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Undergraduate

Communication and Media

As a Communication and Media major at Assumption University, you will learn how to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences through print, video, audio, and digital media.

Workshops in journalism, fiction, poetry, and/or autobiography will hone your critical and creative writing skills. At the same time, production courses will give you the chance to learn how to create your own podcasts or radio or TV shows. Participating in an internship (or two) will provide you with experience in the field and the opportunity to work alongside professionals. Taking courses in communication theory will give you the key terms, concepts, and skills those professionals use. All of these learning experiences will be capped in your final year as you collaborate with your classmates to produce a project to present before a live audience—and put on your resume.

Assumption also offers a program in Organizational Communication through the Grenon School of Business.

When you graduate, you’ll find that the digital revolution continues to create new opportunities for people who can communicate effectively. Communications majors once felt limited to creative writing, journalism, publishing, and public relations, which continue to provide jobs today. But now, virtually all non-profits, political groups, big businesses and small businesses, sports teams, social justice activists, government agencies, and others need to put across their messages using more than one form of media. This means that most organizations will need communications and media professionals to help them tell their stories. And while no one knows how emerging technologies will transform life in future years, you can feel confident that learning how to master the arts of critical thinking, writing, production, and the use of emerging technologies as an Assumption Communication and Media major will prepare you to be an effective and successful communicator no matter how the world changes.

As a major in Communication and Media, you will learn to read television, radio, and film productions (as well as websites) as constructed texts while developing your voice as a writer and your skills in radio and television production.  Majors in Communication and Media can specialize in journalism and professional writing, creative writing, media production, or create their specialization. Several specialty courses also count towards the minor in graphic design.  In 2019, 100% of our Communication and Media graduates were employed or enrolled in additional education within six months of graduation.

Learning Goals of Major in Communication and Media

  1. To pose questions and employ methods specific to the field of communication studies and to explore the implications of these ways of knowing;
  2. To read film, audio, and printed texts critically and empathetically, recognizing the significance, quality, and consequences of images and language;
  3. To write and speak effectively, exhibiting an awareness of audience;
  4. To ask ethical questions about others’ and one’s communication practices and the tensions and consequences that result from various rhetorical decisions;  to consider how communication strategies impact students’ values and ways of being in the world;
  5. To gain a more informed and global understanding of cultural and historical differences;
  6. To take intellectual risks, synthesize the questions and approaches of the discipline they have learned, and take responsibility for their learning. To become lifelong active and engaged learners.
Program Contact

Rachel D. Ramsey, Ph.D

Associate Professor of English
508-767-7337 Founders Hall - Room 204

Apr 16
2024
Senior Seminar Graphic Design Show
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
D'alzon Library, Assumption University
May 11
2024
The Baccalaureate Mass
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University Campus
May 12
2024
The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester

AN IDEAL PLACE TO LEARN

100%
All classes taught by professors, non by teaching assistants
13:1
Student/ Faculty Ratio
91%
2020 graduates employed, pursuing additional education or engaged in service within six months of graduation

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

  • The major in Communication and Media combines the traditional skills of rhetorical analysis, effective style, critical thinking, and ethical questioning with contemporary applications through oral, written, and visual communications in both traditional and new media. The goal of the program is to help students understand how language shapes our world and to use responsibly and effectively the various forms of communication that define and construct contemporary life and culture. The major thrust of the curriculum is toward a broad and thorough education in the liberal arts in a creative hybrid form that also prepares students for graduate school, law school, careers in creative and professional writing, in journalism and publishing, in public relations, in teaching, and in other areas of the growing and changing communications and media fields.

    Required Courses (1)
    These do not include ENG 130 English Composition or LTE 140 Introduction to Literature. Students may take a total of 14 courses designated ENG for the major.
    Gateway Courses (3)
    ENG 201 Writing Workshop: Argument and Persuasion
    ENG 202 Introduction to Journalism
    ENG 219 Approaches to Media Analysis
    Electives: Literature (3)

    Three literature classes (ENG 225-295, ENG 320-295), two of which must be at level 300 or higher.

    Capstones (2)
    ENG 415 Capstone Senior Seminar in Communication and Media
    ENG 420 Communication and Media Practicum: Internship
    Specialties (3) Three courses from ONE of these Specialties:

    Journalism and Professional Writing

    ENG 212 Professional and Academic Writing
    ENG 301 Special Topics in Communication and Media
    ENG 302 Special Topics in Journalism
    ENG 304 Business and Technical Writing
    ENG 308 Writing and Editing
    ENG 309 Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

    Creative Writing

    ENG 203 Writing Workshop: Autobiography
    ENG 209 Creative Writing
    ENG 305 Writing Workshop: Fiction
    ENG 306 Writing Workshop: Poetry
    ENG 309 Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction
    ENG 310 Special Topics in Writing

    Media Studies and Production

    ENG 211 Speech
    ENG 217 Introduction to Film Studies
    ENG 237 Film and Literature
    ENG 293 Special Topics in Film and Literature
    ENG 301 Special Topics in Communication and Media
    ENG 396 American Film
    ARD 311 Graphic Design I
    ARD 215 Graphic Design II
    ARD 175 Introduction to Digital Photography
    CSC 181 Electronic Communication and Multimedia
    TVP 290 Video Communications Skills
    TVP 295 Video Production I
    TVP 390 Video Production II

    Course Descriptions

  • Effective communication is a critical element of management and leadership. The Organizational Communication major builds on the strengths of liberal arts and business to develop your communication abilities valued in various business environments and transferable across many sectors. As a student of organizational communication, you will be prepared to enter the world of organizations and management, including profit, non-profit, social, government, and entrepreneurial start-ups. In addition to developing your communication skills, you will gain a strong business foundation that includes internships. Organizational Communication majors have many career opportunities in media relations, investor relations, internal communication, marketing communication, public relations, advertising, social media marketing, and many more.

    Learning Goals of Major in Organizational Communication:

    1. Foundation of Organizational Communication Knowledge and Application
    2. Information Technology Proficiency
    3. Managerial Communication Skills
    4. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
    5. Ethical Decision Making

Faculty

Rachel D. Ramsey, Ph.D
Chair, Department of English Associate Professor of English
Kristen Carella, Ph.D.
Professor of English
Becky L. DiBiasio, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English
Mary DiDomenico
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Shahara B. Drew, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Practice of English
Christopher J Gilbert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
John Hodgen
Writer-in-Residence
Michael Charles Land, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English Director, Community Service-Learning Program
David Nordman
Adjunct Faculty
David Thoreen, Ph.D
Professor of English

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. “Internship in Business” is a 3-credit seminar course in the Business Studies Department that is available to juniors or seniors. The course provides hands-on experience and training, networking with professionals, and assessment of your personal career strengths and interests. You’ll spend a minimum of 120 hours working in the field. During the faculty-led weekly seminar, students discuss how organizational behavior and management concepts apply to their individual placements.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.


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