Communications

The face of communications is constantly changing. The Communications Program in the Shields School of Business embraces this change by integrating websites, blogs, social media and state-of-the-art technology into our program. Students who graduate from our program are prepared for the diverse landscape of today’s professional world.

LEARN

Our Communications curriculum is comprehensive and our graduates are skilled in all facets of the profession. They develop technical skills in Desktop Publishing, Web Design and Digital Editing classes. They build strategic skills in Public Relations, Advertising and Social Media Strategies courses.
EXPERIENCE
Our students develop their skills in state-of-the-art facilities. In our media lab and television studio, they produce, design and edit content for video, web and print. They work on the staff of our campus newspaper; they work behind the scenes and on air with our Division I athletics teams; they become Communications professionals.
ACHIEVE
Our students gain experience in Communications through internships on campus, in industry, and around the globe. Our students have interned with collegiate and professional sports teams, international fashion companies and regional and national publications. They present their work at academic conferences and consult with professional organizations.
DEVELOP
At Saint Francis, you will become a Communications professional prepared to make an impact. We will provide the education you need for success and facilitate networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Communications Program Chair
Dr. Kelly Rhodes
p. 814.472.3379
KRhodes@francis.edu
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Majors & Minors

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Majors & Minors

Majors:
Communications, B.S. - Course Catalog Major Requirements | Download Plan of Study
Communications, B.S. + Digital Concentration - Course Catalog Major Requirements | Download Plan of Study
Communications, B.S. + Digital and IMC Concentrations - Course Catalog Major Requirements | Download Plan of Study
Communications B.S. + IMC Concentration - Course Catalog Major Requirements | Download Plan of Study
Communications + Marketing, B.S. - Download Plan of Study
Minor:
Communications Minor - Course Catalog Major Requirements
Digital Media Minor - Course Catalog Major Requirements

Curriculum

Social Media Strategies introduces students to the strategic use of digital and social media platforms within the communications industry. This convergence course requires students to utilize various social media techniques to interact with audiences across various business, journalism and public relations fields.
Multi-Platform Storytelling affords students the opportunity to develop communications messages across a range of media platforms. Students sharpen their writing, design, editing and production skills while creating content for use within multiple media environments.
Sports Reporting introduces students to the fundamentals of sports writing and broadcasting, as well as careers in athletic media relations. Students develop the skills and abilities to produce and package sports content for today's convergent media environment. They are also introduced to sports broadcasting, statistical analysis and event management.
Internship Credits are built into the major so students gain "real-world" experience and complete their studies at the same time.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Communications program are prepared to find success in a wide array of media and communications fields. Graduates of our program have moved on to a variety of careers in the industry, including advertising, broadcasting, corporate communication, journalism and public relations. Saint Francis Communications majors interested in continuing their education following their undergraduate studies have advanced to graduate schools across the country.
Here are some of the career paths you may choose to pursue:
Advertising
Print Journalism
Photojournalism
Videography
Event Planning
Public Relations
TV/Radio/Internet
Media Relations
Magazines
Graphic Design
Desktop Publishing
Film Industry
CSOR's 2021 Emerging Scholars Conference

CSOR kicked off the second Emerging Scholars Conference. The goal of the conference was to provide a forum for discussion and feedback on occupational regulation research while bringing scholars and policy analysts together to consider the implications for public policy.
CSOR Research Affiliate Darwyyn Deyo, and newly appointed visiting scholar, took the lead to establish a mentor-mentee workshop throughout the conference. The workshop was designed as a learning process for mentors to make connections while providing constructive feedback to the presenting mentors. The scholars received academic advice and additional scholastic resources to improve their continued research.

11th Annual Dr. Albert A. Zanzuccki Post Session
CSOR fellows and graduate assistants presented their research at the Shields School of Business 11th Annual Dr. Albert A. Zanzuccki poster session on April 14th.

Combating COVID-19 with Licensing Reform

Director Dr. Edward Timmons, Legislative Research Analyst Ethan Bayne, and Research Analyst Conor Norris continue to compile a policy brief outlining the emergency occupational licensing reforms implemented by states for combating COVID-19. Visit our website for our April 15th revisions.

Already reaching higher, striving to go far

Desmend, an incoming freshman in the petroleum and natural gas engineering program, is no stranger to Saint Francis University. Participating in the University’s Upward Bound Program, he was one of only 1,000 scholarship recipients, out of 53,000 applicants across the U.S.

Read his story

Poland Bound: World Youth Day 2016

Matthew Fraley (Digital Media/Marketing major) has been selected to take part in the Knights Pilgrimage to Krakow and World Youth Day 2016. Congratulations!

Learn more about the trip.

Eyeing the Goal: Pablo Medina

Pablo Medina came to Saint Francis University from Mexico City, Mexico to play Division I Soccer and now is on the cusp of leaving it as a young investment banker executive with Bank of America – Merrill Lynch.

Read Pablo's story

On a Mission

During her time at Saint Francis University, alumna Leah Kessler was heavily involved in clubs and activities. Now, she is spending time on mission trips, serving as a representative for Bausch + Lomb, where she currently works.

Alumni Profile Leah Kessler

Nationals, here we come.

The Saint Francis University chapter of ENACTUS is headed to the National Exposition after winning the title “Regional Champions” in the ENACTUS Regional Competition.

Find out when Nationals are

Happy 10th anniversary, Spring Break in London!

Founded 10 years ago by Dr. Frye, Dean of the School of Business, the Spring Break trip to London celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the 10 ten years, approximately 210 students have made memories and experienced life abroad in London.

Read more about the trip
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