Communication & Journalism Department

Learning Outcomes for the Communication and Journalism Bachelor's Degrees

The Communication and Journalism Department is committed to providing undergraduate students with a quality education in the communication and journalism disciplines that is current, relevant, practical, and personal. The department's goals include enabling students who graduate to be able to compete successfully for positions at graduate schools nationwide.  Another departmental goal is that students who graduate in communication will be prepared for entry-level positions as professionals within communication-related fields. Students who graduate in journalism will be prepared for entry-level positions as professionals within journalism and related fields.

LEARNING OUTCOMES IN THE COMMUNICATION DEGREE

The following learning outcomes are expected of each student graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication:

1. Outcome: Students will be able to make effective oral presentations on a variety of topics in public settings.
2. Outcome: Students will be able to apply basic and advanced human communication theories and models to academic and professional situations.
3. Outcome: Students will be able to make effective business and professional presentations to internal and external audiences.

LEARNING OUTCOMES IN THE JOURNALISM DEGREE

The following learning outcomes are expected of each student graduating with a bachelor's degree in journalism:

1. Outcome: Students will be able to write a variety of mass media products, including news stories, press releases, and advertising copy, following accepted journalistic standards, including Associated Press style.
2. Outcome: Students will be able to create and design emerging media products, including blogs, digital audio, digital video, social media, digital photography, and multimedia.
3. Outcome: Students will understand and be able to apply relevant case law involving journalism, the First Amendment, and other mass media issues.