Department
Communication & Media
Our department offers hands-on professional training and a record of national honors for students and faculty.
Journalism & Mass Communication
Mass communication is intrinsic to all aspects of life and a vital discipline for understanding the world in the 21st century. With this in mind, we help students understand media culture and learn to be ethical communicators. Our mission is to prepare students to contribute to the greater Christian community by making a difference in the American media culture.
Our program offers tracks in print journalism, broadcast and electronic journalism, public relations and advertising as well as minors in film production and sports media and coursework in church media, social media and photojournalism. This combination of a classic liberal studies education and hands-on professional training provides graduates with a broad career market including magazines, television, video production, public relations, advertising, marketing, sports information, media research, media sales, law, ministerial communication, broadcasting, book publishing and more.
Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
We have a very active chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, which is the official honor society of the National Communication Association. There are over 400 active chapters around the world. The name is representative of Aristotle's description of the elements of persuasion: logos (Lambda), pathos (Pi), and ethos (Eta). To join this organization, a student must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA with at least 60 credit hours of college coursework completed, and must have a 3.25 minimum GPA for all communication courses with at least 12 semester credits completed.
Our chapter, Omicron Rho, is involved each year in Samford's Earth Day and we've won awards for our assistance with organizing the event. And for Earth Day 2008, our display booth was voted "Most Creative." In addition, the chapter is responsible for sponsoring most departmental parties, such as our annual fall party and spring awards ceremony.
Every single day that I spent at Samford prepared me for the "real world." From technical skills like how to write a press release or deliver a presentation to general life skills, I'm grateful for my Samford degree everyday.—Allie Klaubert - Senior Manager, Markstein Strategic Communications Agency
Communication Studies
Our students learn to communicate effectively in a variety of settings, contexts and cultures. We teach the importance of understanding the messages people send each other, whether those messages occur in the intimate context of personal relationships or in the public arenas of business, law, politics and religion. While most programs focus on the medium, we focus on understanding verbal and nonverbal barriers that result in a wide variety of communication issues and address questions such as:
- Why do people say the things they do?
- How do you design messages to motivate and persuade others?
- What strategies work best for resolving conflicts?
- How do you communicate effectively with people from other cultures?
- Why do people sometimes misunderstand each other?
Tens of thousands of students in the U. S. earn college degrees each year, but with employers ranking communication as the most important skill across all jobs, a degree in communication studies can help you stand out in the crowd. Our graduates regularly secure successful careers in a wide variety of fields.
Our department has won eight awards for outstanding teaching, and we have an active student research program recognized as one of the finest in the country. Our department was even included in Kevin Kecskes' book, Engaging Departments, as an example of academic excellence.
"My experience in the program has been nothing but great! The department has helped me prepare for the workforce by enhancing my levels of communication and not being afraid to ask questions if I don't understand something."—Isaiah Causey, Communication Studies major
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Majors
Communication Studies
A major in communication studies gives students insight about human communication in its varied contexts and modes of expression. They learn to write, speak, listen, and think critically; adapt to a wide range of audiences and cultures; successfully manage personal relationships; work effectively in groups and organizations; and conduct independent research in preparation for any career that values effective communication.
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Journalism and Mass Communication
Samford’s Journalism and Mass Communication major offers tracks in print journalism, broadcast and electronic journalism, public relations and advertising. We believe that the best way to learn journalism is to practice journalism, so our classes are hands-on and production-focused. Our faculty mentors introduce students to professional networks and guide them to meaningful internships and fulfilling careers.
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Undergraduate Minors
Communication Studies
A minor in communication studies gives students in any major a distinctive professional advantage by developing their skills in writing, speaking and critical thinking.
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Film Studies Interdisciplinary
The interdisciplinary film production minor, offered in cooperation with the Department of Theatre and Dance, helps students develop the essential skills of visual storytelling, including writing and editing original scripts and shooting and editing their own projects.
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Sports Media
The minor in sports media prepares students for a career in the sports industry, with applied instruction in all aspects of sports media, including writing for sports, sports broadcasting, public relations, advertising and sports photojournalism. The minor operates in cooperation with Samford Athletics, and classes include hands-on, collaborative work with Samford athletic teams, giving students a wealth of experience right here on campus.
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Communication & Media Scholarships
Bishop Guild Scholarship
The Bishop Guild Scholarship honors former Samford debate coach Brad Bishop.
Department Scholarships
The Department of Communication and Media scholarships are based on ACT scores, high school grades, volunteer work and participation in media-related clubs. They can be renewed each year the student maintains a 3.5 or better grade point average and is involved with Samford student media. Reapplication is required each year for renewal.
Rex Copeland Scholarship
The Rex Copeland Scholarship is awarded in memory of Samford debater Rex Copeland
Ted & Dee Dee Jackson Scholarship
*To apply for scholarships, you must have an online Samford account. If you've started your Samford/Common App admission application, you can apply for scholarships using the same login information. If you haven't started an admission application, please log in as a new user.
