Media Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication

with concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations

Communication is at the heart of everything, from how we create and maintain relationships to how we generate and distribute messages and information in our communities, in the workplace and around the world. Communication is essential to our identity and our culture. Within the framework of a sound liberal arts education, Roger Williams University offers students two exciting concentrations in the Media Communication Major that help prepare them for careers in a wide variety of fields and industries. All Communication majors should have excellent writing and verbal skills and should display a critical curiosity about the world.

The Media Communication major prepares students for careers in the exciting and demanding fields of Journalism or Public Relations with a focus on both solid communication theory and practical communication skills training. Knowledge of how emerging technologies are used by audiences and publics is key to Public Relations, Journalism and Digital Media practitioners in the 21st century.

The internship is integral to all Communication majors. Junior and senior students have the opportunity to complete their apprenticeship at more than 30 nearby organizations including newspapers, radio, network and cable television, public relations agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

The goals of the Media Communication major are as follows:

• To have the theoretical understanding of Mass Media and to adapt to the changing media landscape;
• To prepare students for careers in the demanding fields of Journalism and Public Relations;
• Create comprehension of both solid communication theory and practical communication skills training;
• Engender knowledge of how emerging technologies are used by audiences and the public in the 21st Century;
• Provide cutting-edge instruction and pedagogy to our students;
• Provide service and outreach to the academic and professional communities of which we are a part both nationally and internationally;
• Support the missions of the Department of Communication and Rogers Williams University.

Journalism Learning Outcomes:

Journalism has traditionally been a professional program with the goal of bringing students to professional standards for an entry-level journalist. The measure of that has always been fairly definable: entry-level positions at small newspaper or local affiliate television generally have defined tasks and expectations. Students who complete the journalism concentration should have the following skills:

• A strong knowledge of current events
• An understanding of the media industry
• An understanding of digital media platforms
• Thorough training in media history, ethics and practices
• Strong news judgment
• The ability to write in various professional settings
• The ability to shoot and edit video for the Internet
• An understand of media theory
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills

Public Relations Learning Outcomes:

In addition to preparing leaders for the future, emphasizing the development of creative and critical thinking skills, and the techniques that will reflect those skills, the Department of Communication at Roger Williams University is committed to ensuring that our students are provided with a facility that enables them to learn in conditions and with tools that approximate those found in professional practice.

• An ability to critically analyze mass media;
• To identify and describe the ethical framework for the practice of journalism and mass communication;
• To demonstrate a command of the basic electronic production and presentation skills necessary for entry into media careers, and an awareness of emerging technologies which may impact the future of media acquisition and dissemination;
• To demonstrate the ability to research, design and execute professional quality integrated public relations communication campaigns for clients;
• To demonstrate the ability to write, collect data, edit and design computer-generated designs of professional-quality projects for promotional media;
• To demonstrate an understanding of the importance of research for adding new knowledge, and an ability to employ a variety of research techniques for analysis and interpretation.

Degree Requirements

Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication must satisfy University general education requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, students must successfully complete 12 major courses, including an internship and a sufficient number of electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.

Foundation Courses

Journalism Concentration

and two of the following:

Public Relations Concentration

and one elective chosen from the following: