Program Goals and Objectives

  • Goal 1: Employ knowledge and skills gained through the program to effectively communicate public information and entertainment to different media audiences.
    • Objective 1.1:  Provide students with the ability to prepare a range of basic news articles, feature stories and scripts. Students will be able to:
      • 1.1.1: frame story content for an identified audience
      • 1.1.2: apply the appropriate professional style standards and formats (for example, the Associated Press style) in the preparation of news and feature stories
      • 1.1.3: evaluate sources and assess their credibility
    • Objective 1.2: Provide students with the ability to convey ideas and information through visual media. Students will:
      • 1.2.1: employ fundamental design principles
      • 1.2.2: obtain proficiency in the crafts and technologies of visual media
      • 1.2.3: describe, analyze, and critique visual media
  • Goal 2: Employ knowledge and skills to solve media communications problems or to achieve other media communications objectives.
    • Objective 2.1: Develop critical thinking by providing students with an understanding of the major philosophies, legal and ethical issues, and challenges underlying the study and practice of communications. Students will be able to:
      • 2.1.1: demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal theories and responsibilities of communications media
      • 2.1.2: formulate plans for solving communications research questions that address and utilize current theory
      • 2.1.3: write effective research reports that clearly explain how theory is being tested and the steps taken to answer a question
    • Objective 2.2: Develop strategic thinking by providing students with the tools to research, synthesize and interpret knowledge and experience to solve communications problems or achieve a communications objective. Students will develop the skills to:
      • 2.2.1: gather written, aural, and visual information
      • 2.2.2: construct a unified communications platform/point of view in keeping with appropriate standards 
      • 2.2.3: apply industry standard processes and production methods to express the intended communications
  • Goal 3: Use the knowledge, skills, attitudes and ethics gained through the program to gain employment and build careers in media-related areas such as journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing communications, graphic design, photography, video production, and new media.
    • Objective 3.1: Provide students with the knowledge and skills to assemble a comprehensive portfolio of communications work. Students will:
      • 3.1.1: gather, edit, and prepare work for inclusion in a portfolio 
      • 3.1.2: create work across media platforms
      • 3.1.3: engage in portfolio review with peers, faculty, and outside reviewers
    • Objective 3.2: Prepare students to present themselves and their work to prospective employers. Students will be expected to:
      • 3.2.1: research and approach prospective employers
      • 3.2.2: present their qualifications and work (portfolio) to prospective employers
      • 3.2.3: research and pursue professional internship opportunities
  • Goal 4: Prepare students to use the knowledge, skills, attitudes and ethics gained through the program to continue to Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts postgraduate studies.
    • Objective 4.1: Develop an understanding of the professional, ethical, and social responsibilities of the media professions. Students will:
      • 4.1.1: follow the codes of conduct established by professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America, and the Society of Professional Journalists.
      • 4.1.2:examine ethical issues of global media and journalism
      • 4.1.3:determine the ethical and social implications of individual media projects
    • Objective 4.2: Demonstrate the application of professional skills and standards, and the development of the unique abilities and talents of the student. Students will:
      • 4.2.1: prepare a portfolio of creative work and/or scholarly papers that establish a productive research agenda 
      • 4.2.2:participate in undergraduate activities of professional and academic conferences
    • Objective 4.3: Apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging technologies. Students will be expected to:
      • 4.3.1: apply knowledge gained from previous courses 
      • 4.3.2: assimilate new knowledge
      • 4.3.3: apply communications techniques, theories and technologies to problem solving