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.