COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA
Looking for a career in the ever-changing world of media and communications? Ouachita’s communications and media students are equipped in a hands-on learning environment for today’s diverse communications-related positions as well as emerging careers as technology continues to evolve and expand. Choose among six career-focused emphases: strategic communications, visual media & film, multimedia journalism, sports media, communications studies and integrated communications.
- Strategic communications
- Public relations or advertising
- Print, visual, sports or social media
- Multimedia journalism
- Film
- Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns
- Social Media
- Feature Writing
- Advanced Video Production
- Sports Media
View the Ouachita catalog for a full course listing with course descriptions.
This flexible degree program allows you to choose an emphasis to suit your interests and the needs of your future career path:
- Strategic Communications
- Visual Media & Film
- Multimedia Journalism
- Sports Media
- Communications Studies
- Integrated Communications
View the detailed degree requirements PDF to see all courses included in the program.
0%
Job or Graduate School Placement
0
Students Have Attended Sundance Fim Festival
0
#1 Yearbook in Arkansas
0
Arkansas College Media Association Awards in 2017
6 Emphases:
choose your path
The Strategic Communications emphasis is designed for students who are interested in the fields of communications and marketing.
Courses focus on marketing campaigns, advertising, public relations, event planning and social media marketing. Students work on a real-world campaign with a corporate client.
Ouachita alumni in this field include Mitch Bettis, president of Arkansas Business Publishing; Lannie Byrd, COO of Team SI (Social Innovation); Nikki Northern Chumley, director of the Benton Event Center; Patrick Parish, VP Southwest Sales for Warner Brothers Entertainment, Dallas; and Ben Cline, public relations specialist for The City of Rogers.
The Visual Media and Film Studies emphasis is designed for students who are interested in creating meaningful content for the film and broadcast media industry.
Classes focus on video writing, production and editing, as well as the history and current issues in visual media. Students in our Sundance class attend the Sundance Film Festival in January, where they interact with film writers and producers. Opportunities in the field include work with a corporate, nonprofit or ministry communications team.
Alumni in this field include Nick Burt, media services director for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention; Alyse Eady, co-anchor for FOX News Atlanta; and Matthew Ablon, photojournalist at KWTX News 10 in Waco.
The Multimedia Journalism emphasis is designed for students who are interested in how to communicate messages using a variety of platforms.
Courses include knowledge and skills in social media, print design, video, broadcasting, photography and feature writing.
Alumni working in the field of multimedia journalism include Rex Nelson, senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and author of the blog rexnelsonsouthernfried.com; Sonja Clinesmith Keith, co-owner, 501 Life magazine and co-owner 501 Advertising and Publishing; and Rachel Gaddis, content manager for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
The Sports Media emphasis is designed for students who are interested in sports journalism and communication jobs in the sports industry.
Course content focuses on communicating about sports events and personalities using a variety of media platforms including print, broadcast and online. Opportunities in sports media include sports reporting, broadcasting and sports information.
Alumni in this field of work include Steve Bowman, director web content for Bassmaster.com and Outdoor Channel; Brent Gambill, director of communications for Richmond International Raceway; Jeff Williams, associate director of the NCAA; and Zach Parker, sports writer for the Hot Springs Sentinel Record.
The Communications Studies emphasis is designed for students interested in oral communication and communications in different settings.
Courses focus on communications in personal, small group, family and corporate setting. Opportunities in this area include work with corporate, non-profit and ministry communications teams.
Alumni include Gracie Lundstrum Lively, executive assistant for CJRW advertising agency; Hannah Dean, director of communications for the Arkadelphia Public Schools; and Abby Root Curry, oral communications and theatre teacher at Benton High School.
The Integrated Communications emphasis is designed for students who have a unique interest in communications that requires a combination of emphases. A student can propose a 12-hour emphasis to be approved by the adviser, department chair and dean.
Ouachita’s department of communications offers unlimited career and community-building. The smaller class sizes and specialized programs create an environment where meaningful instruction and hands-on experience merge, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. During my time there, I was able to pursue my passion for communications in a variety of ways, from writing for the Ouachita News Bureau to working on a social media communications campaign that reached audiences nationwide to serving as a summer intern for a Christian news publication. Most importantly, I was able to participate in and learn from a body of students and faculty who respect, encourage and empower one another.
Anna Hurst
2016 communications graduate from Little Rock, Ark.
BENEFIT FROM AN ENGAGED AND EXPERIENED ALUMNI NETWORK
With many notable communications and media graduates nearby – or at least a video chat away – you’ll have the opportunity to pick their brains during guest lectures, informal networking and more. Their expertise can help shape your time in the classroom, and may even be the foot in the door for your first job!
GO, LEARN, TRANSFORM YOUR PERSPECTIVE WITH TRAVEL
Ouachita at Sundance is one of several high-impact travel experiences available to communications students. The class attends Sundance Film Festival each year to see and discuss faith, culture and storytelling at the forefront of the film industry. Then, apply it to your career with a semester of study.
HANDS-ON LEARNING WITH PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
You’ll be trained on industry-standard tools of the trade, including the Adobe Creative Suite and cutting edge video, photo and audio equipment. The Turner Studio, Speer Design Labs (two Mac-only computer labs) and publications newsroom are spaces geared toward collaborative and hands-on student learning.
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
that sets you apart.
As a communications and media major at Ouachita, you’ll have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom. From working on our award-winning student publications staffs to off-campus internships to serving with campus organizations, there will be an option that fits your needs and passions. Every communications & media major is required to practice their skills on at least two staffs during their junior and senior years and internships are encouraged. Many majors join a staff as a freshman and rise to assistant editor, editor or director positions. These portfolio-building opportunities will take your resume to the next level when it comes to pursuing a career in the field.
The School of Humanities at Ouachita addresses career and life skills in two key areas – language and communications. The Department of Language & Literature and the Rogers Department of Communications prepare students for a wide range of careers and a lifetime of learning.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question about Ouachita? Want more information? Shoot us a message!
