About the Department
The Department of Communication offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Our majors select one of three professionally oriented concentrations:
- Advertising
- Multimedia Journalism & Production
- Public Relations
In addition to the Communication major the department offers two minor programs:
- Communication Studies
- Mass Communication
Each concentration offers a blend of theoretical and applied coursework by faculty members who combine significant professional experience with advanced degrees. Our state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities were renovated and updated in 2009-10 and include three computer labs, an online media lab, and a HDTV television production center.
Transformational Learning
UNF Communication students engage in community-based learning in all of our concentrations. Multimedia Journalism & Production students research and write the annual Hope Fund series of stories in the Florida Times-Union and contribute several types of content to the newspaper's Jacksonville.com web site. Also, Multimedia Journalism & Production students produce "Inside Jacksonville," a weekly news show and other TV programming. Every semester Advertising and Public Relations students create fully planned campaigns for First Coast area non-profit organizations. In addition, during every term nearly 100 Communication majors complete professional internships.
From the Classroom to the Profession
Jacksonville is a great location for a program like ours. This dynamic metro area ranks in the top-50 media markets in the U.S. and is home to a large array of top-flight news media organizations, advertising firms, and public relations firms. The department enjoys a strong cooperative relationship with this professional community. Area professionals are frequent guests in our classes and support our student organizations. In addition, the department involves the professional community in its assessment efforts and curriculum planning.
Department Mission
The Department of Communication's mission is to create and disseminate knowledge about human and mass-mediated communication processes through high-quality teaching, research, and service to the community.
Our graduates will be able to demonstrate the following 10 competencies:
- Communicate effectively
- Value freedom of expression
- Embrace diversity
- Think critically
- Practice ethically
- Regard history
- Apply communication theory
- Conduct valid research
- Utilize appropriate technologies
- Engage in transformational learning.
