Communications (BA)
Communications is a versatile major which prepares the student to succeed at any career. Courses within the discipline provide students with the skills of interpersonal communication, public speaking and writing with clarity and authority. These skills ensure that students accomplish their goals in any professional field. For those majors who wish to pursue careers in either communications, broadcast journalism, print media or cinema, this major offers an opportunity for focus through specialized classes taught by instructors who have academic preparation and professional experience in their fields.
An added advantage of Dominican’s Communications Department is the opportunity for hands-on participation. Students don’t just talk about broadcasting, publishing or cinema; here they do it. Within six weeks of their arrival, freshmen students expressing a desire to concentrate on radio broadcast begin their semester crafting original shows. They launch their careers by broadcasting over Dominican's award-winning Internet radio station, radio.dominican.edu. The experience they gain prepares them for internships with professional radio stations that often lead to job offers, even before graduation.
The publication of Dominican University’s student-run newspaper, The Habit, teaches students real-life skills in meeting deadlines, writing and reporting news with ethically responsible views and serving the community through dissemination of information. Journalism students also use their experience with The Habit to successfully complete internships that lead to industry jobs.
Dominican’s Communications Department classes in cinema emphasize production and screenwriting and introduce students to cinema aesthetics, history and theory. The skills and understanding gained from cinema study are applicable to all visual and aural media.
Communicating to lead and to manage a workforce with inspiration and diplomacy is a core aspect for those who choose to focus their studies in communications. Students learn communication theory so that they can analyze the aspects of effective communication. The nature of cross cultural communications is an essential element of this focus. Listening with sensitivity, awareness, compassion, and purpose are key elements within this track.
