Communication & Journalism Majors

An individual majoring in communication concentrates in the social sciences and humanities. At its core, the study of communication is the study of human interaction at the levels of interpersonal, small group, public, organizational, and mass communication. Our curriculum is designed to train graduates to communicate ethically and effectively in all media and across all platforms so that they enter the journalism or communication profession as:

• Excellent communicators, listeners and critical thinkers
• Leaders who use communication to affect attitudes and behavior for a better world
• Responsible digital citizens who understand the role and use of technology as it changes our world

Students choose one of three Majors:

• Journalism and New Media
• Public Communication and Leadership
• Organizational Communication and Public Relations

A student may choose an additional Concentration reflecting an interest in:

• Health and Health Care Communication
• Sustainability and Environmental Communication
• Sports and Entertainment Communication

In addition to technical skills in video, audio, and online production, students develop skills in writing, public speaking, identifying and coping with barriers and breakdowns of communication, reporting and interviewing, leadership, small group dynamics, persuasion, problem solving and decision-making, negotiation, audience analysis, message and communication campaign development, speechwriting, organizational communication, reputation management, media relations and public relations.

Please be sure to visit the catalog listing (starting on page 2) for complete details of all our department has to offer.