Starting this fall, the Communications Studies major looks a bit different. Last semester, Communications faculty revamped the former Communication and Rhetoric Studies program, adding three specialized tracks for a focused curriculum. Now, in addition to the general communications track, students also have the choice of new tracks in Public Relations, Media Studies, and Rhetoric and Public Discourse.
Communications students recruit potential PRSSA members.
The requirements for the major will be the same, but now students will be able to specialize in a particular interest area. This specialization will help students become more appealing to employers as the marketing, communications, and PR industries move toward more specific roles and look for more advanced candidates within the fields.
Supplemental elective courses will also give students the opportunity to study focused topics, such as Intercultural Communication, Digital Storytelling, and Social Media Strategy and Analytics.
Comm majors can also take advantage of multiple professional development opportunities on campus, including interning with Pegasus Creative, and joining Oglethorpe’s new chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the leading student PR and communications organization in the world.
Dr. Keib presents her research to the campus community during the spring 2018 semester.
The chapter was founded last spring by Dr. Kate Keib, assistant professor of communication studies, who partnered with University Communications to launch the organization on campus. Todd Bennett (vice president for marketing and communications), Renee Vary Keele (senior director of University Communications), and Keib are all members of PRSSA’s parent organization, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
PRSSA connects students to the professional PR world and provides members with access to conferences, scholarships, internship listings, and other professional development opportunities. These resources allow students to get a feel for the PR industry and network with peers and professionals.
This year, the Oglethorpe chapter plans to bring more opportunities to its members and the Oglethorpe community. Some planned events include guest speakers, conference attendance opportunities, and special local and national projects.
“This [chapter], along with the new PR track in our Communications major, will open significant professional networking, learning and credentialing opportunities for our students hoping to enter this career field,” said Bennett.
Membership is open to any student interested in communications or PR. For more information, email faculty advisor Dr. Kate Keib.
