Communication
Communication is all about creating, shaping and delivering meaningful messages.
A bachelor’s degree in communication is very useful for preparing you for a wide range of career options, including being a political aide, public relations manager, talk show host, sales representative, graphic designer, photojournalist, market researcher, camera operator, corporate communication manager, copy editor, producer, magazine editor, podcaster, social media manager, and marketing/advertising manager.
Undergraduate Degrees
We offer an education that meets your specific interests and goals. Combine your communication studies with minors or emphases in Digital Media or Public Relations. Our undergraduate degrees are also the perfect springboard to graduate school.
Degree Options
BS in Digial Communication (emphasis in Digital Media)
WHO IS IT FOR?
The BS in Digital Communication (Digital Media) is for individuals who are seeking to create content for the exciting world of media. This engaging course of study allows the student to study the principles of media and content production under the guidance of experience faculty in the areas of Film, Television, Photography, Graphic Design, Social Media, Journalism and Podcasting. A degree in Digital Communication prepares the student to join any communication or media entity with a diverse set of creative skills, highly desired in today’s workforce. Students also end up working on real productions they can use to showcase their talents upon graduation. Students are also encouraged to obtain internships that greatly increase the potential of immediate employment upon graduation.
HOW CAN I SERVE GOD?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church provides opportunities for qualified digital media professionals to serve in many of their production entities worldwide; in educational environments; and supporting non-profits and independent ministries. Individuals can use their skills to create content and help spread the gospel ministry worldwide.
JOB MARKET
Careers in Digital Media may be found in television broadcasting, video production, social media, podcasting and internet broadcasting. Technology now allows many persons to create content without the use of multimillion dollar equipment and a studio. Producing and directing are not the only jobs one can do with a digital media degree, there are a variety of other positions available, including video editor, podcaster, social media manager, writer and content creator.
Media Writing: BS
WHO IS IT FOR?
Media Writing is recommended for those who wish to develop content for the fast-paced world of journalism and publication. This diverse course of study allows the student to study writing for news, on-line and print publications, as well as social media. A degree in Media Writing prepares the student to join an organization as an entry-level writer with potential for advancement into editorial positions.
HOW CAN I SERVE GOD?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church works with qualified writing professionals to serve in education, ministerial administration, and independent ministries. Whether you are a woman or man, opportunities are available, but competitive. Also, the nonprofit sector has jobs for the professional who wishes to blend writing expertise with humanitarian service.
JOB MARKET
Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media, including advertisements; books; magazines; movie, play, and television scripts; and blogs. Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow by 8 percent.
Median Salary for 2016: $60,000
Number of jobs available in 2016: 131,200
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Public Relations: BS/BA
WHO IS IT FOR?
A Public Relations major is recommended for those who wish to manage communication functions for organizations or individuals. This diverse degree requires students to study writing, media relations, social media, problem-solving, design, and visual arts. A degree in Public Relations prepares the student to join an organization as an entry-level, skilled practitioner with potential for advancement into management.
HOW CAN I SERVE GOD?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is quickly embracing qualified public relations professionals to serve in education, ministerial administration, and independent ministries. Whether you are a woman or man, opportunities are available. Also, the nonprofit sector has many jobs for the professional who wishes to blend public relations practice with humanitarian service.
JOB MARKET
Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026. The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth. Candidates can expect strong competition for jobs at advertising and public relations firms and organizations with large media exposure.
Communication MA
The Master of Arts is designed for students who wish to develop advanced-level skills and an expanded knowledge base in communication. Additionally, it also gives students the option of selecting a specific concentration area in which to focus their studies and connect an area of interest to the broader field of communication.
We strive to provide the best graduate education possible for Seventh-day Adventist and Christian communicators. Our expanded department includes more course options which will improve and strengthen your customized degree program.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Baccalaureate degree: A four-year degree from an accredited United States institution, or its equivalent from an institution outside the U.S.
- Undergraduate GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Recommendations from the church board where the applicant is a member; college teacher/advisor, and church administrator, pastor or recent employer.
- Undergraduate coursework: 12 semester credits in communication and/or related areas
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Other:
- Satisfy the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies
- Present a resume of current experience
- Submit a Statement of Purpose which explains how the relevant disciplines will be integrated to meet his/her career and academic goals
- Complete any deficiencies at the beginning of the program
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Students whose language of education is not English must submit one of the following tests and minimum scores:
TOEFL (ITP) paper-based—composite score of 600, with no component score lower than 55. An additional written essay exam is required with a minimum score of 80, and an additional speaking evaluation with a score of not less than 3.
TOEFL internet-based (iBT)—composite score of 100, with Reading and Listening component scores of at least 15, Writing component score of at least 17, and Speaking component score of at least 18.
MELAB—composite score of 84 with no component score lower than 80.
IELTS—[Academic] composite score of 7, with Reading, Listening and Speaking component scores of at least 6, and a Writing component score of at least 5.
PTE—PTE [Academic] composite score of 68, with no component score lower than 48.
The exam must be taken within two years prior to enrollment. Students who score below these levels may complete language requirements by enrolling in Intensive English Program courses (ENSL) on campus. Students with a score on the TOEFL ITP of 575-599 (or the equivalent on any of the four other exams) may be eligible for the Language Bridge Program which allows students to take a limited number of degree program courses while completing language proficiency requirements with Intensive English Program courses.
Exceptions to these requirements may be granted by the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design on an individual basis.
Desrene Vernon-Brebnor, PhD
Graduate Program Director
Main Phone: (269) 471-6314
Direct Phone: (269) 471-6468
Department Email: commdept@andrews.edu
Direct Email: desrene@andrews.edu
Dual Degree - MDiv & MA
Andrews University has chosen to establish a collaborative program between the Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design in the College of Arts & Sciences. Students can potentially complete the two degrees in less than 3½ years; 2 years in the Theological Seminary and 1 to 1½ years in the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design.
This degree will prepare MDiv students for service in occupations where communication—and in particular, media-related communication—intersects with the pastoral mission of the church. Pastors today are challenged to minister and serve in ever-widening fields to increasingly diverse audience groups, and being able to do so effectively through a variety of mediums is becoming more important than ever before. Likewise, there are benefits to understanding the how and why of communication and what it takes to be an effective communicator on all levels outside of the pulpit. Furthermore, this collaboration allows for widened employment opportunities including television and radio, public relations, corporate communication and more.
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