Communication Technologies

http://www.uwplatt.edu/commtech

Department Chair: B.J. Reed
Office: 309 Pioneer Tower
Phone: 608-342-1627
E-mail: reedb@uwplatt.edu
Associate Professors:
Art Ranney
B.J. Reed
Assistant Professors:
Christine Holtz
Rob Snyder
Lecturers:
Sarah Arkins
Dave Meinhardt

Major:

Communication Technologies
Broadcast Production
Imaging Media
Journalism
Public Relations

Minors:

Broadcasting
Imaging Media
Journalism
Public Relations

About The Department and Major

Communication Technologies offers a comprehensive major (60 credits) or a major and minor combination (36 credits and 24 credits, respectively). Four minors are offered by the department: broadcasting, imaging media, public relations, and journalism.

The programs are designed to promote a natural transition from classroom to the world of work. This transition is enhanced by a unique balance of classroom instruction, laboratory courses, and field experiences. Modern, well-maintained facilities and an excellent placement record make the programs especially attractive.

The major in Communication Technologies prepares individuals for a variety of careers such as broadcast producer, public relations consultant, photographer, magazine production, sales executive, Web page developer, announcer, customer service representative, journalist, and videographer. Students majoring in Communication Technologies select one emphasis area: broadcast production, imaging media, journalism, or public relations. Opportunities for student involvement include TV-5, WSUP Radio, Exponent, Christmas Telethon for Wisconsin Badger Camp, the Public Relations Organization (PRO), Imaging Media Group, and the National Broadcasting Society’s local student chapter.

General Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree

Total for Graduation 120 credits
General Education 43-57 credits
Communication Technologies 60 credits
Comprehensive Major or Major with required minor 36 & 24 credits

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Total for Graduation 120 credits
General Education 43-57 credits
Communication Technologies 60 credits
Comprehensive Major or Major with required minor 36 & 24 credits

Program Purpose

The Communication Technologies program serves UWP students by offering a comprehensive major (60 credits), or a major/minor combination (36/24 credits) through a unique balance among classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and field experiences.

Program Goals

  1. Prepare undergraduate students for professional careers in one or more program emphases (broadcast production, graphics, journalism, public relations).
  2. Provide coursework for programs in Business and Accounting, Agribusiness, Fine Arts, Education, and other programs.
  3. Provide elective coursework to satisfy the social science requirements in the General Education program.

Program Outcomes

As a result of graduating with a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in Communication Technologies, our students will be able to...

  1. demonstrate proficiency in both written and oral communication;
  2. demonstrate knowledge of the role of mass media in our society;
  3. demonstrate knowledge about the concepts, terminology, and issues associated with technologies used in communication;
  4. effectively capture, process, and edit images;
  5. demonstrate knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, and issues in communication activities;
  6. utilize appropriate technologies and computer software associated with at least one of four emphases in this program;
  7. apply classroom knowledge in the workplace;
  8. demonstrate knowledge of ethical decision making.

Majors in Communication Technologies

Coursework in the major includes core requirements (18 credits), and completion of an emphasis area (18 credits). Students also select to complete 24 credits from a list of approved electives or any university minor outside the chosen emphasis area.

Major Core Requirements (18 credits)

Broadcast Production Emphasis

Required Courses (18 credits):

* If not taken for emphasis requirement, this course may be taken as an elective.

Electives (Select at least 24 credits for the comprehensive major or select any university minor outside the emphasis area.):

(** These courses are repeatable, up to 8 credits applied to the major; may not be double counted between emphasis requirements and electives.)

Imaging Media Emphasis

Required Courses (18 credits):

Students will choose one of the following set of courses:

(*If not taken as emphasis requirement, may be an elective.)

Electives (Select a minimum of 24 credits for the comprehensive major OR select any university minor outside the emphasis area)

Journalism Emphasis

Required Courses (18 credits):

(* If not taken for emphasis requirement, this course may be taken as an elective.)

Electives (Select a minimum of 24 credits for the comprehensive major OR select any university minor outside the emphasis area.):

(**These courses are repeatable, up to 8 credits applied to the major; may not be double counted between emphasis requirements and electives.)

Public Relations Emphasis

Required Courses (18 credits):

(*If not taken for emphasis requirement, this course may be taken as an elective.)

Electives (Select a minimum of 24 credits for the comprehensive major OR select any university minor outside the emphasis area.):

***COMMNCTN courses not counted in requirements for core or this emphasis may be chosen as electives.

Minors

Broadcasting Minor (24 credits)

Required (15 credits):

Electives (9 credits):

(*Communication Technologies majors may not double count core requirements with minor requirements or electives; select any other minor elective as a substitute.)

Imaging Media Minor (24 credits)

Concentration (Select one of the following sets):

New Media Concentration:
Photography Concentration:

*Communication Technologies majors must select an alternate course.

Journalism Minor (24 credits)

Required (12 credits):

Electives (Select at least 12 credits):

(*Communication Technologies majors must select an alternate course.)

Public Relations Minor (24 credits)

(*Communication Technologies majors may not double count core requirements with minor requirements; select any other COMMNCTN courses as substitutes.)