Ave Maria University
The Communications major at AMU will give you a firm foundation in argument and storytelling (known to the ancients as rhetoric and poetics), while also teaching you how to communicate effectively and ethically in the digital age. From speaking in front of audiences to working with creative media, you will become familiar with a wide range of communication theory and practice. Through mastery of these arts, you will also understand how to better communicate in a broad variety of professional settings.
Careers: Law, Marketing, Sales, Public Relations Manager, Consultant, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Journalist, Graphic Designer, Photographer, Advertiser, Culture/Media Critic, Podcaster, Blogger, Event Planner, MBA, MFA, Graduate School
As a Communications major, you’ll learn how to use rhetoric and technology to transform audiences and influence culture across various contexts—whether professional, personal, political, or evangelical.
Fast Fact: Communication is key. Many employers identify having good communication skills as one of the most desirable traits in prospective employees.
Are you interested in rhetoric and public speaking? Are you looking for creative outlets through which to communicate artful messages? Would you like to understand media and popular culture? Are you interested in an internship where you can put lessons learned in the classroom into practice? The Communications major is tailored to fit students with these interests, who want to put theory into action for the good of society and the Church.
Plato defined rhetoric as an art of “leading souls by means of speech,” and he included in his discussion of the art the most advanced communication technology of his day (writing!). In the tradition of Plato, and in imitation of the greats, you will benefit from the best of a liberal arts curriculum and learn how to adapt the knowledge you gain to the new media of today’s digital world. Whatever the context, you will discover strategies for ethically communicating truth at a time when people desperately need to hear it.
Education: B.S., Computer Science and Information Systems, University of Mount Union; B.A., Spanish, University of Mount Union; M.A., Rhetoric and Philosophy of Communications, Duquesne University; Ph.D., Rhetoric, Duquesne University Office: Henkels 2018 Email: justin.bonanno@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7964
Education: B.A., Philosophy, University of Dallas; M.A. Literature, University of Dallas; Ph.D., Literature, University of Dallas Office: Canizaro Library 219 Email: travis.curtright@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1612
Education: B.A., Philosophy, Saint Joseph’s University; M.A., Writing Arts, Rowan University; Ph.D., University of Rhode Island, Writing & Rhetoric Office: Henkels 2052 Email: Gavin.Hurley@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 280-1662
Education: B.A., Speech and Philosophy, Kansas State University; M.A., Communications, Kansas State University; M.A., Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., Rhetoric and Communications, University of Pittsburgh Office: Henkels 2054 Email: john.jasso@avemaria.edu Phone: (239) 304-7936
*COMM majors must complete four Communications Electives in addition to the Required Courses for the Major. At least one of those electives must have a COMM designation. The other three may be COMM Electives or may be selected from the approved list of Additional Elective Courses.
The Communications major builds within it an internship or clinical experience so that students can begin building a portfolio and acquire professional experience. From this hands-on experience, excellent students may be recommended for positions in television, digital productions, radio, journalism, or other media related work.
*COMM minors must complete four Communications Electives in addition to COMM 200. At least two of those electives must have a COMM designation. The other two may be COMM Electives or may be selected from the approved list of Additional Elective Courses.
Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.
The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.
With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.
Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.
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