| Program or Department: | Department of Communication |
|---|---|
| Type: | Private |
| Location: | St. Louis, MO |
| Undergrads: | 350 |
| Graduate program: | Yes |
| Website: | http://www.slu.edu |
The Department of Communication studies human symbolic practices. The Department educates students to become culturally sensitive participants in democratic dialogue and ethically responsible leaders in fields such as journalism, communication research, public relations, advertising, human resources, public service and teaching.
In addition to Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Minor in Communication, Master of Arts in Communication, Master of Arts (Research) in Communication degrees, starting in fall 2009, undergraduate communication majors may choose one of four focus areas: Journalism and media studies; leadership, communication and organizing; advertising and public relations; and communication and culture.
The Department encourages undergraduate students to combine a theoretical knowledge of human interaction processes, an understanding of the cultural consequences of the mass media, and specialized skills in writing, speaking, critical thinking, research, and design. Graduate students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of communication theory, research, criticism, and ethics and to prepare themselves for positions of greater responsibility in their chosen professions.
Technological developments in communication in the twentieth century have created a global village and post-industrial information age. The discipline has grown tremendously with these developments and with that growth has come the recognition that communication is a ubiquitous and complex process involving symbolic interaction in the interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass, and intercultural contexts. The goal of the Communication program is for students to master a set of useful concepts and research tools in Communication for academic, professional, and/or personal growth. The program attracts students from a wide range of occupations and professional fields (e.g., communication and education, advertising, public relations, personnel, training and development, and journalism.)
Through their scholarship, the Department of Communication's faculty advance knowledge and understanding in the discipline of communication by relevant research and insightful service to the University, profession, and community.
An internship provides that important bridge between your academic and professional worlds, and makes the transition much easier. All the internship sites listed have been approved by the internship program director. Take advantage of the opportunity an internship offers. Not only will you gain three hours credit in your career emphasis - you will be adding considerable value to your resume.
Compiled by Heather Devane, with permission from St. Louis University.