Students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication will be prepared to work in today's global communication network in a broad range of fields, including journalism, social media, marketing and sales, public relations, education and ministry. The Communication Department offers two concentrations: Digital Media and Public Relations.
Digital Media
The Digital Media concentration is designed for students who wish to prepare for rapidly expanding opportunities in business communication, digital marketing, social media and web development as well as for students who seek careers in traditional media (television, print, radio) as journalists and producers. Students completing the digital media concentration will learn skills in such areas as website development, social media content creation and management, photography, video production, podcasting, blogging, print layout and design, and more. They may work in jobs related to web analysis, content development, and digital content creation.
Students in the Digital Media concentration have access to a media lab featuring leading software for video production, which is identical to that used by professional video producers around the world, as well as to a video production studio.
Gaining Experience
In addition to classroom studies, students can broaden their learning experience through projects that take them into the community. Whether through covering actual news, producing promotional videos, or shooting video documentaries, students have many opportunities to apply their skills in real work-world situations. An internship that gives students the chance to work within their chosen concentration is required for graduation. Programs for study abroad are also offered.
Student work is frequently recognized through the Palmetto Awards sponsored by the South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Mercury Awards sponsored by the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Anderson University is also home to a chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, the premier pre-professional organization in the nation for students preparing for communication careers.
Your Future as a Communicator
The degree in Communication is specialized enough to provide entry into specific job categories. For example, with the concentration in digital media, students may be qualified to create corporate video content, develop podcasts for a business, blog for a social media outlet, or to join a web content development team for a company. The degree is broad enough to offer opportunities in fields as diverse as the legal profession, nonprofit organizations, and missionary work.
Christian Influence
The world has a dire need for ethical communicators, and a degree in Communication from Anderson University gives graduates an opportunity to create an impact for Christ in the workplace. Media ethics and professional values based on Christian principles play a central role in the courses offered as well as in other activities such as internships, field trips and appearances by guest speakers.