Goshen College adds three new majors: broadcasting, journalism and public relations

GOSHEN, Ind. – Goshen College has created three new majors: broadcasting, journalism and public relations in the Communication Department. The new offerings go into effect in the fall of 2008. As part of the new curriculum, new minors also will be available in these areas of study.

The new majors were created by elevating current concentrations of a communication major into separate majors. Previously, the department offered a major in communication; minors in communication, multimedia communication and writing; and concentrations in broadcasting, journalism, journalism education, film studies, generalist, multimedia communication and public relations.

“The new majors and minors provide more opportunity for specific career preparation within the communications field and the fourth possibility of a communication major with generalist, film studies or multimedia concentrations continues to provide a broad base for students who wish to study several areas of communication,” said Associate Professor of Communication Pat McFarlane. “We in the department are excited to offer these new opportunities to our majors.” McFarlane is serving as chair of the department while Associate Professor of Communication Duane Stoltzfus is in Perú this academic year leading Study-Service Term units.

Based on the variety of opportunities in the communication field and the necessary training and expertise required for places of employment, faculty in the Communication Department wanted to better prepare its students for the marketplace by strengthening its program. According to McFarlane, “Solid preparation in broadcast, journalism and public relations, including additional courses and a second internship requirement, will help graduates move more easily into the job market in these areas.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Anita Stalter said, “Goshen College’s emphasis on understanding our increasingly connected world is very related to how communication skills are used to foster understanding between people and across cultures, facilitate problem-solving and analyze information. This is an excellent environment in which students in these new majors can learn to approach communication professions in a global information society. Our graduates will be well prepared to enter competitive career environments with a strong liberal arts foundation, critical thinking skills, excellent communication skills in multimedia environments and significant hands-on experiences that the department offers.”

Not only will students benefit academically from having a more clearly defined and broader base of preparatory classes, but Goshen has available equipment to facilitate these new majors. The broadcast major now has full use of new high-definition video production systems allowing Goshen College to have a television broadcast quality production facility.

– By Emily Dougherty

Editors: For more information about this release or to arrange an interview, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

###

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu.