Students develop many skills needed to work in communications, such as writing, information-gathering, reporting, video production, online journalism, and media literacy.Students in the department have routinely won state, regional, and national awards in print and video journalism, multimedia and new technologies, and public relations. The faculty members are more than just teachers and researchers, but are veteran mass media professionals and nationally recognized scholars with experience as newspaper journalists, editors, TV producers, public relations specialists, and Web designers.Most students work as interns during their junior and senior year, and all students must complete a one-semester internship before graduation. Because of the hands-on learning students receive while in the program, students have substantial experience and are more likely to be hired post-graduation.Students must have a minor in order to build expertise.Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

  • Broadcast/Electronic Media: This emphasis focuses on the distribution of video and audio content to a wide audience via television, radio, and the Internet. Students will learn to write radio and TV scripts, as well as how to use electronic media equipment. Students can get hands-on experience by getting involved with Utah Public Radio, Aggie radio, or Aggie TV.
  • Print Journalism: In this emphasis, students learn how to find, collect, and report the news. Students typically find careers writing for either a newspaper or magazine. Most students in this emphasis write for the on-campus newspaper, The Utah Statesman.

  • Public Relations/Corporate Communications: Public relations is concerned with maintaining the public perception of an organization, business or person. A PR specialist may be involved with image building, media relations, event planning, crisis management, web communications, social media, etc.

Broadcast/Electronic Media Emphasis

  •     News anchor
  •     Radio host
  •     Meteorologist
  •     Talk show host
  •     News analyst
  •     Announcer
  •     Actor
  •     Professional blogger
  •     News associate
  •     Associate producer
  •     Entertainment agent
  •     Broadcast assistant

Print Journalism Emphasis

  •     News writer/editor
  •     Magazine writer/editor
  •     Professional blogger
  •     News analyst
  •     Columnist
  •     Designer
  •     Creative writer

Public Relations Emphasis

  •     PR specialist (image building, media relations, social media, etc.)
  •     Writer
  •     Marketing
  •     Fundraising
  •     Event planning
  •     Crisis Management