Program Learning Outcomes
The School of Communications exists to help students become professional and scholarly communicators whose messages contribute to a better society by benefiting the organizations for which they work and the audiences they reach.
Effective Communication
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
• Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
• Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work;
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
Mass Communication
• Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
• Think critically, creatively and independently.
Professional Practice
• Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
Applying Gospel Values
• Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
Effective Communication
Students will be able to communicate effectively with their audiences: Specifically, students will be literate in the language of the media industries, and be able to plan and prepare mass media messages in the appropriate style, using the appropriate research methods and appropriate technologies to best serve audience needs.
Professional Practice
Students will act professionally in their practice: Specifically, students will demonstrate they value freedom of speech in the marketplace of ideas, and be able to practice within legal boundaries, while exhibiting standards of professional behavior and demonstrating sensitivity to ethical behavior.
Mass Communication
Students will be scholars of the mass communication process: Specifically, students will be able to apply the relevant theory to communication practice, understand factors that shape their profession and think critically about the relationship between mass media and society.
Applying Gospel Values
Students will be able to apply Gospel-centered values as they contribute to society: Specifically, students will promote diversity, inclusiveness, and agency in a global society, be able to exercise moral reasoning when faced with ethical dilemmas, and show a commitment to making a difference in their sphere of influence.
Effective Communication
Students will be able to communicate effectively with their audiences: Specifically, students will be literate in the language of the media industries, and be able to plan and prepare mass media messages in the appropriate style, using the appropriate research methods and appropriate technologies to best serve audience needs.
Professional Practice
Students will act professionally in their practice: Specifically, students will demonstrate they value freedom of speech in the marketplace of ideas, and be able to practice within legal boundaries, while exhibiting standards of professional behavior and demonstrating sensitivity to ethical behavior.
Mass Communication
Students will be scholars of the mass communication process: Specifically, students will be able to apply the relevant theory to communication practice, understand factors that shape their profession and think critically about the relationship between mass media and society.
Applying Gospel Values
Students will be able to apply Gospel-centered values as they contribute to society: Specifically, students will promote diversity, inclusiveness, and agency in a global society, be able to exercise moral reasoning when faced with ethical dilemmas, and show a commitment to making a difference in their sphere of influence.
