Personnel
Dean: Rachel Williams-Smith
Faculty: Lorraine Ball, Ayanna Eastman, Pablo Fernandez, Alva James-Johnson, Victoria Joiner, Stephen Ruf, Rachel Williams-Smith
Office Manager: Karina Savelio
Adjunct Faculty: David Barasoian, Ryan Harrell, Tara Hargrove, Pamela Harris, Sam Nkana, John Pate, Mindy Trott, Billy Weeks
Program Coordinators:
- Basic Speech Courses: Lorraine Ball
- Communication: Rachel Williams-Smith
- Journalism: Alva James-Johnson
- Mass Communication: Stephen Ruf
- Media Technology A.S.: Stephen Ruf
- Public Relations: Lorraine Ball
- Public Relations-Business Administration: Lorraine Ball and Stephanie Sheehan
- Public Relations-Graphic Design: Lorraine Ball
Advisory Council: A current list of Advisory Council members is kept in the School of Journalism and Communication.
Mission Statement
To inspire and equip a new generation of truth-seekers, storytellers, and influencers to impact the world through a Christian worldview and the power of media.
Assessment
To make satisfactory progress toward preparation for the job market, students majoring in the School will be expected to attend school assemblies and other professional meetings sponsored by the School.
Students should demonstrate their growing professionalism through involvement in the publication of Southern Accent, Southern Memories, The Wire, or other publication; or in communication activities for a campus, church, or community organization such as WSMC FM90.5.
Participation in the Communication Club and involvement in a professional organization such as the Society of Adventist Communicators, the Southern States Communication Association, or the Public Relations Student Society of America are also evidence of professional commitment. Students with high scholastic achievement will be invited to apply for membership in Lambda Pi Eta, the student honor society of the National Communication Association.
School effectiveness will be assessed by combining the results of the cumulative evaluations, student evaluations of courses, and questionnaires completed by alumni and supervisors of interns. To determine that the curriculum meets the objectives of the School, the faculty engages in ongoing analysis of courses required for majors.
Admission
All students wishing to be accepted into the SJC must apply by enrolling in COMM 201 and submitting a letter of intent (purpose/calling) upon completion of COMM 135, ENGL 101, and JOUR 105, with a minimum cumulative GPA in these three courses of 2.25.
The School of Journalism and Communication provides an educational environment in which future leaders in communication, journalism, public relations, and related areas can acquire the enduring ethical concepts, the intellectual discipline, and the professional abilities necessary for the mastery and management of a wide range of writing, editing, research, and other journalistic and public relations skills and techniques.
The School offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication and Journalism, Bachelor of Science degrees in Mass Communication and Public Relations, a Bachelor of Science degree (combined major) in Public Relations and Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science degree (combined major) in Public Relations and Graphic Design, as well as an Associate of Science degree in Media Technology. Minors are also available in Advertising, Communication, Intercultural Communication, Journalism, Media Production, Photography, and Public Relations.
Students graduating with a degree in Communication may find work in corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and a variety of religious and educational institutions. Students who pursue this degree are prepared to seek employment as communication specialists in a variety of settings. Many pursue graduate study in fields such as communication, medicine, or law.
The Journalism major prepares students for careers as reporters, writers, videographers, producers, and editors for online news providers, wire services, daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, publishing houses, and for the vast array of news organizations that serve the church, business, industry, governmental agencies, the medical field, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit organizations.
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication have a broad communication education with a selected specialty that prepares them for a large variety of communication jobs in the church, in corporations, and in nonprofit organizations.
Public Relations majors are prepared for careers in business, industry, government, the church, colleges, universities, hospitals, and other medical institutions, and in a wide range of organizations.
The combined major of Public Relations and Business Administration is a unique degree program. Because it contains the core classes from both majors, it equips students with public relations and business skills and makes graduates especially competitive in the corporate world.
A combined major in Public Relations and Graphic Design blends the writing and research skills in public relations with the creative and design skills in graphic design. Students are prepared for careers in corporate, nonprofit, hospital, and denominational settings.
All of the School's bachelor's degree majors prepare students for entry into graduate schools.
The associate degree in Media Technology prepares the student for entry level positions in media production, desktop publishing, or web design.
Members of the faculty will advise each student in planning a study program that is supportive of individual career goals, meets degree requirements of the School of Journalism and Communication, and fulfills General Education requirements.
Residence
All baccalaureate degrees offered by the School of Journalism and Communication require that at least 12 upper division hours of the respective degree requirements must be taken at Southern Adventist University.
Additional Information
Meet The Firms
Meet the Firms is a program sponsored by the School of Journalism and Communication and other Schools on campus to facilitate students in locating internships and jobs in their fields of study. A Meet the Firms job fair is held each fall and winter semester. A variety of invited companies meet with students to interview, network, and mentor in preparation for placement.
Internships and On-the-Job Training
Because of the strong relationships which the School has developed with the Chattanooga area mass media, students in journalism, broadcasting, and public relations have many opportunities to meet and work with professionals in television and radio news, in public relations, advertising, on daily and weekly newspapers and on the web.
Students are encouraged to perform internships in their field of study. Newspapers, publishing houses, public relations and fund development departments, advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, social media, and radio and television newsrooms are among the organizations who seek interns. Current internship information is available on School listserves.
Students participate in undergraduate research, and are encouraged to present their research at Campus Research Day and at professional conferences.
An Advisory Council advises the School in providing internships that give on-the-job experience. The School also participates in the North American Division internship program in which students work in various denominational institutions. The University radio station, WSMC FM90.5, and other media outlets provide learning opportunities for students.
Campus Publications: Students can gain valuable experience as writers, editors, and producers by working on Student Association productions such as Southern Accent, the campus newspaper; Southern Memories, the yearbook; and Strawberry Festival, the annual multi-media year-in-review.
Associated Programs
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (31 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 1 course(s):
- * PREL 235 - Public Relations Principles and Theory (3) recommended for Advertising emphasis
EMPHASIS/CONCENTRATION (26 - 31 Total Credits) - Select one (1) Emphasis/Concentration.
- Complete at least 26-31 credits in this area
GENERAL EDUCATION (45 Total Credits) - Minimum 45 credits
- General Education requirements
ELECTIVES TO = 124 (22 - 17 Total Credits) - Complete at least 22-17 credits in this area
Grand Total Credits: 124
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 124
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (GRAPHIC DESIGN) (39 Total Credits) RECOMMENDED (0 Total Credits) - COMM 406 - Persuasion and Propaganda (W) 3
GENERAL EDUCATION (45 Total Credits) - Minimum 45 credits
- Computer Science Certificate requirements
ELECTIVES TO = 124 (3 Total Credits) Grand Total Credits: 124
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
- Select 3 credit(s):
YEAR 3 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
WINTER - Course(s): ARTG324 - Editorial Design (3)
- Select 3 credits from R-3) Biblical Studies
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
- Select 3 credits from IN-10) Aesthetic Analysis
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
YEAR 4 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Religion (R-4) (W)
Grand Total Credits: 124
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (50 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 1 credit(s): PREL493 - Public Relations Internship (1 - 3)
- Select 3 credits from BMKT (Marketing) -
- *If PREL 465 is selected above, it must be a 3-hour course.
REQUIRED COGNATES (3 Total Credits) GENERAL EDUCATION (45 Total Credits) - Minimum 45 credits
- General Education requirements
ELECTIVES TO = 124 (26 Total Credits) Grand Total Credits: 124
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
- Select 3 credit(s):
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 6 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: PR Major Option:
BMKT; COMM330, 336, 406; COMM 242, JOUR 313, PHTO125; PREL 355, 368, 465; COMM 312, 340
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
- Select 3 credits from IN-9) Stewardship, Business and Economics
YEAR 3 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Biblical Studies except 125 (R-3)
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: PREL Electives
- Select 6 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Electives
YEAR 4 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-10) Aesthetic Analysis
- Select 8 credits from the following types of courses: Elective
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Religion (R-4) (W)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
Grand Total Credits: 124
About
The combined major provides students with the option to develop skills in two fields of study. A student will be assigned an adviser in their first-chosen major and a secondary adviser in the other major.
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION) (35 - 38 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select between 0 and 3 credits from the following: MATH117 - College Algebra (3)
- * MATH-117 only if MATH ACT below 18
- Select 1 course(s):
RECOMMENDED (0 Total Credits) - PREL 368 - Fundraising for Nonprofits (SERV-2) 3
GENERAL EDUCATION (45 Total Credits) - Computer Science Certificate requirements
- Minimum 45 credits
ELECTIVES TO = 124 (10 - 7 Total Credits) - Complete at least 10-7 credits in this area
Grand Total Credits: 124
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
- Complete 1 of the following:
- Course(s): MATH117 - College Algebra (3)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: General elective courses, if Math ACT is greater than or equal to 18
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-1) Spiritual Development
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-10) Aesthetic Analysis
- Select 3 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 2 credits from the following types of courses: General elective courses
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
YEAR 3 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-2) Seventh-day Adventist Teachings
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-3) Biblical Studies
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
YEAR 4 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: R-4) Religion elective, upper-division (W)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: SERV-2 Christian Service course
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select credits from the following types of courses: General elective courses
Grand Total Credits: 124
Requirements
BA COMMUNICATION CORE (31 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 1 course(s):
EMPHASIS/CONCENTRATION (21 Total Credits) - Please choose an emphasis below.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS - Course(s):
- Required Minor: (12 Hours non-English language minor) Plus participation in ACA; the 12 hrs can icnlude coursework taken while in ACA
- Option 1: A language minor with a minimum of nine hours completed at an "overseas school"
- Option2: A language minor with courses completed on our campus, but with one school year traveling or serving abroad.
- Course(s): HIST356 - Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration in American History (IN-6) (W) (3)
- Recommended Elective: HIST356: Natives and Strangers (IN-6) (W).
Grand Total Credits: 52
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-9) Stewardship, Business and Economics
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Service Learning Elective (SERV-2)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Elementary or Intermediate Foreign Language (Strongly recommended Intermediate foreign language)
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
WINTER - Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Elementary or Intermediate Foreign Language (Strongly recommended Intermediate foreign language)
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Service Learning (SERV-2)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
YEAR 3 FALL - Course(s): COMM397 - Communication Research (W) (3)
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-3) Biblical Studies
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
- Select 6 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Electives
- Select 1 credits from the following types of courses: Elective
YEAR 4 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Minor
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Upper Division:
COMM 492 - Communication Internship (1 - 3) ENGL 320 - Rhetoric: The Performance of Argument (3) COMM 326 - Film Evaluation (IN-10) (W) (3) COMM 391 - Communication Practicum (1 - 3) JOUR 475 - Communication Workshop (1 - 3)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Religion (R-4) (rec. RELT 458) (W)
- Select 2 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Minor
- Recommended elective: HIST356: Natives and Strangers
REQUIRED CORE - (Select 1 course from: BRDC127, COMM230, PHTO125, PHTO320, PHTO310)
Grand Total Credits: 52
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (25 Total Credits) REQUIRED COGNATES (9 Total Credits) EMPHASIS/CONCENTRATION (15 Total Credits) - Select 15 credits from the following types of courses: Choose an emphasis below.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (0 - 6 Total Credits) - Complete at least 0-6 credits in this area
(Elementary Foreign Language or two years of Foreign Language in high school)
GENERAL EDUCATION (45 Total Credits) - Minimum 45 credits
- General Education requirements
ELECTIVES TO = 124 (15 - 9 Total Credits) - Complete at least 15-9 credits in this area
Grand Total Credits: 127
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Foreign language or Electives (BA student who have less than 2 secondary credits of a same foreign language must complete a minimum of 6 hours of foreign language.
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Foreign language or Electives (BA student who have less than 2 secondary credits of a same foreign language must complete a minimum of 6 hours of foreign language.
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Christian Service (SERV-2)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.U. Lit (W) (not COMM326) (IN-6)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: BRDC 314 - Broadcast News Writing (W) (3)COMM 488 - Mass Communication and Society (W) (3)JOUR 313 - Publication Editing (3)JOUR 342 - Interactive Journalism (3)JOUR 316 - Magazine and Feature Article Writing (W) (3)JOUR 416 - Literary Journalism (W) (3)JOUR 391 - Practicum (1 - 3)JOUR 392 - Journalism Internship (1 - 3)
YEAR 3 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: BRDC 314 - Broadcast News Writing (W) (3)COMM 488 - Mass Communication and Society (W) (3)JOUR 313 - Publication Editing (3)JOUR 342 - Interactive Journalism (3)JOUR 316 - Magazine and Feature Article Writing (W) (3)JOUR 416 - Literary Journalism (W) (3)JOUR 391 - Practicum (1 - 3)JOUR 392 - Journalism Internship (1 - 3)
- Select 6 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-4) Required Elective
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Minor
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: ARTG 115 - Introduction to Graphic Design (3)BRDC 202 - Digital Audio Production (3)BRDC 314 - Broadcast News Writing (W) (3)COMM 488 - Mass Communication and Society (W) (3)JOUR 313 - Publication Editing (3)JOUR 342 - Interactive Journalism (3)JOUR 316 - Magazine and Feature Article Writing (W) (3)JOUR 416 - Literary Journalism (W) (3)JOUR 391 - Practicum (1 - 3)JOUR 392 - Journalism Internship (1 - 3)
YEAR 4 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from R-3) Biblical Studies
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Minor
- Select 1 credits from the following types of courses: ElecTive
WINTER - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Christian Service (SERV-2)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: ARTG 115 - Introduction to Graphic Design (3)BRDC 202 - Digital Audio Production (3)BRDC 314 - Broadcast News Writing (W) (3)COMM 488 - Mass Communication and Society (W) (3)JOUR 313 - Publication Editing (3)JOUR 342 - Interactive Journalism (3)JOUR 316 - Magazine and Feature Article Writing (W) (3)JOUR 416 - Literary Journalism (W) (3)JOUR 391 - Practicum (1 - 3)JOUR 392 - Journalism Internship (1 - 3)
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: U.D. Elective
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Minor
Grand Total Credits: 127
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (30 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 2 credit(s): BRDC291 - Practicum (1 - 3)
- Select 1 course(s):
- Select 12 credits from -
Media Technology Elective (choose one from this area)
GENERAL EDUCATION (21 Total Credits) - Minimum 21 credits
- General Education requirements
ELECTIVES (13 Total Credits) Grand Total Credits: 64
Sample Degree Plan
YEAR 1 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Select from Required Course List Below
- Select 3 credit(s):
YEAR 2 FALL - Course(s):
- Select 3 credits from IN-8) Human Development
- Select 3 credits from the following types of courses: Select from Required Course List Below
- Select 1 credits from P 1-b) Physical Activity
- Select 3 credit(s):
- Select 1 credits from the following types of courses: Christian Service (SERV-2)
WINTER - Course(s): BRDC291 - Practicum (1 - 3)
- Select 3 credits from IN-7) Natural Science
- Select 6 credits from the following types of courses: Select from Required Course List Below
- Select 3 credits from IN-6) Historical Perspectives
- Select 2 credits from the following types of courses: Electives
REQUIRED CORE COURSES - Select 0 credit(s):
- Select 12 Hours from this list of options for above terms.
Grand Total Credits: 64
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 12 credits from -
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 1 course(s):
- Select 9 credit(s):
- * Only one of COMM 291 or COMM 391 may count for above requirement. Only one of COMM 295 (non-Anglo-American topic) or COMM 495 (non-Anglo-American topic) may count for above requirement. Only one of INDV 250 or RELT 458 may count for above requirement.
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 6 credit(s):
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
About
Students who are interested in becoming leaders or feel a call to leadership should consider this minor. Though housed in the School of Journalism and Communication since possessing effective communication skills is a key component of successful leadership, this minor can benefit students who are pursuing any field of study.
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 6 credit(s):
- * Only one of PHTO 291 or PHTO 391 may count for above requirement.
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18
Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES (18 Total Credits) - Course(s):
- Select 1 course(s):
- Select 3 credit(s):
Grand Total Credits: 18
Sample Degree Plan
Grand Total Credits: 18