Shields School of Business
Communications, Bachelor of Science
Introduction
Earn an Impactful Communications Degree from Saint Francis University
From digital editing, web design, and desktop publishing to advertising/PR, social media, and blogging: you will touch it all in the SFU Communications Program through the Shields School of Business.
Offered: On-Campus
gain skills in social media, sports reporting, storytelling, and more!
work in the on-campus media lab, TV studio, newspaper, or behind the scenes/on-air opportunities with our athletics teams
tailor your program focus through specialties in digital media and integrated marketing communications
The SFU LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Communications the Saint Francis Way
Our COMM students are always on the go, developing their skills and building their portfolios. In our on-campus media lab and television studio, they produce, design, and edit content for video, web, and print. They cover campus news for our newspaper. And they work behind the scenes and on-air with our Division I athletics teams. In other words, they are busy becoming Communications professionals.
Hands-On Experience
Communications Alumni Luke Hetrick (2014) visited Saint Francis University and participated in our Executive in Residence program, speaking in classes and providing one-on-one mentorship to students from his experiences as a student and as a Sports Reporter and Anchor for WSB-TV in Atlanta, GA . Luke engaged with students throughout his visit offering valuable advice on working in broadcast journalism.
The Troubadour (our school newspaper) Editor, Maddy Perry planned an interview before the visit and interviewed Luke in the Communications program Production Studio located on the ground floor of Schwab Hall in the Shields School of Business.
Communications students Oksana Horova and Samantha Przybys worked behind the scenes in recording and editing the interview utilizing Adobe Creative Suite Software in our Media Center, also located in Schwab Hall. Saint Francis University Communications majors engage in hands-on learning and put theory into practice.
Pictured are Veronica Crum, Samantha Przybys, Madison Perry and Luke Hetrick. Click image to watch the interview.
Listen to what several of our graduates shared about their experiences at Saint Francis:
Student Testimonial
Katie Page ' 21
Student Testimonial
Nicolette Balesco '22
Student Testimonial
Matthew Crawford '17
Try on your career path!
Did you know that Communications majors can work in any industry, anywhere in the world? From major cities to small towns, everyone needs employees with communications skills, which means more jobs for COMM majors!
Seek Hands-On Experiences
Communications students are “doers.” They envision and create campaigns and put these ideas into writing, film, graphics, or images. Much of what you do will be hands-on! 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.
- Earn "Internship Credits" as you can gain "real-world" experience and complete the program at the same time.
- Travel to major cities to network with industry professionals including some of our esteemed alumni.
- Find internships on campus, in industry, and around the globe.
The best way to explore what the student experience really looks like is to schedule a visit!
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Communications Program
Our Communications curriculum is comprehensive and our graduates are skilled in all facets of the profession. They develop technical skills in Desktop Publishing, Video and Audio Production, and Digital Editing classes. They build strategic skills in Public Relations, Advertising, and Social Media courses.
All Communications majors complete courses in media literacy, writing, public speaking, social media, audio/video production, advertising, public relations, and multi-platform journalism, plus they complete an internship.
Key Topics
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.
Specializations within the Major
Digital Concentration: Desktop Publishing, Audio/Video Production, Digital Image Editing, Graphic Design, Social Media Strategies, and Photojournalism
Integrated Marketing Communications: Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Global Marketing, and Market Research skills will equip students to perform market analysis and develop strategic marketing concepts.
Choose your undergraduate path
On-Campus:
Communications, B.S. Degree Paths | Description | Course Catalog | Plan of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
Communications, B.S. | on campus program | ||
Concentration: Digital Media | on-site specialization that can be taken as part of the B.S. |
| |
| Concentration: Integrated Marketing Communications | on-site specialization that can be taken as part of the B.S. | Plan of Study | |
| Concentration: Digital Media & Integrated Marketing Communications | on-site specialization that can be taken as part of the B.S. | Plan of Study |
More Opportunities
Double Major: Comm+ Marketing
Many Comm majors also earn a B.S. in Marketing at the same time.
Explore the Marketing Major at SFU
Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Communications Program, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate, in the Spirit of Saint Francis in the Marketplace, knowledge of the ethical value choices and responsibilities of business leaders.
- Demonstrate skills in Public Relations, Advertising, Social Media, and more.
- Demonstrate technical skills in Desktop Publishing, Video Production, and Digital Editing.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles in communications.
- Demonstrate the ability to connect with others.
Experienced communication faculty who love to teach
The communications undergraduate faculty teach with a passion for their students’ success. Using our “curriculum of caring” as a source of inspiration, we have moved away from the traditional role of teacher to that of “facilitator of learning”, helping you take on the responsibility of self-direction.
Department Contact: Dr. Kelly Rhodes, 814-472-3379, krhodes@francis.edu
Career Outlook in Communications
Strong Salary Potential: The average annual income for the Communications Major job category in the United States was $72,776 in May 2023, according to ZipRecruiter. Plus, the increase in earnings potential you will see as you gain experience is considerable. Many experienced professionals earn more than $100,000 annually.
Growth Industry: Employment in media communication occupations is projected to grow 6 percent by 2031! There are many options for Communications graduates - you might become a designer, public relations specialist, sales manager, web or print reporter, advertising or marketing manager, writer or editor, just to name a few career paths. Graduates of our Communications Program are prepared to find success in a wide array of media and communications fields.
SFU Grads: Graduates of our program have moved on to careers in advertising, broadcasting, corporate communications, journalism, and public relations. Saint Francis Communications majors interested in continuing their education following their undergraduate studies have advanced to graduate and law schools across the country.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Communications and Saint Francis University
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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.
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.