Microsoft Word MU 2009-2010.doc - Methodist University

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRSDr. Bonita Belcastro, DeanThe School of Public Affairs is a diverse multidisciplinary unit with programs preparing students forprofessions in public service and the media. The knowledge, values and critical thinking skills developed inthe liberal arts core enable programs to expand and apply that knowledge to specialized fields of study. TheSchool offers programs in Communication, Justice and Applied Forensics, Leadership, Legal Studies,Environmental and Occupational Management, Political Science, the Reserve Office Training Corps(ROTC), and Social Work. Graduates of the School’s programs are prepared both for professionalemployment and further study in graduate school.MissionThe mission of the School of Public Affairs is to provide a high quality undergraduate education toprepare students to be responsible leaders and citizens in a democratic society.DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONProfessor Paul Joseph, Department ChairMass Communications Program GoalsGoal 1: Graduates will be competent and ready for entry-level employment in their respective fields.Goal 2: Graduates will be knowledgeable in the area of computer-based communications and will havecompetency in computer graphics, multimedia design, computer-based video production, and interactivecommunications.Goal 3: Graduates will be competent in written, oral, and visual communication as well as in criticalthinking.Goal 4: Students will become more critical consumers of information and information technologies, andwill become more aware of the planning process and techniques involved in the production of a variety ofmedia products.MASS COMMUNICATIONSThe purpose of the Communication Department is to prepare students to work in the mass media in anumber of possible capacities. We also help students become more aware of how the media affects theirlives and how they can best help use it to shape the society of tomorrow.Because communication is such a vast and diverse discipline, the Communication Department offers threeseparate concentrations with a common core of required classes. Students are encouraged to specialize, butbe knowledgeable in as many other areas as possible. The concentrations include TV-MultimediaCommunication, Radio Communication, and Journalism. We also offer a major in OrganizationalCommunication and Leadership (OCL).With approval from the academic advisor, department chair, school dean, and vice president for academicaffairs, comparable or substitute courses may be used to fulfill major and minor requirements for the B.A.and B.S. degrees.Degrees Awarded: B.A., B.S.143