About Us
We now live in an ever-more-mediated world. Every day most of us receive hundreds of messages through a variety of media: messages sent by friends, news reporters, advertisers, political hacks, identity thieves and even by software "bots."
In today's highly mediated world, it's important to craft messages clearly, accurately, and ethically. It’s also important to be able to evaluate this daily barrage of information critically.
In the Department of Communication, you train to craft, analyze, and evaluate messages. You are welcome to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of our majors and concentrations listed below, or a Master of Science degree.
Mass Communication major:
Strategic Communication major
Our graduate programs emphasize theory and research methods. Graduate study brings you to the edge of the known world, and empowers you to extend that edge by contributing to knowledge. With our Master's in communication degree, you'll also learn highly advanced practitioner skills.
The department is located in Burke-Hawthorne Hall, which is immediately adjacent to Cypress Lake, the most scenic landmark on campus. Our facilities are among the most modern on campus, as our building has recently been completely renovated. Our broadcasting sequence gives students access to high-definition cameras and editing equipment in V. L. Wharton Hall.
Our undergraduate mass communication and public relations programs are nationally accredited by ACEJMC, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Being accredited means that our faculty, curriculum, diversity, facilities, and student learning meet or exceed national standards.The department bases its curricula on the professional values and competencies advocated by ACEJMC. These include understanding the importance of free speech and a free press, writing cogently, applying communication theory, doing communication research, valuing a diverse society, thinking critically and independently, and working ethically.
Learn more about our undergraduate programs and master's program, and please don't hesitate to contact us to set up a campus visit or have any of your questions answered.