Department of Communication

The Department of Communication offers a strong educational foundation in a wide range of dynamic fields, including filmmaking, television and radio, advertising and public relations, journalism, Web/CD-ROM development, video production, intercultural communication, digital media arts, graphic communications and political communication. Studies in visual aesthetics and culture and society provide critical frameworks for media analysis and use. Courses emphasize human values, appropriate uses of communication media, historical perspectives and critical thinking.

Combining critical studies with production experiences, faculty seek to prepare students for their chosen careers while also encouraging them to become critical thinkers and creative producers. Students are pushed to be flexible enough to manage continuous change in their industries and contribute to ongoing dialogue in their communities.

Within the communication department, students can opt for the general communication major, selecting electives to explore specific interests, or they can track into more specific majors and minors at any time. Curriculum flexibility and course diversity offer students a depth and breadth in their education that reflects the mission of the department.

Currently the largest and fastest-growing department at the University, the communication department uses industry-standard facilities, features internationally-known faculty, and offers internships at more than 90 local and international job sites.

Communication students can become active with student-run publications and media, video and film contests, clubs and events such as the Tampa International Film Festival, which is partially sponsored by the University.

Programs

Majors

Bachelor of Arts in Communication - An umbrella program that allows students the most breadth of all the communication programs. After completing core courses, students choose from a wide range of electives to complete their program of study. Communication majors have entered careers in sales and marketing, advertising, public relations, and broadcast journalism, or pursued graduate programs in law, business, media arts, or other fields. Learn more.

Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Arts - Combines critical studies with production experiences in film and media arts. Blending "story" with "technology," students examine critical perspectives and practice implementing techniques in traditional (16 mm film) and emerging (digital) formats. Learn more.

Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Art and Technology (EMAT) (interdisciplinary) - Offered as an interdisciplinary program that includes courses in art, communication, information and technology management, music and writing. The program emphasizes design and production for interactivity and Web-based products for both commercial and artistic intent. After taking core courses, EMAT majors may choose electives such as Web design, CD-ROM development, animation, advertising, graphic arts, video production, music composition, computer programming, photography, filmmaking, writing, fine art, and new media theory. Learn more.

Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations (interdisciplinary) - Prepares students for professional and academic opportunities in strategic communication. Core courses provide foundations in advertising and marketing, public relations, journalism, culture and society, visual aesthetics, writing, design, production, and strategic problem-solving. Students learn to produce creative solutions to real-world problems working both individually and collaboratively. Learn more.

Minors

Minor in Advertising - Students interested in advertising, marketing, and graphic design will find a solid career foundation in the advertising minor while selecting a major of their choice. Learn more.

Minor in Writing - Communication majors interested in both creative and professional writing might be well-suited for the writing minor. While this minor is offered by the Department of English and Writing, it features courses cross-listed with the Department of Communication and allows students to select courses that are compatible with their goals. Learn more.