Communications, B.S.

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Kelly Rhodes, 814-472-3379, krhodes@francis.edu

Program Description:

Graduates who possess strong communication skills continue to have an edge in the job market today, according to researchers from the American Association of Colleges and Universities. The Saint Francis University Communications major may well possess the most sought-after training for today’s job seekers. Communications majors develop excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Our department’s graduates work in journalism, public relations, sports writing, business and all aspects of traditional and digital media. Our revised curriculum reflects the demands of the 21st century workplace, providing courses in communications theory, writing, editing, public relations, video and graphics production, research and public speaking. Our students experience hands-on learning through the use of a dedicated department graphics lab and television production studio. A required internship provides students with the real-world experience they need to become communications professionals.

All Communications majors complete 51 credits in media literacy, writing, speaking, social media, audio/video production, advertising, public relations, multi-platform journalism and an internship. Students may also add concentrations in Digital Media and Integrated Marketing Communications; both are highly recommended and designed to fit comfortably into the major coursework. Our majors are uniquely equipped to meet the demands of today’s employers with our flexible, yet comprehensive, program options.

The Digital Media Concentration equips students with the skills that today’s employers are looking for in the digital age. Students in both Communications and Marketing are eligible to complete this 21-credit concentration. Coursework includes Desktop Publishing, two courses in Audio/Video Production, Digital Image Editing, Social Media Strategies and Photojournalism.

The IMC Concentration provides critical knowledge of marketing, consumer behavior, global marketing and market research. These marketing skills will equip students with the ability to perform market analysis and develop strategic marketing concepts for a variety of clients and situations.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Saint Francis University Communications students should be able to:

1. Critically analyze leading communications and media theories, explain the dynamics of communications, and consider these theories’ relevance to modern media practices.
2. Become functionally media literate.
3. Create written works that are concise, well-organized and error-free, using appropriate research and resources to accurately and clearly convey the message to its intended audience. Gather information for print, broadcast, webcast and podcast stories through the use of interviews, documents and reference materials, and package these stories for delivery in the appropriate medium.
4. Work competently in various roles within print and on-line publications, radio and television, advertising and media relations, as well as other audio and visual mass communications mediums, including social media.
5. Recognize and address legal and ethical issues related to communications.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of corporate communications issues in today’s increasingly consolidated business environment and identify and utilize strategies to address them.
7. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the tools of the digital media industry and develop functional skills working with these tools.

Capstone Requirement:

COMM 435  Multiplatform Storytelling is the capstone course for the major. Students will complete a portfolio piece that will be evaluated by all COMM faculty to fulfill the comprehensive exam requirement.

Estimated Time to Completion:

Typically four years of full-time study

Total Credits Required:

128 credits