Communication and Media

Caitlin Carlson, PhD, Chair
Web: https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/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 provides students with a foundation for developing and implementing communications strategies to help organizations reach their goals. Students acquire skills in campaign planning and execution, professional writing, social media management, advertising, and community and media relations. Students with a specialization in Strategic Communication are prepared for careers in public relations, corporate communication, advertising, marketing, public affairs, nonprofit advocacy, event planning, and crisis communication.

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

Undergraduate Major

Communication and Media, BA

Undergraduate Minor

Communication and Media Minor