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Department of Communication

Vicente Berdayes, Ph.D., Chair

Faculty: Berdayes, Nelson, Saverimuttu, Sirimangkala

The Department of Communication offers a choice of three baccalaureate degree programs. They are the Bachelors of Arts in Advertising & Public Relations, Communication and Media Studies, and Television & Digital Media. Communication is at the center of our rapidly evolving global community, especially as it pertains to issues of technology, culture, and commerce. The programs of study in the Department offer students multiple professional entry points into this world. Students can integrate their studies in ways that most suit their interests by choosing readily available electives or combining their major with several minor programs of study. The Department also offers a thriving internship program that has placed students throughout the greater Miami area to gain real-world experience in an international metropolitan environment.

 

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Department of Communication recognizes the power of learning by doing.  A rich tapestry of experiential learning opportunities has been woven into each of the department’s three undergraduate majors: Advertising & Public Relations, Communication & Media Studies, and Television & Digital Media.  These opportunities – practicums, internships, and capstone projects – allow students to bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying skills you've honed in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

  • Practicums: Practicums provide hands-on experiences under the guidance of faculty members.  These smaller, in-house projects often involve working with local organizations or campus departments, providing a taste of professional communication challenges.
  • Internships: Internships allow students to immerse themselves in a professional communication setting for a semester or summer while offering opportunities to work alongside professionals at agencies, media outlets, or corporate communication departments.  Students gain valuable industry experience and build their resumes.
  • Capstone Projects: The culmination of each major, capstones allow students to tackle a challenging project of their choice under faculty supervision.  Students synthesize knowledge and skills to develop a comprehensive communication plan, campaign, production, or research project.  The capstone project showcases student knowledge and skills either to potential employers or as preparation for graduate studies.

Through this multi-layered approach to experiential learning, students graduate with a competitive edge and are ready to hit the ground running in their communication careers.