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Learn more about earning your degree in Communication and Media

Fostering the practice and study of communication to inform and transform society for the better

BA and Minor in Communication and Media, with three specializations

We envision a world where communication is founded on respect for individual autonomy and equality, and where such communication contributes to self-realization, self-determination, and democracy.

Our major prepares you for a diverse range of careers, including in journalism, politics, environment, public relations, non-profits, health, human resources, the law, politics, media, sports, academia, and entrepreneurship. Using active learning methods, courses are designed to teach you about the role of communication in society and provide you with experience in developing your oral, written, visual, and digital communication skills. Internships are a key part of your education, with opportunities at PR agencies, news outlets, arts organizations, political, legal and social justice advocacy organizations, non-profits and other organizations across Seattle.

You must choose a specialization, but the flexibility built into the curriculum allows you also double- or triple-specialize, and your educational plan accommodates it.

Specializations

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Communications Studies

This specialization engages students in active learning about communication in a variety of contexts. You learn effective ways to communicate with each other, about differing cultural contexts, and persuasive advocacy.

Potential careers: Consulting, Politics, Diplomacy, Advocacy, Law, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Writing, Media and Digital Communication

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Strategic Communication

This track introduces you to an integrated approach to managing all communications functions, including the underlying theoretical frameworks, innovative industry practices and influential role of communication in global and local organizations.

Potential careers: Public Relations, Social Media, Advertising, Nonprofit Management

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Journalism

Develop your skills to gather and disseminate stories through the media, using reporting, writing, visual and digital skills. Emphasis is placed on reporting for social change and developing an entrepreneurial approach to media content creation.

Potential careers: Entertainment, Broadcasting, News Reporting, Digital Media

What My SU Communication Degree Has Done For Me

Faculty Spotlights

Caitlin Ring Carlson, PhD

Professionally, Dr. Carlson comes to academia with a background in public relations. She has six years of agency and non-profit experience as an account executive, account manager and director of communications. Her primary research interests are in media law and policy as they pertain to new media, freedom of expression and social justice. Her current work focuses on hate speech in social media.

Communication Instructor Victor Evans
Victor Evans, PhD

Prior to teaching, Dr. Evans was an entertainment journalist, working with many organizations in both New York and Los Angeles, including Entertainment Weekly, People, MTV, Guest Informant and BET. He also worked as an entertainment producer for Headline News at CNN in Atlanta. Dr. Evans is also a documentary filmmaker whose production company, CrossRoads Productions, creates media literacy videos to educate adolescents on various multicultural issues.

Communication Instructor Helen Jianmeng Liu
Dr. Jiangmeng Helen Liu, PhD

With a strong focus in strategic communication, Dr. Liu has published extensive research about social media’s influence on human behavior and civic engagement. Her work has appeared in many of the top communication journals, including Public Relations Review, Journal of Advertising, and Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly. Recently, her research has been focused on social media influencers.  Dr. Liu instructs students on topics of strategic communication and social media management.

Dr. James Hanson, PhD

As the Instructor and Director of Forensics for the Communications Department, Dr. Hanson oversees the Speech and Debate team and teaches several classes about speech communication. Outside of his work on campus, Dr. Hanson is the executive director of Climb the Mountain Speech and Debate Foundation and president of West Coast Publishing.

  • Ranked in Top 15%

    Ranked in Top 15%

    Communication and Journalism

  • Top 15% Highest Paid

    Top 15% Highest Paid

    Communication and Media Studies Graduates

  • Top 15% Most Focused

    Top 15% Most Focused

    For Digital Communication

    College Factual 2020

Contact Us

  • Caitlin Carlson, PhD

    Caitlin Carlson, PhD

    Chair
    Email
    206-220-8531

  • Verna McKinnon-Hipps

    Verna McKinnon-Hipps

    Administrative Assistant
    Email
    206-296-2034

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