The Department of Communication employs a variety of resources designed to help students improve their ability to participate in and evaluate the communication process. The department’s curriculum provides a balance of theory and practice that can be applied to personal relationships, business, media and other communication environments. Students who major in communication or media arts prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to: small group interaction in settings such as social service agencies and corporations; media use, creation, performance, analysis and criticism; and related fields that require public speaking and application or analysis of interpersonal and public speaking skills. Objectives
To accomplish this mission, the Department of Communication and Media Arts:
Offers high-quality undergraduate courses and programs in communication and media theory including digital media production, media studies, public communication and relational communication. Emphasizes development of the four modes of communication (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) as well as media production techniques throughout the undergraduate curriculum to enhance students’ ability to understand and create appropriate, creative and effective interaction and media. Provides a personalized learning environment for students through faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects, video productions, and internships. Prepares students for graduate education in media arts, communication and related fields. Assists students in identifying appropriate classes, learning opportunities and careers through attentive advising. Fosters the growth and development of faculty and their students through supporting research, attendance at professional meetings, and presentation and publication of scholarly work. Collaborates with media-industry professionals in the tri-state area to support professional growth of faculty as well as internship opportunities for students.
