Saint Louis University's Department of Communication educates students to become culturally sensitive participants in democratic dialogue. In particular, we seek to cultivate innovative, ethically responsible leaders in fields such as journalism, communication research, public relations, advertising, human resources, public service, and teaching. To accomplish this mission, the Department encourages undergraduate students to integrate theoretical knowledge of human interaction processes with a deep grasp of the cultural consequences of the mass media. In parallel with these desired outcomes, the program also pursues the practical dimension of specialized skills in writing, speaking, critical thinking, research, and design.
Students at the Madrid Campus can complete a special program through the Department of Communication: International Communication. The unique, international position of a U.S. campus in Europe, and the distinctly international make-up of our student body and faculty present a range of opportunities that enact the missions of the Department of Communication and of Saint Louis University.
The requirements for the degree completed in Madrid are the same as those for Communication majors at the Missouri Campus. The key difference, however, is that students complete a set of upper-level required and elective courses that focus on international and intercultural issues.
This special focus on International Communication is grounded in the liberal arts and designed to prepare young men and women for careers in public relations, journalism, business, and diplomacy—with the hope of fostering better communication among nations in the endeavor to promote world peace.
What type of students are interested in Communication?
While there is no generic profile for a Communication major, one feature characterizes the best students of communication arts: a strong interest in understanding (and even creating) messages. From feature films to newspaper editorials, communication majors learn the different ways to interpret all kinds of texts. And while students who like to write and express themselves verbally are certainly drawn to the major, those who work through images more than words can also find a comfortable home in Communication.
What can students do with a degree in Communication?
From advertising executives to screenplay writers, the career paths of those who major in Communication are as varied as the courses Saint Louis University offers. Communication majors pursue careers in journalism, advertising, politics, law, business, publishing, e-commerce, film-making, and academia (just to name a few).
Special attributes of this program:
- Small classes/personal attention by faculty and staff.
- A faculty committed to teaching while carrying out original research on contemporary Communication issues.
- A faculty trained at top universities in Europe and the United States in addition to substantial work experience in the private sector.
- An international perspective.
- Excursions to London's BBC, CNN, and MTV studios.
- Ample opportunities for application of in-class lessons outside of class (La Voz del Valle student newspaper, Abanico literary magazine).
- An unparalleled opportunity to travel throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
