Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 
    
2015-2016 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication


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Nethery Hall, Room 224
269-471-6314; Fax 269-471-3125
commdept@andrews.edu
www.andrews.edu/communication
https://www.facebook.com/aucomm

Faculty
Rachel Williams-Smith, Chair
Patrice Jones
Beverly J. Matiko
Debbie Michel
Desrene L. Vernon-Brebnor

Adjunct Faculty 
Delyse Steyn

Programs

  Credits
Communication, MA   33
Communication Arts, Secondary Education BS   36-38
Communication BA   38
          Communication Managment emphasis   60
          International Communication emphasis   60
Journalism and Communication Media, BA   49
          Broadcast Journalism emphasis   49
          Media Writing and Technology emphasis   49
          Public Relations emphasis   49
Minor in Secondary Education   21
Minor in Communication and the Family   21
Minor in Communication Arts, Secondary Education   21
Minor in Communication Studies   21
Minor in Health Communication   21
Minor in Journalism   21
Minor in Public Relations   21

Mission

The goal of the department is to prepare students to become scholars, market-ready practitioners, and/or future Communication professors who are able to effectively develop, shape, and deliver uplifting messaging through communication channels. Our purpose is to mold students’ minds to think critically, discern clearly, and communicate creatively and constructively, and to do so with a Christ-like mindset for service.

Communication is all about connection—shaping, sending, sharing, and receiving messages and meaning through a variety of channels including interpersonal, small group, public, or mediated one. A bachelor’s degree in Communication is very useful for preparing you for a wide range of career options, including to being a political aide, public relations manager, talk show host, sales representative, graphic designer, photojournalist, market researcher, camera operator, corporate communication manager, copy editor, producer, magazine editor, and marketing/advertising manager to name just a few. A master’s degree in Communication can position you as an expert in your chosen area of concentration, further expand your career options, and open higher-level opportunities to you for professional advancement—as well as also prepare you to pursue a terminal degree.  

The Department of Communication offers three undergraduate degree programs that have a variety of emphasis areas as well as two master degree programs and a graduate certificate program.

Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Association (NCA) affiliated honor society.

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter

The Andrews University PRSSA chapter is affiliated with the Western Michigan Public Relations Society of America. At the national level students are eligible for PRSA’s publications, scholarships, award programs, leadership training and a national conference.

Communication Club

The Department of Communication has an active Communication Club that you are encouraged to actively participate. The club provides you with opportunities to gain meaningful extracurricular experience, engage in enjoyable and professional social activities, and have access to privileges (such as special tours or workshops, or opportunities) only granted to club members.

Computer Policy

The Department of Communication regards the computer as a tool integral to the success of students in their professional development. It is required that all students purchase a laptop computer and software to meet the department guidelines. Because computer technology is continually changing, a revised policy is drafted in the fall semester. A list of software is available in the department. Specific requirements change so it is important to make sure the software listed is compatible with the laptop you choose to purchase. Use of the computer in the curriculum varies by course.

Internships

Communication Management emphasis and Journalism and Communication Media majors must submit applications for required internships during the sophomore and/or junior year. Students must fulfill the required number of clock hours to meet the requirements for their degree. All Communication majors are encouraged to participate in the internship program and must then submit applications for internships during the junior or senior year. Department approval must be obtained prior to the start of an internship.

Practicum

Practicum refers to the out-of-class opportunities on campus and in the immediate area for developing skills valuable to the communication professional. Students are encouraged to apply to the department for such opportunities.  These experiences will be documented in a Portfolio as evidence of the student’s involvement in the practical application of theory.

Courses

    CommunicationJournalismPublic Relations

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