Communication

Three Emphases, One Degree

Southwestern Adventist University’s Communication degree program offers hands-on practical experience and multi-platform training. Careers with a communications degree are varied and challenging. Students can expect to be hands-on from their first day of class, with a strong emphasis on internships for a bright career. SWAU’s Communication program offers three emphases—radio/TV/film, advertising/public relations, and online media—focusing on hands-on practical experience and multi-platform training. The department features faculty with award-winning real-world experience in book and magazine publishing, public relations, radio broadcasting, and film production.  

 

What are the unique values demonstrated by the Communication Department? 

We believe in teaching through example, in the classroom, and outside of it. That often means less lecture and more physical use of the tools of the trade. We are committed to communication, which means meeting students where they are and encouraging them to broaden their horizons. 

 

Here are quick links to some of our Communication projects

News & Events

SWAU Students

SWAU Welcomes 9 New Full Time Faculty to Campus Family

A blurred photo of the university campus showcasing the nursing building, rotunda and the beautiful green grade in between the sidewalks

Southwestern Adventist University Moves to the Cloud with Ellucian

Shot of the Chan Shun Centennial Library taken from a left angle with the sun peaking out from behind a tree in the foreground

Equity, Education, and the American Dream

Armando Miranda, Jr. Shares His SWAU Journey

SWAU Hosts Graduation for Class of 2021

Wanda Agee poses in a red polo with a striped red cardigan

Making a Difference for Foster Kids through Quilts

Genesis Santos poses for the camera in a mask with cartoon smiling faces and a blue sweatshirt

Class of 2024 Thrives During First Semester, Despite Pandemic

Mike and Wanda Agee stand to the left of the radio station sign that reads "88.3 The Journey, Radio for the Walk of Life." Danae stands to the right of the sign.

88.3 The Journey FM Hosts Successful Sharathon

Graduating seniors throw their caps in the air while being surrounded by proud faculty and staff

Southwestern Adventist University’s Class of 2020

Southwestern Adventist University Welcomes Paul Kim to Department of Communication

Southwestern Adventist University Strategizes for the Future 

Southwestern Adventist University’s Radio Station Relocates to a New Home

film school, institute of film, swau film, communication, emmy

Comm Professors Win Emmy for Film "Truth"

A black and white poster with yellow words stating that a program called "Truth" has 2 Emmy Nominations

Comm Professors Nominated for Two Emmys

film festival, short film, film, communication

SWAU FILMS SELECTED FOR FESTIVALS

victory, communication, alumni

A Different Perspective

Programs

B.S. Communication, Online Media Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as a social media manager, a content media specialist, a social media analyst, a freelance reporter, an author, a web writer, a webmaster, a blogger or a vlogger, the online media emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required of all department majors, online media students study audio production, photography, social media, media writing I & II, writing and editing as well as marketing classes.

B.S. Communication, Advertising & PR Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as an event planner, event coordinator, development director, art director, creative director, account executive, speech writer, media planner, lobbyist, copywriter, marketing manager, public relations director, press secretary, graphic designer or marketing coordinator, the advertising & PR emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required of all department majors, advertising & PR students study discussion techniques, photo & graphic editing, photography, interpersonal communication, media writing I & II, development and applied advertising and PR.

B.S. Communication, Radio-TV-Film Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as a senior project manager, a production director, a producer, a runner, a radio station manager, radio announcer, a filmmaker, or a multimedia specialist, then the radio-TV-film emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required for all department majors, radio-TV-film students study announcing, audio production, video production I & II, understanding film, and media management.

B.A. Communication, Online Media Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as a social media manager, a content media specialist, a social media analyst, a freelance reporter, an author, a web writer, a webmaster, a blogger or a vlogger, the online media emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required of all department majors, online media students study audio production, photography, social media, media writing I & II, as well as marketing classes.

B.A. Communication, Advertising & PR Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as an event planner, development director, art director, account executive, speech writer, media planner, lobbyist, copywriter, marketing manager, public relations director, press secretary, graphic designer or marketing coordinator, the advertising & PR emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required of all department majors, advertising & PR students study photo & graphic editing, photography, media writing, and applied advertising and PR.

B.A. Communication, Radio-TV-Film Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as a senior project manager, a production director, a producer, a runner, a radio station manager, radio announcer, a filmmaker, or a multimedia specialist, then the radio-TV-film emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required for all department majors, radio-TV-film students study announcing, video production I,  and understanding film.

Minor in Communication

Students who are interested in communication but who are majoring in other areas are encouraged to pursue a minor in communication. Beyond a couple of core classes, this option gives students a chance to tailor their minor toward any of the three emphases, focusing on their interests and areas of strength.

Your Future

Careers

Communication is a broad field with many new jobs being created every year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists more career opportunities for communication graduates than any other field. In addition to the media world, graduates find communication assisting them in careers in government, healthcare, law, business and many other fields.

 

Professions

  • Reporter
  • Editor
  • Writer
  • Public Relations Director
  • Advertising Executive
  • Radio Station Manager
  • Radio Announcer
  • Video Editor
  • Filmmaker
  • TV Producer
  • Development Director

35%
Communication graduates earn 35% more than the national average.

Faculty Profiles

Brett Hadley

Department of Communication
Associate Professor & Department Chair
Email:

Chris Combest

Communication
Adjunct Faculty
Email:

Tamara Watson

Department of Communication
Assistant Professor
Email:

Alison Hill, MA

Department of Business & Financial Services
Assistant Professor
Email:

Licci Zemleduch, BA

Department of Business Administration
Adjunct Faculty
Email: