Communication

Over the last ten years, there have been dramatic changes in communication: the rise of the Internet, social media, electronic publishing, multimedia and interactive technology. The goal of the Lewis University Communications Department is to prepare skilled, knowledgeable and ethical communication professionals to actively engage and lead in this new diverse, global and technological world by providing coursework and experiences in a participatory learning environment.

To achieve this goal, the department prepares students to work in today’s changing human interaction and new media environment through participation in two departmental majors.

The Communication Studies Major prepares students for careers that demand an understanding of human interaction and relationships, small group dynamics, organizational communication and cultural differences. This major focuses the student’s education towards specialization in the multiple contexts of human communications. A minor in Communication Studies is also available.

The Mass Communication major prepares students for careers in media and communication technology. All mass communication students take a common 21-hour core of courses and then select one of the following concentrations:

• Convergence Journalism
• Public Relations/Advertising
• Corporate Communications
• Radio/TV/New Media

The Mass Communication core courses provide students with the writing, production, ethical and liberal arts foundation that all media careers require. The concentration in the major provides students with specialized knowledge and training to prepare them for a variety of careers in the field. Students also have the opportunity to work in campus media and participate in the department internship program. Specialized minors in Mass Communication are also available.

Each student will be assigned an appropriate departmental advisor after consultation with the department chairperson to plan a program of study to meet his or her educational and career goals.