Department of Communications

Statement of Purpose

The Department of Communications exists to help students become professional and scholarly communicators whose messages contribute to a better society by benefiting the organizations for which they work and the audiences they reach.

GOALS

Students will be able to communicate effectively with their audiences.  In particular, students will be able to:

• Prepare mass communication messages in the appropriate style,
• Apply appropriate technology to the creation and dissemination of messages,
• Plan communication that serves audience needs,
• and use appropriate research methods to answer relevant questions.

Students will act professionally in their practice.  In particular, students will be able to:

• Practice communication within legal boundaries,
• Exhibit standards of professional behavior,
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the ethical issues of their practice,
• and literate in the language of the media industries.

Students will be scholars of the mass communication process.  In particular, students will be able to: 

• Apply relevant theory to communication practice,
• Understand the factors that shape(d) their profession,
• Value freedom of speech in the marketplace of ideas,
• and think critically about the relationship between mass media and society.

Students will be able to apply Gospel-centered values as they contribute to society.  In particular, students will be able to:

• Respect diversity and agency in a global society,
• Exercise moral reasoning when faced with ethical dilemmas,
• Show a commitment to making a positive difference within their sphere of influence,
• and critically evaluate media-related issues in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.