Communication Arts

Major / Minor

In the Communication Arts department, we mentor our students to appreciate a liberal arts education focusing on communication to enhance their personal and professional interpersonal relationships. Theoretical understandings lead to practical applications as students consider their future careers, ethical leadership and intercultural knowledge. We teach courses in theatre and theatre history, public relations, media studies, gender and women’s studies, communication ethics, play writing and directing.

Alongside a broad education in communication arts we also offer students the ability to focus on a more specific field of study. After completing introductory courses in Communication Arts, our majors may choose an area of emphasis to further enhance their understanding and skills in Media Studies, Public Relations, or Theatre. Because of their exposure to a wide knowledge base, students gain experiences that provide historical insights, theoretical literacy, and practical opportunities in the communication arts, helping them forge their own identities and paths forward.

Communication Arts Snapshot

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Courses

Acting: Improvisation, Analysis, and Performance

Advanced Public Speaking

Advanced Topics in Communication Arts

Advertising and Digital Media

American Dream on Film

Cultural Studies in Communication Arts

Digital Storytelling

Film Form and Genre

Film in Context

His Stud Comm: Radio Broadcast

Intro to Theatre and Film

Introduction to Media Studies

Introduction to Public Health

Introduction to Public Relations

Introduction to Rhetoric and Com

Journalism

Narrative Theory and Performance

Political Economy of Media

Public Relations Campaigns

Public Relations Research & Strategies

Public Speaking

Radio Drama and Documentary

Radio Performance or Product

Research Methods in Communication Arts

Senior Capstone

Sports Communication

Stagecraft: Theatre Prod & Design

Star Wars: Expl Modern Myth

Theatre Direction and Management

Theatre Performance or Production

Writing for Stage and Screen

Research and Internships

Careers After W&J

With so many opportunities as students, our alumni go on to attend prestigious graduate programs; work in theatres as actors, writers, or managers; become public relations professionals, social media managers, or sports information directors; produce and write for news stations; or go into grant writing or development. Our career preparedness includes hosting networking events with program alumni, scheduling resume and cover letter workshops, offering references for employers, and portfolio building mentorship.

Some alumni incorporate skills from all areas to build their dream careers. In his role as Guest Coordinator for CBS This Morning, Cole Grecco ’18 builds on a career sparked by an internship with CBS that he completed while still a student at W&J.

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Beyond the Classroom

Our students gain additional experience through department-sponsored programming and off-campus internships to supplement their coursework. We work one-on-one with our students to develop career and internship applications, critical research methods, interview best practices, presentation skills, portfolio building, and networking strategy.

The W&J Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a vibrant campus group of students interested in networking with professionals in the PR industry and learning about future careers. Students become engaged leaders and learn how to delegate, manage and create PR content for local nonprofit originations.

In the theatre, students perform, design sets, stage manage, or hone their writing skills by participating in Student Theatre Company productions. Student work assistants coordinate events for the department and gain experience writing copy and managing communication arts social media accounts.

Experiential learning occurs live, each day at 91.7 FM WNJR, the College’s FCC licensed noncommercial educational radio station. WNJR broadcasts 24 hours a day, featuring an eclectic format of music. Student broadcasters have the freedom to produce a diverse range of independent programming, including talk shows on a variety of topics including sports call-in shows, country music live performances, and college student issues. Students learn and apply skills like interviewing and recording, which are applicable to careers in traditional radio as well as the fast-growing, innovative field of podcasting.

Because our electives and emphases are so varied, Communication Arts majors find internships off-campus in a wide range of organizations and fields. Students develop skills in fundraising, donor relations, sports analysis, nonprofit event planning, judicial advocacy, digital production, and web writing. Students have interned at Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C.; MTV; CNN; the Pittsburgh Penguins; CASA; UPMC Health Plan; Mylan Pharmaceuticals; and the Washington Wild Things, as well as in local school districts.

“The many times I have written for my various classes here at W&J have led me to be a strong writer and prepared me for the world of advertising, social media, and business communication,” she said. “And this internship has helped me so much with my future goal of being a PR professional. I now have experience and confidence that will be invaluable when I start interviewing for a post-graduation job.”

Rebecca Valencia '22

Communication Arts, Public Relations, Conflict & Resolution Studies

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My proudest accomplishment at W&J has been being a LINK Mentor. As a first year student, my LINK Mentor had a huge impact on me and I am so happy that I have been able to serve as a LINK Mentor in my senior year.

Arianna Taylor '22

Communication Arts, Gender & Women's Studies, Conflict & Resolution Studies

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If you’re coming here and you know no one, you can find your group of people-a group of people who will be accepting of who you are, your background, and will help integrate you into the culture.

Darious Singleton '18

Communication Arts, Pre-Law

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What is one of your best W&J memories?

My favorite W&J memory (as corny as it sounds) is when I joined Delta Gamma my freshman year. Joining that sorority is what made my experience here at W&J whole. I was extremely close to transferring that year, but then I met 50+ girls who became my support system. From that day on, all my best memories have come from that house.

Kristine Horissian '22

Communication Arts, Public Relations

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W&J made me think in a different way in terms of thinking outside the box and being a well-rounded student. I think that really helped me gain the confidence to know that I am capable of anything.

Jourdan Gottlieb '14

Communication Arts

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“I know the benefits of collaboration and cooperating with others, and really being able to respect all sides of a situation,” Joachim said. “Even in my closer, more personal relationships, I’ve learned to be more tolerant of other people, and understand that people have events in their lives that have led them to be who they are, and I have to always respect that.”