Communication Studies

Imagine yourself actually operating broadcast video cameras, audio recording consoles, digital audio and video workstations, or shooting portraits and products in our photography studio. You may write for and participate in the design of the student news production or take an active part in the departmentâs photo staff, using the latest digital cameras, computer graphics and publication technologies. You could gain practical experience in television film and webcasting the departmentâs digital editing equipment.

Communication Studies Department at Gardner-Webb offers extensive instruction in all of these areas and more, with classroom and laboratory opportunities that maximize hands-on training on current, industry-respected equipment. GWUâs low student-to-faculty ratio in our classes will allow you to truly interact with your instructor. A degree in one of our programs will give you solid, practical knowledge that will further the realization of your career goals.

There are two majors with multiple concentrations within the Department of Communications Studies:

Graphic Design

Video/Film

Photography

Public Relations

Journalism

News-Editorial (print & web)

Photojournalism (still, video, & multimedia)

Broadcast (in front of the camera)

As a student at Gardner-Webb, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment as well as faculty members who are not only academics but also understand the current industry trends. This combination will provide you with a rigorous academic curriculum and real world knowledge needed to prepare for your future career.

One of the best decisions you can make as a student is to get involved with student publications!

GWU-today.com is a student multi-media production covering campus news, sports, and activities as well as community events.

The Department of Communication Studies provides a convergence media education. Convergence media combines traditional mediums to tell stories. Today's media utilizes convergence media to reach viewers and engage them through social media. Gardner-Webb was one of the first schools in the country to require all students to complete a Digital Media Convergence (COMM 220) as their first production course. COMM 220 will introduce you to the use of digital audio, photography, and video to tell stories. Each area is introduced individually and by the end of the course, students produce a project using all three mediums.

As part of the major in communications, you will complete a senior capstone Portfolio course and an internship in your field of study. These two courses will provide you with an opportunity to fine-tune the skills learned in your coursework and prepare to enter the working world.

Mission Statement

In support of the university mission, the Department of Communication Studies provides its graduates with a strong academic background in critical thinking and basic communication skills, along with extensive experienced-based preparation for work in media-related professions.

Departmental Goals and Objectives

It is the goal of the Department of Communication Studies that upon completion of our curriculum our students will:

Demonstrate an understanding, sensitivity, and competence in matters of human exchange;
Demonstrate competence, knowledge and skills in the application of the principles of effective communication;
Demonstrate practical entry-level skills appropriate to the communication industry;
Apply the knowledge and skills learned toward making meaningful contributions to the global community in which we live.

NOTE: The Department of Communication Studies uses the Apple Mac platform in the computer lab and for teaching production-based courses. All department coursework will be taught using software designed for the Mac. In the communication industry, it is the standard computer platform, especially in graphics, photography and video. Students who major in Communication Studies are encouraged to consider purchasing a Mac for their personal computer use. For computer recommendations, please see a Communication Studies faculty member. Additionally, all students must purchase a 500GB or larger, firewire hard drive for production coursework. This allows students to protect their work from accidental loss in the computer lab and will allow them to accumulate work that can be used in their portfolio.