The School of Communication offers four-year Bachelor of Arts degree programs in three areas: Broadcasting and Electronic Media (including Multimedia Journalism and Film Techniques and Technologies), Communication Studies, and Public Relations.
The School of Communication’s student-centered program seeks to transform lives through excellence in instruction, advising, scholarship, and service. The school strives to produce creative and effective communicators by providing cutting-edge programs emphasizing hands on and practical learning. Empowered by this experience, students are prepared to work, lead and serve in a global society.
Program Requirements
Some courses may require special skills and equipment. Instructors will notify students of these requirements at the first class meeting. Students may earn up to 16 credit hours toward their degree by enrolling in cooperative education courses. Credit for additional practical experience may be earned through practicums. Students majoring or minoring in the School of Communication are required to attain a minimum grade of “C” in all courses (core and supporting) for a major or minor and a 2.25 or better GPA in all courses (core and supporting) required for the major or minor.
Program Descriptions
Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Graduates of the Broadcasting and Electronic Media program pursue careers in the media industry, as well as in broadcast journalism, magazines, government and non-profit public information offices, cable companies, industrial and corporate video facilities, and production houses. Graduates also pursue advanced degrees including in the legal field.
- Students in the BEM General Concentration demonstrate excellence in their ability to produce, direct, write, perform, manage, and to create commercials, public service announcements, sports programs, promotional videos, music videos, and entertainment programs for television, the Internet or other platforms.
- Students in the Film Techniques and Technology Concentration demonstrate excellence in writing, visualizing, shooting, editing, and cinematic storytelling.
- Students in the Multimedia Journalism Concentration demonstrate excellence in gathering information, writing, news production, and visual storytelling. Students will use cross-platform skills within journalistic standards and present news and commentary to a diverse audience. Our objectives are to train students for a variety of fields including traditional and emerging media, businesses and corporations, government public information, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations. They will develop an understanding of the meaning of First Amendment freedom in the United States, and the social, political and ethical responsibilities they will have as professionals.
Public Relations
Graduates of the Public Relations program pursue careers with corporations, non-profit organizations, education, government, and public relations agencies. Activities include providing appropriate counsel, writing and producing news releases, speeches and newsletters, using social media and planning events. Students must demonstrate excellence in research, planning, communication and evaluation of public situations using a variety of platforms to meet standards for public relations education as published by the Public Relations Society of America.
EKU’s Public Relations program was certified by PRSA in 1990 and is the second oldest certified program in the world. It was most recently re-certified in 2012 and is one of only 39 such programs worldwide.
Communication Studies
Graduates of the Communication Studies (CMS) program pursue careers in labor relations, human resources, tourism, banking, corporate relations, sales, and many other professional contexts. Communication Studies students learn how to successfully demonstrate and promote effective human communication, including relationship building and maintenance, resolving conflict, persuading and negotiating, professional speaking, communication training and development, and leadership skills. CMS students must exhibit cognitive and behavioral learning by demonstrating (a) sufficient knowledge about various human communication processes, and (b) satisfactory skills related to communication competency.
Minors
The school also offers minors in Broadcasting and Electronic Media, Communication Studies, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations, and Visual Media.
Media Production Opportunities
Student-run media is supervised by the school, including EKU’s student media, The Eastern Progress Media Network. The Eastern Progress Media Network offers students the chance to gain media experience in print, video and podcast production. Numerous video productions and films are also produced within the school. Majors and non-majors can receive academic credit for work on some productions.