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Department of Communication and Media Studies

The Department of Communications and Media Studies at Saint Joseph's University ensures students acquire a solid grounding in the study of digital communications while exploring current ideas, trends and tools that are shaping society. Students go on to pursue careers in web content strategy and design, social media/community management, multimedia journalism and a broad range of other job options.

The communication and media studies department is committed to excellence in teaching and learning. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, which is designed for students interested in specializing in digital media studies as an area of expertise. The major helps students develop advanced skills in communications with an emphasis on multimedia writing, video editing and production, social media and more.

A hallmark of the communication studies curriculum is the emphasis on both theory and practice. Not only do students study what is happening at the forefront of emerging communication technologies, but they also participate. Students have access to cutting-edge resources as they make and reflect upon media. Additionally, faculty are dedicated to the art of thinking across media, platforms and theories to create an innovative and socially responsible curriculum that goes beyond the classroom.

 

Explore Our Department

J Michael Lyons, chair of communication and media studies department at saint joseph's university

Our faculty bring a wide array of applicable experience from previously held high-level positions in journalism, media, videography and more.

Course Offerings

The Department of Communication and Media Studies offers courses with an emphasis on digital media studies that teach students important skills in teamwork, innovation, design and entrepreneurship. Courses are also developed through the lens of community engagement and social justice. See our most recent course offerings below.

News & announcements

Dawn Cai '15 on Designing Graphics to Make an ImpactThe New York Times graphics and multimedia editor shares her journey from designing layouts for The Hawk newspaper to developing interactive stories in the newsroom.

Lenora Thomas ’23 Uses Poetry to Express Outcomes of Pandemic IsolationAs part of her Summer Scholars research, communication studies major Lenora Thomas ’23 will examine how COVID-19 isolation has forever changed the outlook of individuals in her close-knit West Philadelphia community. Ultimately, Thomas will produce a multimedia anthology of poetry that shares individual pandemic experiences.

Student-Run SJ Brew Brings Fair-Trade, Organic Coffee to Hawk Hill: Spanish and communications double major Claire Fitzgerald '21, the student CEO and member of the Fair Trade Club at Saint Joseph's University, took part in a student-run initiative that brings ethically procured coffee to campus. 

How Students Made the Most of their Internships and Co-ops During COVID-19: Alysa Bainbridge '21, a communication studies major and journalism minor, shares her experience interning at Fox 29 (WFTX-TV) during the pandemic. 

How One Student Turned a Canceled Internship into an OpportunityOne month before Kaitlyn Spera’s summer internship was supposed to begin, it was canceled due to COVID-19. Inspired by her integrated marketing and communications course, Spera chose to take matters into her own hands and launched her own marketing and advertising business, Spera Consulting.

Summer Scholars Projects Make an Urban Impact: Gabriella Bamford ’22, a double major in English and communications, discusses her Summer Scholars project that focuses on Philadelphia area high school students. Bamford is focusing her project on using Saint Joseph’s Writing Center to benefit underprivileged high schoolers by helping them improve their writing skills, particularly when it comes to writing college admissions essays.

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Alumni Spotlight

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Through my communication studies and marketing classes, I was exposed to editing software, social media platforms and marketing strategies. I was able to bring the knowledge I learned in the classroom to a hands-on internship experience with Disney ABC Television Group, which helped me narrow down my career goals."

Rachel wears a black dress and a silver necklace in her headshot
Rachel Castellano '18

Production Coordinator, ABC News Marketing & Creative

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The COM department focused on storytelling, and how to do so in a visually beautiful way. None of these classes would have been worthwhile if it weren't for the professors. They made every class engaging and connected with all of the students on a personal level."

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Michael Carnevale '16

Associate Integrated Producer, FCB Health

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My communication studies classes were especially helpful as they prepared me for what I would come across in news and editing. In my role at PHL17, I operated the teleprompter during shows, transcribed interviews and packages, helped with research and more."

Danielle smiles with a fence and greenery behind her
Danielle (Bella) Tierce '19

Former News Anchor, KYOU

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