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Communication Arts

Communication Arts Department

Develop and apply practical communication skills with a degree in journalism, media, communication studies, public relations, or theater.

About the Communication Arts Department

Through mass communication, communication studies, and theater arts, we teach various methods of distributing a message, and we provide hands-on learning opportunities to make it happen. Our faculty are dedicated to developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through journalism and public relations classes, media training, and theater productions.

Our electronic media workshops and modern broadcast facilities will give you abundant firsthand experience in a wide range of multimedia content throughout your college career. Student-run media - KWSC-FM radio, KWSC-TV, and The Wayne Stater - provide alternatives to community media. These long-standing, pioneering student media emphasize practical application through immediate and hands-on experience.

And if you want to take the stage to act, direct, or build sets, Wayne State College offers numerous opportunities in the performing arts each year – just bring your talent and passion, and we’ll find a spot for you.

 

Helpful Links

WSC Film Festival
The Wayne Stater
KWSC-FM (radio)
KWSC Studios (TV and video production)
Performance Opportunities (music and theatre)
Black and Gold Performing Arts Series

"I hope to change people’s lives with my degree. I chose communications as my field of study because of the storytelling aspect. My experiences here have instilled leadership qualities within me that I hope to carry on in my future endeavors. The communication professors here are nothing short of excellent, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided me. I could immediately see how much they cared for their students and the material they were teaching, and it made me excited to learn more.”

 

Geovanni Ascencio

Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: South Sioux City, Neb.

Communication Arts Degree Programs

Choose from our mass communication and communication studies programs, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor. Explore your options here.

Program Name Bachelor's Pre-Professional or Affiliate Master's Minor Education Field Endorsement Education Subject Endorsement Supplemental Endorsement
Agricultural Communication and Leadership Explore             
Animation and Motion Graphics       Explore       
Communication Studies Explore      Explore       
Digital Film Production Explore      Explore       
Editing and Publishing       Explore       
Electronic Media Explore      Explore       
Interdisciplinary Studies Explore    Explore  Explore       
Journalism Explore      Explore       
Journalism and Media (7-12) Explore             
Nursing (Accelerated)   Explore           
Online and Social Media       Explore       
Organizational Leadership and Public Relations Explore             
Promotion and Media       Explore       
Public Relations Management - Online Master's Degree (MSOM)     Explore         
Speech Education (7-12) Explore             
Sports Media Explore             
Theatre Arts Explore      Explore       
Theatre Education (7-12) Explore             

Outside the Classroom

At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, mass media outlets, and more.

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Clubs and Organizations

  • Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow - Wayne's local chapter of the national, professional organization for agricultural communication
  • Drama Club - The Drama Club is a social club that fosters theatrical expression and nurtures the appreciation of theatre throughout Northeast Nebraska.
  • Forensics Team - A competitive speech team that represents WSC in regional and national speech competitions
  • Lambda Pi Eta - A national honor society for students majoring in Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, and Communication Studies.
  • Media Club - A club for anyone interested in creating film and media.
  • Pi Kappa Delta - A national forensics honorary dedicated to promoting excellence in speech and debate.
  • Wildcat PR - A local chapter of the PRSSA (Public Relations Society of America), the leading professional organization for students in public relations, communication, marketing, advertising, and graphic design.
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Media Outlets and Events

  • KWSC Studios (TV and video production) - Provide sports, news, and entertainment for the masses through our student-run educational cable access channel, KWSC-TV on Channel 6.
  • KWSC-FM (radio) - Get some on-air training through our student-run campus radio station.  Our fully-equipped broadcast station runs 24 hours a day during the school year.
  • The Wayne Stater - Practice your skills in reporting, writing, editing, and photography for The Wayne Stater. You’ll have the opportunity to compete for awards for your work in college journalism.
  • Wildcat Spirit Short Film Festival – A special opportunity to showcase your filmmaking skills, meet other filmmakers in the region, and compete for prizes.
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Opportunities

  • Workshops - Communications and theater arts workshops will give you abundant firsthand experience for you to hone your skills in preparation for a career in this field of study.
  • Trips, conferences, and more – Attend communication conferences and presentations, and participate in leadership opportunities. You’ll get the chance to attend the National Student Electronic Media Convention and Nebraska Collegiate Media Association meetings. The WSC Media Club and students from KWSC-FM and KWSC Studios travel to Omaha, Neb., Lincoln, Neb., Norfolk, Neb., Sioux City, Iowa, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Kan., and Denver – all markets for station and media business tours.
  • Theater productions – From acting to designing to constructing sets, you’ll get hands-on experience through WSC mainstage productions.
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Internships/Clinicals

WSC can provide you with a variety of publication outlets, writing opportunities, theater productions, and other events to build your portfolio and gain practical experience in this field of study. If you’re a speech or theater education major, you’ll need to complete clinical practice (student teaching). Career Services is also available to help you find internship opportunities.

Dr. Allyn Leuders, Department Chair - Communication Arts

"Studying Communication Arts at WSC will help you gain in-demand skills, like descriptive writing, problem solving, empathy, and strong communication, that can be applied to any career path. We can't wait for you to join the family!”
 

Allyn Lueders, Ph.D.

Department Chair
Professor of Communication Arts

 

Learn From the Best

Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in a personalized setting with a friendly atmosphere.

Communication Arts Scholarships

In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for  communication arts students.

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