Communication and Media

Rick Malleus, PhD, Chair
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/communication/

Objectives

The Communication and Media Department provides courses designed to give students an awareness of the role of communication in society, as well as practical experience in developing their talents in oral, written, visual, and digital communication. We offer a single major in Communication and Media with three specializations: communication studies, journalism, and strategic communication. All students must choose a specialization and they may also double or triple specialize.

The communication studies specialization engages students in the exploration of communication both broadly and within specific areas of the discipline, including: digital, environmental, health, intercultural, interpersonal rhetorical, media, and political communication. Blending theory and practical experiences, students are prepared for a wide range of communication and media centered careers in corporate and non-profit organizations.

The journalism specialization develops students’ competence in gathering and disseminating stories through the media, using reporting, writing, visual, and digital skills. Students with a specialization in journalism can emphasize preparation for journalistic careers in print, broadcast, or online media.

The strategic communication specialization introduces students to an integrated approach to managing all communication functions, giving them familiarity with the underlying theoretical frameworks, so they can develop innovative industry practices and influence the role of communication in global organizations.

Specializations and minors

Students can complete additional specializations by taking all of the required classes in the specialization in addition to the courses required for their major. They may receive a minor in Communication in Media that pursues either breadth or depth in a particular subject area as described below.

Programs

• Communication and Media, BA

• Communication and Media Minor