relations major.

Digital Journalism BA

In today’s environment of converging media, successful journalists need the necessary skills and concepts to tell meaningful stories for a variety of outlets. In this major, students learn how to conceive ideas and collect and present information using words, pictures, and sounds to craft news stories that are accurate, fair, clear, and compelling. Students will also understand the ethical, legal, and management environment of journalism and the fundamental role media plays in our social, political, and economic system. Students must complete the communication foundation courses prior to acceptance into the journalism major.

Film Studies BA

The Film Program is dedicated to preparing students for a career as creative leaders in the film and television industry. Foundation courses are combined with specialized courses that allow each student to pursue the specific area of the entertainment business that interests them the most. Cinema studies and film production courses are perfectly blended in this major to teach students the skills to become generalist filmmakers who run their own film production company or to specialize as writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, or hyphenates.

Minors

Communication Minor

The communication minor introduces students to the study of communication within a modern social and cultural context. Students in teacher education must meet with the department chair and the certification director to determine the course of study necessary for endorsement.

Organizational Communication Minor

The minor in organizational communication is designed to complement a broad spectrum of majors leading to careers in government, education, social and community services. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the basic nature of communication in organizations, and on the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication in organizations at the interpersonal small group, and public (large group) levels.

Advertising Minor

The minor in advertising develops competence in advertising planning, production, and distribution. Students majoring in majors within the department are encouraged to take the advertising minor. However, it must be done in addition to the requirements of the majors, and does not qualify as an outside minor.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Non-Profit Organization Management Minor

The minor in non-profit organization management is an interdisciplinary minor designed to provide an understanding of the organization, financing and management issues in non-profit organizations. It is designed to complement majors in artistic, advocacy and educational endeavors. The minor provides practical, hands-on skills as well as discussion of the issues facing non-profit organizations.

Non-Profit Organization Management Certificate

The certificate in non-profit organization administration is an interdisciplinary approach designed to provide an understanding of the organization, financing and management issues in non-profit organizations. It is designed to complement majors in artistic, advocacy, and educational endeavors. The courses provide practical hands-on skills as well as discussion of the issues facing non-profit organizations.

Professional Writing Certificate

The professional writing certificate allows students to develop their writing skills for professional and business environments. It is delivered entirely online to serve professionals already working in careers as well as students planning to begin professional or business careers. Students will learn the rhetorical requirements for specific forms of written communication, including letters, memos, reports, proposals, promotional materials, and press releases. They will also learn to edit their own writing for clarity, correctness, and style.

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