Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Department
Department of Languages and Communication
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview of the program
The Department of Languages and Communication teaches:
- Speech fundamentals
- Writing, producing, and directing for print, broadcast and online media
- Mass communication and journalism
- Interpersonal and intrapersonal communication
- Critical thinking
- Research skills
- Forensics
- Communication theory
- Organizational communication
Concentrations
Electronic Media - Dedicated faculty members with over 20 years of national network-level television experience impart their wisdom in the art of production through one-on-one interaction with students. Undergraduates learn and hone cutting-edge skills and techniques in producing, directing, writing, reporting, anchoring, camera operation, editing, lighting, sound recording, graphics and 3-D computer animation while working on both studio and remote film-style productions.
Multi Platform Journalism – For students who are interested in learning about online journalism, multi-platform journalism is the place where media truly converges. Students learn news writing techniques, produce short news videos and take newsworthy photographs with the intent to share and distribute content and produce an online portfolio.
Organizational Communication - For students interested in careers in training, human resources, public information, recruiting, management, and other communication-driven professions in the corporate, health, non-profit, and education sectors. Faculty encourage students in the development of skills and understanding of workplace technology, group dynamics, business communication, and interpersonal relationships across cultures and gender.
Public Relations - One of the fastest growing fields of mass communication, students in the Public Relations concentration develop skills in event planning, writing, desktop design and crisis communication. Students who graduate in public relations may apply their knowledge to improve communication in businesses, healthcare organizations, corporations, universities, government entities and non-profit settings.
Speech Communication - Offering students a comprehensive experience in the field of rhetoric and public address, the Speech Communication program provides a flexible curriculum with communication course offerings across the discipline as well as the ability to easily include a minor using 18 credit hours of free electives.
Strengths of the program
- One of our biggest strengths is our faculty. In addition to their excellent academic preparation, our faculty has extensive professional experience.
- Another strength is the superior facilities we offer. Our students have access to state-of-the-art digital video and audio editing labs, writing and layout labs, KSLU radio and the Southeastern Channel, a cable channel that has a three-parish viewership.
Preparing for a job in the program
Core Requirements
Communication 101 .................................................................................... 1 hour
Communication 102 .................................................................................... 1 hour
Communication 151 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 159 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 211 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 215 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 291 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 453 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Communication 498 .................................................................................... 3 hours
Total21hours
Careers in the program
- Radio Host
- Television News Anchor
- Photojournalist
- Videographer
- Film Editor
- Television or Film Producer
- Television or Film director
- Television, Radio, Print or Electronic Media Reporter
- Television, radio, Print or Electronic Media Editor
- Web Designer
- Layout Artist
- Corporate Communications Director
- Fundraiser
- Radio Station General Manager
- Record Label Representative
- Advertising Director
- Sales Director
- Reporter
- Editor
- Public Relations Practitioner
- Corporate Trainer
- Speech Writer
- Recruiter
- Human Resources Specialist
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
$35,000 to $50,000.
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- The Lion's Roar, the student newspaper
- KSLU, a Corporation for Public Broadcasting radio station
- The Southeastern Channel, a cable television channel that reaches over 90,000 households
- Lambda Pi Eta and Pi Delta Epsilon honor societies
- Organizational Communication Association
- The SLU Press Club
Related fields that might interest you
- Government
- Green Jobs
- Hospitality
- Non-Profit
- Pharmaceutical
- Sales
- Marketing
- Advertising
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Curiosity and interest in human behavior
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Creativity
Notable Alumni
Two of our most famous alumni are Robin Roberts, host of ABC's Good Morning America, and Steve Bellas, former producer and anchor at New Orleans WDSU. However, many of our students are making names for themselves as newspaper writers, radio and television journalists, and public relations professionals.
Contact Information
Department of Languages and Communication
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
SLU 10719
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Vickers Hall, Room 219D
Telephone: 985-549-2105
Fax: 985-549-3088
