INFORMATION FOR
The award-winning Department of Communication helps students unlock their creative potential in fields such as communication studies, media studies, journalism, film, video, audio and radio production, and public relations.
Beatrice Amune, Master of Arts in Professional Communication
El Barba, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production
Rochelle Estrada, Communication Major - Concentration in Journalism
Christal Fernando, Master of Arts in Professional Communication
Andrew Herbst, Communication Major - Concentration in Journalism
Vont Leak, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production
Hunter Long, Communication Major - Concentration in Media Production
Maureen O’Brien, Communication Major - Concentration in Communication Studies & Elementary Education Major
Esma Senman, Communication Major in Public Relations
Alumni in arts, humanities, and social sciences are employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Communication fields (NACE)
Noteworthy Communication Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries with 8+ Years of Experience 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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The BA in Film, Television, and Audio provides students with the opportunity to pursue a degree that integrates across media (film, television, audio, radio, podcasting, digital streaming).
With a BA in Film, Television, and Audio, students develop foundational knowledge in media theory and production while choosing a distinctive media focus, specializing in audio/radio, filmmaking, television production, or integrated media. Each specialization is designed to further a student’s specific career path. Students will:
○ Develop a distinct creative voice, demonstrating effective use of aesthetics across different media to create stories that will engage, inform, and entertain audiences;
○ Become proficient with conceptual, writing, editing, producing, directing, and technical skills to create content for diverse audiences using industry-standard technology and equipment;
○ Work collaboratively in a team environment where they show sensitivity to individual differences and diversity;
○ Demonstrate an understanding of visual literacy and aesthetics as they critically analyze and interpret media messages;
○ Learn business models in the media industry.
Coursework comes to life through immersive learning opportunities. Students can experience hands-on learning from their first day on campus. Hamilton Hall houses the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio; the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts, WPTV; the Student Film Association, SFA; the Podcasting Club, the Dead Podcasters Society; and the independent student-run news source, The Beacon. Through coursework, co-curricular activities, and industry-relevant internships on and off campus for employment in the media industry, students are prepared for careers as on-air talent or working behind-the-scenes.
The journalism BA clearly defines students’ professional identity in journalism while at the same time providing them with knowledge, skills, and experiences that they use for employment in a variety of industries. The major offers coursework in the core skills of journalism, including editing, interviewing, reporting, and writing, as well as teaching in technology and production. Students will learn to create compelling content for social media, digital, print, audio, video, and other emerging platforms. Students can pair this major with a Minor in Broadcast News and Certificates in Podcasting, Sports Journalism, Television Broadcasting, or Audio Broadcasting for valuable specialization and distinction.
Hamilton Hall is home to the nationally recognized, award-winning campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the nation's oldest and most broad-based journalism advocacy organization. The William Paterson chapter (WPSPJ) is a two-time winner of the Outstanding Campus Chapter Award. WPSPJ regularly hosts professional journalists from major news outlets as guest speakers and organizes newsroom tours across the metropolitan area, including at CBS News, News 12 New Jersey, MLB Network, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and WHYY radio. WPSPJ launched the first-ever podcast from an SPJ campus chapter.
In partnership with the ReNews Project, an SPJ-funded nonprofit that revitalizes student newspapers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as Hispanic-serving institutions, the university's independent student newspaper, the Beacon, has been revitalized.
One of the fastest-growing areas in journalism is podcasting, an area the journalism program has embraced with the creation of a state-of-the-art professional podcasting studio. The set up allows students to produce solo podcasts, one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, and live call-in shows. Because of this, journalism professors can develop a full range of podcasting/audio assignments and collaborate with classes, such as audio production, where students with expanded technology skills can collaborate with those newer to the field.
Students can also take advantage of opportunities in other media platforms, by collaborating with the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio, the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts, WPTV, Social Media SMART (Social Media Applications, Research, and Teaching) Lab, and newly formed Podcasting Club.
Public Relations Program Overview
Film studies examines cinema from its inception to its contemporary forms, placing films in an historical and cultural context. Students will develop an understanding of cinema as an art form and a language, acquiring critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate films from diverse perspectives.
The Journalism minor offers students perspective into the fast-paced news media industry and the opportunity to develop skills like critical thinking, interviewing, writing, and production. Students can also take advantage of opportunities in campus media such as the student newspaper, the Beacon, the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio, the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts on WPTV, a social media lab, and a newly formed podcasting
Media Studies Minor examines the many forms of media including film, television, radio, journalism, and digital and social media. Students will develop an understanding of the US and international media industry and how media reflects and impacts society through law, policy, and ethical practice.
The public relations minor provides marketable skills and knowledge to benefit any major or discipline area. The PR minor courses focus on integrated marketing communication planning, digital and social media management, strategic multiplatform writing, event promotion, and PR campaign development. Public relations activities support reputation and brand building, advocacy, corporate social responsibility and play a key role in setting and supporting an organization's business objectives.
The minor in visual communication enhances visual perception, cultivates independent thinking, and introduces students to the visual arts, specifically in the areas of graphic and interactive design.
• Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate • If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.
» Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate » If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.
The master of arts in integrated marketing communication program at William Paterson University provides graduates with an edge in the ever-evolving job market. Expand your marketability and communication skills with our comprehensive curriculum that was designed to help master's degree graduates:
○ Advance professionally
○ Build integrated marketing and communication knowledge
○ Develop social media expertise
○ Sharpen strategic writing skills
○ Strengthen management and leadership abilities
○ Pursue new and emerging career paths
Our goal is to help you establish or further your career with a curriculum that exposes you to academic study, technology, and up-to-date communications platforms leveraged by companies today. While you will be able to study a broad array of communication topics, including programs around social media, writing, and video, our intent is for you to experience a master's degree curriculum that can help you achieve your objectives. Learn more »
Our communication students write news, conduct research, make films, produce and broadcast TV and radio shows, launch PR campaigns, create and manage social media content, and much more. They learn in state-of the-art facilities, including our HD TV broadcast studios, radio station, film production lab, digital audio production lab, several digital video and audio editing rooms, and our new Social Media Applications Research and Teaching SMART lab.
In our communication programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Our graduates work at major marketing, public relations, and media companies, have been accepted into top graduate programs, and have won awards, including the Emmy Award.
Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.
Media production and public relations major, landed a full-time job at NBC Universal right out of college. Prior to graduation, she completed a production internship at Discovery Communications.
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
