Communication & Media Studies

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Program Website

Communicating is something we all do on a daily basis. And the ability to communicate competently and understand communicative acts is an asset valuable to one's success. By choosing from Stetson University's Communication & Media Studies course offerings, students can tailor a program that fits their needs and interests. Our Journalism minor takes a strong and dynamic interdisciplinary approach to the field and prepares students for a variety of careers, which ultimately makes for better journalists. Students interested in journalism will combine their minor with a major that connects with their professional interests.

Faculty

Excellence in teaching and a focus on student development are hallmarks of Stetson University and this department. Highly professional and dedicated to their programs, faculty members take a personal interest in their students and their progress. Through research and/or performing, our faculty members keep current with the latest trends in their fields. Communication Studies faculty members and their research areas include:

  • Andy Dehnart, M.F.A., Bennington College; journalism (including online journalism and blogging), critical and cultural studies (including reality television) (website)
  • Daniel Rossi- Keen, Ph.D., Ohio University; rhetoric, philosophy, religion, gender, and public culture
  • Michael W. McFarland, Ph.D., Northwestern University; rhetoric, social movements, public discourse
  • Tara J. Schuwerk, Ph.D., Arizona State University; health communication, intercultural communication, qualitative research theory and methodology
  • Rebecca B. Watts, Ph.D., Texas A&M University; Southern culture, sports communication, online communication, popular communication, political rhetoric

Special Features

In 2010 we added a Communication Studies & Journalism Technology Studio featuring the latest Mac computing technology. We also offer a course in Communication & Technology and bring in guest lecturers with expertise on the impact of technology on communication and journalism.

In addition to opportunities on campus, DeLand is conveniently located near Daytona Beach and Orlando for internships. Examples of recent internships in the area include Fox Sports Florida/SunSports, Fox 35 News (Orlando), the Museum of Florida Art, Halifax Hospital public relations, and NASCAR public relations.

Course Information

Courses for Communication & Media Studies students include visual communication, intercultural communication, gender in communication, organizational communication, and interpersonal communication based in a foundation of traditional liberal arts courses in public discourse and modern and classical rhetoric. Journalism classes include blogging, broadcasting, public relations, newsgathering and dissemination, and editing and publishing. In addition to course requirements, majors in Communication & Media Studies complete individualized research for the Senior Project.

Internship Opportunities

Students gain valuable on-the-job experience and connections through internships in print and broadcast media, public relations, corporate communication, museums, law firms, and more.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have gone into a variety of professions including journalism, public relations, law, event planning, and more.

Alumni Highlights

  • Sommer Wyant ('10), public relations for Publix Supermarkets headquarters
  • Erica Saviuk ('10), St. Ambrose University (Iowa) residential life professional staff
  • Adam Langston ('10), full scholarship recipient, Stetson University College of Law
  • Kimberly Rick ('10), City Year mentor to at-risk youth in Louisiana
  • Isa Adney ('09), admissions staff at Seminole State College
  • Megan Trombino ('08), social media strategist, Max Borge Public Relations Agency, Miami
  • Katie Bircham ('08), international staff, Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters
  • Jocelyn Figueroa ('08), Master en Ensenanza de la Lenuga, Literatura y Cultura en el Mundo Hispanico at Universidad de Alcala, Spain
  • Francesca Bilodeau ('08), public relations for John Hancock Financial, Boston
  • Jennifer Hahn ('08), Master of Arts in Mass Communication, specialization in Public Relations, University of Florida
  • Alexis Zoe Schmidt ('08), Spanish teacher and assistant volleyball coach at All Saints Academy
  • Heather Martyn ('07), Master of Arts in Professional Communication at Emerson College, Boston, and public relations with AARP, Boston
  • Kristina Tsipouras ('07), working with event planning firm in Boston
  • Robert Presley ('06), Stetson University College of Law graduate, now practicing with Presley Law and Associates, P.A.
  • Evie de la Vega ('06), account executive at Zubi Advertising

Clubs and Organizations

Students with outstanding academic achievement in Communication may join the Iota Tau chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honorary of the National Communication Association.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • Elizabeth McGraw Scholarship

Department Awards

  • Outstanding Senior in Communication Arts and/or Theatre Arts
  • Josephine Field Davidson Award for Integrity in Journalism

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Contact:
Michael McFarland
386-822-7527
mmcfarla@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 3

Degrees Offered:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor in Communication Studies
  • Minor in Journalism
  • Minor in Theatre Arts

Our Graduates Attend:

  • Emerson College
  • Florida State University
  • Northwestern University
  • Stetson University College of Law
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Florida
  • University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of South Florida
  • Universidad de Alcala
  • University of Rhode Island

Our Students Intern at:

  • Museum of Florida Art
  • NASCAR
  • SunSports/Fox Sports Florida
  • Fox 35 (WOFL), Orlando
  • Fox 5 (WTTG), Washington, DC
  • PBS 15 (WCEU), Daytona Beach
  • Halifax Hospital, public relations
  • Orlando Sentinel
  • DeLand Beacon
  • Astrid de Parry, P.A.