Communication and Development Studies at Ohio University

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Communication and Development Studies at Ohio University

The M.A. degree offered through the Communication & Development Studies program at Ohio University focuses on media and social change.

A resource for students, faculty, and alumni of the Communication and Development Studies master’s program at Ohio University, and for communication and development practitioners around the world. Read more here: http://www.commdev.ohio.edu/About%20the%20Program/Program%20Overview.html

09/03/2026

At CommDev, we welcomed the first year students with reflective dialogue and cultural appreciation. Today, in Seminar for Communication and Development Studies, the first year CommDev students celebrated their cultural identity by bringing cultural artifacts - food, clothes, jewelry - and positioning themselves locally in a global context. While they presented their local culture, they also discussed complex development issues and dilemmas in their country, community and region. It was an honor to listen to their personal stories of triumph and trials but what was remarkable across the entire group was to see their resilience and sense of commitment to change the script and advocate for transformation. 👌🏾

We also welcomed our friends from International Development Studies and Journalism who have joined us this semester. 💐

It’s going to be an amazing Fall semester . 🌼🍁🍂
Center for International Studies, Ohio University Ohio University School of Media Arts & Studies Ohio University Scripps College of Communication Saumya Pant

08/29/2026

Communication and Development Studies hosted our very first colloquium bringing together our First and Second Year CommDev students for an afternoon of real conversation.

The students reflected together on what it’s like to navigate life at Ohio University (and beyond). We discussed about everything from adjusting to campus life to thinking ahead about careers, purpose, and community.

CommunityBuilding HigherEducation CampusLife LearningTogether FutureGoals Education

08/28/2026

Our hearts are with Nepal. The floods and landslides have caused great loss many lives lost, many families torn apart, many homes destroyed.

To everyone affected, and to everyone still looking for missing loved ones: we are thinking of you. To the rescue workers helping on the ground ,thank you.

Nepal is strong. You are not alone. We stand with you. 🙏

08/24/2026

Happy Fall 2026 Semester!🍂

Hello everyone welcome to the Communication and Development Studies community and the start of an exciting new semester! We’re so glad to have you here.

As we step into fall 2026, we hope this season brings you clarity, motivation, and steady progress in everything you’re working on. Whether you’re starting fresh, continuing your studies, or preparing for new goals, we’re wishing you all the best as you dive into the months ahead.

Wishing everyone a productive season ahead happy fall, and let’s make it a great semester!✨

LetsGo Students Community Learning

08/14/2026

With the beginning of the semester, it’s so wonderful to see this lovely union between the Director and the CommDevers ❤️the perfect start to what we know will be an amazing chapter for everyone.

Here’s to new ideas, meaningful connections, smooth collaboration, and lots of wonderful moments as the semester gets underway. 🌟

MeaningfulConnections SmoothCollaboration Teamwork LookingForward SemesterVibes WonderfulMoments

08/07/2026

📣 Last day to submit! Today is your final chance to be part of the 3rd Annual 3C Photo Exhibition. Share your perspective, tell your story through photography, and have the opportunity to see your work professionally printed and exhibited this fall at Ohio University. Don’t miss out submit your photos today!

07/29/2026

Gallow at Ohio University Student Farm.

This summer, Gallow Jawneh, one of our CommDev students, completed an internship at the Ohio University Student Farm. During the placement, he helped with a range of day-to-day farm tasks, including planting, harvesting, weeding, watering crops, and other routine responsibilities.

According to his experience, the internship offered a hands-on opportunity to learn about sustainable farming and the work required to produce food. He also emphasized that much of what he enjoyed most was being outdoors and working as part of a supportive team. Each day, he said, brought different tasks and opportunities to learn something new while also allowing him to see the results of the work being done.

This internship helped Gallow build practical experience, strengthen his ability to work in a team environment, and deepen his appreciation for sustainability and agriculture. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and for the lessons he gained throughout the summer.

07/29/2026

Adetola at the Planning and Development Office in Chillicothe.

One of our CommDev students, Adetola Fajembola, spent the summer interning in the Planning and Development office of Mayor Luke Feeney’s administration in Chillicothe, Ohio, through the MORPC Intern Program. Her work ranged from launching The Chillicothe Pulse ,the city’s first summer newsletter to writing grant applications, creating social media content, conducting policy research, and producing video content for the Mayor’s office.

What she has loved most is the variety; she has been able to use her communications, research, and policy skills all in one role, and she has seen firsthand how local government turns big ideas into services that touch people’s everyday lives. She has also found it especially rewarding to take skills from her graduate work in Communication and Development and apply them in a real municipal setting.

This experience has sharpened her grant-writing and communication skills, deepened her understanding of local governance, and reinforced her commitment to community-centered service.

07/29/2026

Sarah & Emmanuella at CFI.

This summer, two of our ComDev students, Sarah Namubiru and Emmanuella Kwamee, served as Fellows with Athens’ Community Food Initiatives (CFI) through the International Student Community Engagement Academic Fellowship Fund, supported by the Sugar Bush Foundation.

Their work centered on strategic communication for CFI, including developing a full communication audit, newsletters, creating social media content, and expanding CFI’s photo library.

Beyond communications, Sarah and Emmanuella immersed in CFI’s day-to-day operations. They rolled up their sleeves for hands-on gardening work, from seed sowing and watering to mulching and harvesting. They also connected with CFI’s community partners through outreach programs at the Athens Farmers Market and mobile produce sales through the “Veggie Van” to ensure equitable access to healthy local food across Athens County.

Through this fellowship, Sarah and Emmanuella gained firsthand insight into how CFI connects families to fresh, healthy, local food while supporting local farmers and strengthening community ties through gardening. Their experience reflects the core of what Communication and Development Studies is about, using communication not just to inform, but to build relationships, strengthen institutions, build communities and support social change from the ground up.

We are grateful to the Sugar Bush Foundation for this partnership and to Community Food Initiatives for warmly welcoming our students.

07/14/2026

☀️ This summer holiday,some of the CommDev family and friends enjoyed an unforgettable cultural experience in Cleveland, Ohio.

The two-day trip was designed to bring together art, community, and local culture with visits to Cleveland’s most iconic lakefront park and a world-class arts institution, plus time spent engaging with the city’s vibrant festival atmosphere.

One of the biggest highlights was Parade the Circle,a beloved annual celebration in the University Circle neighborhood ,featuring handcrafted puppets, creative costumes, stilt walkers, live music, and participatory art. 🎭🎶

A journey which was meaningful, fun, and full of discovery. 💛

SummerMemories paradethecircle
edgewaterpark
clevelandmuseumofart

Address

Athens, OH

Telephone

+17405931840

Website

http://www.commdev.ohio.edu/index.html

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