Penn State Altoona Communications Program

02/09/2026

COMM INTERNSHIPS: ADVICE, OPPORTUNITIES, & INFORMATION: If you are considering earning credits for an internship this summer or fall, please contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour at [email protected] To receive PSU credits, an academic plan and an on-site strategy must be in place before the internship begins.

Internship opportunities can be wide-ranging. The key: it must have a communications core to the on-site work. Penn State Altoona students have successfully completed internships locally and in numerous cities including New York, Nashville, Chicago, and Baltimore. If you wish to brainstorm internship about options, feel free to contact Dr. Bob to set up a brief meeting. This meeting can be in-person or via Zoom.

As for a unique local opportunity, here is an opportunity for students to document and promote the celebration of the 250th birth of USA in Blair County. The student(s) may receive a stipend. For preparation for a possible interview, should one be offered, here's the 250PA Blair County website: https://america250pablair.org/
Responsibilities for this Blair County internship opportunity include:
 Increasing social media presence
 Preparing video presentations
 Assisting with events
This would be an opportunity to play a pivotal role in celebrating our nation’s 200th anniversary.

For more information, submit resume to A.C. Stickel at [email protected]

America250PA Blair County will be joining communities all across Pennsylvania and the USA in celebrating our nation’s 250-year anniversary.

09/15/2025

ALTOONA FILM FESTIVAL & HONOR SOCIETY OPPORTUNITY
The Altoona Reel Film Festival will be open to all COMM students on Saturday, September 20 in the Misciagna Building from 9am onward. Admission is FREE to Penn State students, but a student ID card is required for free admission. For more information about the film festival, see: https://www.facebook.com/AltoonaFilmFest

Also, for Communications majors at Penn State Altoona, a recruitment drive for Lambda Pi Eta, the Communications Honor Society is now underway. Application forms with further information can be found in Aaron 303. Student eligibility requires a minimum of 12 COMM credits earned and a 3.25 GPA or better within the Communications major. The deadline for application is Thursday, October 23, with an induction ceremony to be scheduled in early December. If you have questions, you may contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour at [email protected] or talk with Adam Dotts, the Lambda Pi Eta Chapter President.

Celebreting filmmakers of ALL levels on September 19, 2026. Visit FilmFreeway.com/AltoonaReelFilmFestival to submit and learn more.

08/23/2025

Welcome back Penn State Altoona. It is GREAT to have you back! We look forward to your commitment to hard work, and we are confident that your hard work will contribute to a successful Fall 2025 semester. As for deadlines and helpful information, please consider the following:
INTENT TO GRADUATE: For SENIORS: The intent to graduate period is now open, but it will end on September 6. If you plan to graduate in Fall 2025, make SURE to file an “intent to graduate” before September 16.
COMM HONOR SOCIETY: If you are a Communications major at Penn State Altoona (COMAL only) and you are interested in joining the COMM Honor Society (Lambda Pi Eta), please email Dr. Bob at [email protected] to indicate your interest. Qualification for membership requires a 3.25 or better within the COMM major and a 3.0 or better overall and a minimum of 12 earned COMM credits. An induction ceremony will be planned for this semester, with applications for membership available to eligible students soon.
PSU INVOLVEMENT FAIR: Penn State Altoona’s Involvement Fair is scheduled from 11:30am to 1pm on August 28 outside of the Slep Building, so if you think you are interested in opportunities in clubs and organizations, make plans to attend that event. Information about the Collegiate Review (our online newspaper), the COMM major and Lambda Pi Eta (our honor society) will be available at this event.
DROP/ADD DEADLINES: For ALL students: the regular drop deadline is August 30 and the regular add deadline is August 31. If you have ANY concerns or questions about your schedule, please contact your assigned academic adviser ASAP.
SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATIONS: If you are unsure what to schedule, head to the Penn State Bulletin, look up your major, and try to carefully follow the “Suggested Academic Plan” for your major. That plan is a semester-by-semester grid that should serve as a general guide. The link to the Penn State Bulletin is: https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/
BELLISARIO-BOUND SCHEDULING ADVICE: If you are a Bellisario-bound 2+2 student, many of those COMM majors require COMM 160. Also, it is a requirement for UP-bound students BEFORE enrolling in COMM 260W. However, Altoona Communications majors (COMAL majors only) can file for a prerequisite override if you do not wish to take the one-credit COMM 160 course. If UP bound, COMM 160 MUST be taken if it is on your “Suggested Academic Plan” for your desired major. Also, some course choices are major specific requirements. As examples, COMM 150N and COMM 242 are required for Film majors, COMM 370 is needed for PR majors, and COMM 320 is a requirement for Advertising majors. The key: if you are ever in doubt, carefully follow the PSU Suggested Academic plan for your major or try to check with your assigned academic adviser.
INTERNSHIP PLANNING: If staying at Altoona and you want to consider an internship in a future semester, feel free to contact Dr. Bob at [email protected]. We have had students successfully complete internships locally and at Comedy Central in NYC, at CMT in Nashville, and with several professional sports teams. An academic plan is required to begin an internship, and assistance in getting this done can be obtained by setting up a meeting with Dr. Bob.
We wish the best to all of our students and hope each of you are ready to work hard and do solid work that helps to move your career plans in the best possible direction.

The Undergraduate Bulletin is Penn State’s comprehensive source for undergraduate academic information and program requirements. Design your own, unique academic path by exploring over 600 programs and 11,000 courses offered at one of the world’s leading research institutions. Discover new oppor...

10/19/2024

COMM HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY -(LAMBDA PI ETA)
Lambda Pi Eta, the Honor Society for Communications majors at Penn State Altoona, invites all students who meet eligibility requirements to apply for membership. It looks great on a resume and is an easy thing to do if eligible. The deadline is fast approaching, so if you are interested in joining, please make sure to apply by October 30, 2024.

To become a member of Lambda Pi Eta, students MUST:
1. Be a COMM major at Penn State Altoona
2. Have a GPA in COMM of at least 3.25 and have an overall GPA of at least 3.0
3. Plan to stay at PSU Altoona
4. Have fully completed a minimum of 12 credits in Communications courses
5. Fully and accurately submit application materials, attaching all documents, including payment
6. Pay a ONE time $46 fee for lifetime membership dues (with checks payable to Penn State University)

New members will receive a LPE pin, honors cords, and a certificate. Also, successful applicants will be invited to an induction ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 12 at 12:10pm in the Aaron 3rd floor lounge.
The LPE application deadline is Wednesday, October 30, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: the deadline is firm. Due to institutional deadlines, LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Lambda Pi Eta applications are available in Aaron 303 (on the classroom side table), on the bookshelf in the 2nd Floor Aaron study area (right across from Aaron 206L), or from Dr. Bob Trumpbour.

If you have questions or need further information, please contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour at [email protected]. Complete application materials should be sent to Dr. Bob Trumpbour. His office is at Eiche 146 and can be found in Aaron on Tuesdays and Thursdays during class hours. We look forward to receiving application materials from qualified applicants.

In the meantime, please continue to do your best in each of your Communications classes. We hope to see you again soon!

08/26/2024

WELCOME BACK COMMUNICATIONS MAJORS!
As the 2024-2025 academic year begins, welcome back students, faculty, and staff! Many of us have been working hard over the summer to ensure that the facilities, equipment and other things are in good shape so that students will be productive and in the best possible position to be successful. We hope that you will enter the semester ready to work hard and to do many good things. A key goal is to make sure each COMM graduate is prepared for the many challenges of a highly competitive workplace and/or the rigors of graduate school, should that be a goal. Our graduates are working all over the nation doing impressive things. Our highly-dedicated faculty look forward to working with all COMM majors this semester. As you get situated and start to plan out your goals for this academic year, please be sure to check with your advisor should you be unclear about anything related to your academic planning.
THE COMMUNICATIONS MAJOR AT PENN STATE ALTOONA: Should anyone wish to learn more about the COMM major at Penn State Altoona, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our COMM faculty. We would be glad to help you determine if Penn State Altoona’s COMM major is the best fit for your unique personal circumstances. Information on our program can be found at: https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/altoona/communications-ba/
INFORMATION FOR BELLISARIO-BOUND STUDENTS: If your goal is to be a part of the 2+2 program, heading to a COMM-based major at the Bellisario College of Communications after two years in Altoona, please be sure that you are following the “Suggested Academic Plan” in the Penn State Bulletin for your preferred major when you schedule your courses. You might also log into the Bellisario College of Communications web site for further information on University Park COMM-based majors. Whether you decide to stay in Altoona, head to University Park, or transfer to another Commonwealth Campus, you can find wonderful, nationally-recognized Communications opportunities at Penn State University.
We hope that all of our COMM students have a productive, challenging, and enjoyable 2024-2025 academic year. Best of luck to all!

The curriculum of this B.A. in Communications provides a general grounding in traditional media forms along with work in the area of media convergence. Students must do coursework at both the practical and theoretical level. On the theory side, coursework will be offered in the areas of media critic...

07/22/2024

The Altoona Curve had two interns leave unexpectedly very recently and are looking for help. They need help from the end of July through September. If you want to do it for non-credit, just get in touch with the Curve and get to work if invited onboard. If you wish to do an internship for credit, the process would be more complicated since it would involve class registration, establishing academic objectives, and paying PSU tuition before the internship could begin. If you are interested, whether you do it for experience and/or for PSU credit, please make sure to contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour ([email protected]) to let him know about your involvement with this unique opportunity. Contact information is below. Thanks.

Altoona Curve contact information:
Nate Bowen, General Manager
(814) 283-3118
[email protected]

The official website of the Altoona Curve with the most up-to-date information on scores, schedule, stats, tickets, and team news.

02/18/2024

INTERNSHIP INFORMATION - HONOR SOCIETY INVITATION
Below is information about Communication internships and Lambda Pi Eta, the Communications Honor Society for Penn State Altoona students:

COMM INTERNSHIPS: If you are interested in working on an internship for credit in the summer or fall, please contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour at [email protected] for further information. COMM students at Penn State Altoona have successfully completed internships at numerous locations, both local and afar, with some students working for major league sports teams, CMT in Nashville, Comedy Central in New York, our local Chamber of Commerce, among numerous other opportunities. To earn credits for an internship, all students must develop an academic plan and gain approval before starting the internship process. Whether you simply wish to learn a little more about internships before starting the process or whether you already have an internship idea in mind, now is a good time to meet with Dr. Bob to determine the best way to achieve success in the future.

COMM HONOR SOCIETY: Lambda Pi Eta is the Honor Society for Communications majors at Penn State Altoona invites all students who meet eligibility requirements to apply for membership. It looks great on a resume and is an easy thing to do if eligible. The deadline is approaching, so if you are interested in joining, please make sure to apply by March 14, 2024.
To become a member of Lambda Pi Eta, students MUST:
1. Be a COMM major OR be enrolled in a major that is communications related
2. Have a GPA in COMM of at least 3.25 and have an overall GPA of at least 3.0
3. Plan to stay at PSU Altoona
4. Have fully completed a minimum of 12 credits in Communications courses
5. Fully and accurately submit the application, attaching all documents and payment as is required
6. Pay a ONE time $46 fee for lifetime membership dues (with checks payable to Penn State University)
New members will receive a LPE pin, honors cords, and a certificate. Also, successful applicants will be invited to an induction ceremony, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 6pm.

The LPE application deadline is Thursday, March 14, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: the deadline is shortly after returning from Spring Break and APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DEADLINE. Lambda Pi Eta applications are available in Aaron 303 (on the classroom side table). Wendy Fox (Aaron 206L) or Kay Tate (in 144 Eiche) can also provide LPE applications upon request. If you have questions, want an application via email, or need further information about Lambda Pi Eta, please contact Dr. Bob Trumpbour at [email protected].

08/21/2023

WELCOME BACK COMMUNICATIONS MAJORS!
As the 2023-2024 academic year begins, welcome back students, faculty, and staff! Many of us have been working hard over the summer to ensure that the facilities, equipment and other things are in good shape so that students will be productive and in the best possible position to be successful. We hope that you will enter the semester ready to work hard and to do many good things. A key goal is to make sure each COMM graduate is prepared for the many challenges of a highly competitive workplace and/or the rigors of graduate school, should that be a goal. Our graduates are working all over the nation doing impressive things.

Our highly-dedicated faculty look forward to working with all COMM majors this semester. As you get situated and start to plan out your goals for this academic year, please be sure to check with your advisor should you be unclear about anything related to your academic planning.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMM MAJOR AT PENN STATE ALTOONA: Should anyone wish to learn more about the COMM major at Penn State Altoona, please do not hesitate to talk to one of our COMM faculty and/or Wendy Fox, Staff Assistant for the Communications program. Wendy is located on the second floor of the Aaron building (downtown) and can be reached at: [email protected]

We hope that all of our COMM students have a productive, challenging, and enjoyable 2023-2024 academic year. Best of luck to all!

12/19/2022

COMM INTERNSHIP INFORMATION AND AN OPPORTUNITY: Students who wish to consider internships can apply for two types of internships: #1) for-credit as a COMM course. #2) not-for-credit, as an independent endeavor.

A “for-credit” internship requires working with a faculty mentor and creating a specific academic plan that includes readings (usually the equivalent of two books), written assignments, on-site work (at a minimum of 50 hours per credit earned), independent meetings with the faculty mentor, and formulation of carefully prepared “learning objectives.” Our COMM program has had students earn credits with internships with numerous respected local organizations. In addition, students have completed for-credit internships in NYC, Nashville, with professional sports teams in the NFL, MLB, and the NHL. If you are interested in earning credits for a “for-credit” internship, please contact Dr. Bob at [email protected] to discuss the requirements and expectations. Please allow a minimum of two to three weeks of planning to assemble materials for a credit-based internship.

A “not-for-credit” internship opportunity does not require preparation of a formal academic plan, but when considering one of these internships, please think about whether it is to your benefit before applying. Students wishing to do one of these are free to determine what is best and decide to whether such an opportunity is of personal benefit. What should be carefully considered is whether the position provides the kind of experience that will help the student in a reasonable and tangible manner. It might be wise to set up a quick meeting with Dr. Bob at [email protected] if considering this type of internship, but this is not required.

NOTE: a recent not-for-credit opportunity has been posted recently for the consideration of any COMM student who wishes to apply for it. Please see the listing below for further details and information.

Social Media Intern; Penn State Altoona; Office of Admissions
Internship Description- The social media intern will work with the Director and staff member responsible for social media.

Responsibilities include social media planning and posting to the office’s social channels including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with the goal of recruiting students to enroll at Penn State Altoona. The intern will not have specific office space in the Office of Admissions, although the conference is available as needed. There will be regularly scheduled weekly meetings with the Director and staff during business hours, but the majority of the work will be done independently and on campus. There is no compensation available for this internship.

Benefits for the Student- The social media intern will gain skills in working independently and with a team; project management; strategic planning as it relates to social media marketing; broad understanding of social media and how to use various channels in creative ways; photography; innovative and creative thinking; experience with a reputable employer for resume; and professional relationships for letters of reference.

Specific Expectations- The social media intern will be expected to produce a comprehensive social media plan as well as robust social media content for a variety of channels, for numerous weekly posts.

Skills- An understanding of Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok as to their capabilities and unique characteristics is required. General photography skills utilizing a cell phone is required. Intern must possess a cell phone with a quality camera is required.

To apply for this internship, please contact- Shari R. Routch, J.D.; Director of Enrollment Management; Penn State Altoona; email- [email protected]

09/20/2022

AN OPEN INVITATION TO JOIN LAMBDA PI ETA, THE COMM HONOR SOCIETY, IN FALL 2022
As many of you know, Lambda Pi Eta is the COMM Honor Society at Penn State Altoona. We are announcing a Fall membership drive. We are now inviting all eligible COMM students to consider joining. Application forms are available at: #1) the Aaron 303 classroom side shelf; #2) the Cypress building’s seating area outside of the faculty offices #3) On the outside desk of the Aaron building Staff Assistant (near the second floor elevator).

To be eligible for Lambda Pi Eta, students must have a 3.0 or better overall GPA and a 3.25 or better GPA within the COMM major and must have already earned 12 or more COMM course credits. Anyone wishing to join Lambda Pi Eta should follow through on the following instructions:

1) Fully fill out the attached application form, following through on all instructions. You MUST calculate your COMM-based GPA and enter that information onto the form.
2) Write a check for $46 payable to Penn State University.
3) You must also provide a printed copy of a current transcript or a degree audit to validate your GPA information. Please include that with your application materials.
4) Hand in the fully completed application and the $46 check, using one of the following options. #1) hand to Wendy Fox in Aaron (second floor Staff Assistant desk), #2) hand to Kay Tate (the Staff Assistant in Cypress), #3) place in Dr. Bob’s mail slot in the Cypress mailroom, (room 107) #4) mail required materials to the following address: Dr. Bob Trumpbour; Penn State Altoona; 3000 Ivyside Park, Cypress 102; Altoona, PA 16601

The $46 application fee covers costs for a certificate, honor cords, and a membership pin. In addition, the fee covers a membership for life that does not require renewal. The deadline to place your application in the US mail will remain Tuesday, October 18. All submissions MUST be received with ALL relevant materials on or before Tuesday, October 18. Anything received after that date will NOT be accepted. We plan to have an induction ceremony on December 8 during Common Hour in the third floor Aaron lounge.

If you have any questions or need help with any aspect of the application process, please feel free to contact Dr Bob at [email protected]

Thank you for considering joining Lambda Pi Eta. We look forward to a successful membership drive. Thank you for considering an application to Lambda Pi Eta.