Student Learning Outcomes

1. Law: Identify the principles and laws associated with free speech and press for the US, as well as compare the American system of freedom of expression with others around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances

2. Professional History: Describe how professionalization has historically shaped the institutions in communications. Use knowledge of the history of the media industry to adapt to current communications work environment

3. U.S. Diversity: Explain mass communications in relation to social identities such as gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in American society

4. Global Diversity: Recognize how the diversity of peoples and cultures has shaped mass communications in a global society

5. Visual Communication: Apply theories and concepts of design and visual communication to the use and presentation of images and information

6. Ethics: Recognize professional ethical principles and apply them in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity

7. Critical Thinking: Critically, creatively and/or independently consider problems and issues relevant to the communications professions

8. Research: Conduct research and/or evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions

9. Writing: Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve

10. Critical Evaluation: Evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness

11. Use of Numbers: Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts

12. Technology: Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work

13. Contribute Knowledge:  Analyze and interpret cultural products such as theater performances, operas, jazz and classical music performances and art exhibits

14. Cultural Knowledge:  Apply journalistic storytelling to specialized reporting on arts and culture

Program Requirements