What types of applied learning opportunities are available?

Why are internship programs important to the program?

What type of practical learning experience is available in the Theatre/Video department?

What type of student research opportunity is available?

Do students and faculty work together on research projects?

Do students present research findings at national conferences?

What type of applied learning opportunities do you have available to Communication majors?

Whether in business, in front of an audience or behind a camera, Communication Studies and Theatre students gain extensive practical experience in their fields before they graduate as all majors complete an applied learning experience.

Speech Communication majors have completed internships at non-profit organizations, arts organizations, city departments, and in business and private industry. Some examples of businesses and organizations where students have worked include the St. Joseph Museum, Inc., City of St. Joseph, Allied Arts Association and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Internship opportunities for Theatre/Video students have included positions at cable companies, television stations, and local and national theaters. Some examples of businesses and organizations where students have worked include KQTV-2, KSHB-TV, Cablevision Advertising, and Utah Shakespeare Company.

Why are internship programs important to the program?

Internships provide students with a valuable hands-on experience that is difficult to duplicate in the classroom.

According to the 2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook, students with internship experience greatly increase their chances of finding a job in the fields of communication, theatre or video.

What type of practical learning experience is available in the department?

Four mainstage productions each year, in addition to student-directed productions and short films, offer Theatre/Video students opportunities for hands-on theatre experience. Additionally, extensive time spent in the media production lab and the computer lab with the latest editing and sound production software gives students an edge in the job market. A student who joins Griffon Eye Productions will have the opportunity to film events on campus throughout the year. 

What type of student research opportunity is available?

Several courses specifically incorporate research as part of the curriculum. Through these courses, students work on both independent and team research projects. These courses include:

     - Research Methods in Communication (COM 320)

     - Survey of Rhetorical Theory (COM 338)

     - Oral Communication (COM 104)

     - Public Relations Communication Analysis (COM 415)

     - Independent Research/Project (COM 450 and THR 450)

Do students and faculty work together on research projects?

Students generally work in small groups on their research projects; however, many students collaborate with faculty in one-on-one sessions.

Do students present research findings at national conferences?

Several students have had the opportunity to present the results of their original research at professional conferences, such as the Central States Communication Association, National Communication Association, Region 5 Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Conference, Stage Combat Workshop in Louisiana and Kansas City Film Festival.