Communications Media Department

Welcome to the Department of Communications Media.

At Thiel College, our students are award-winning leaders across disciplines, including communication studies, journalism, media, and film. Under the direction of highly skilled instructors, our diverse and comprehensive programs provide students with many opportunities to learn, sharpen, and apply real-world skills.

We study various forms of communication, including content generation, writing, media production and broadcasting, podcasting, and screenwriting, with an emphasis on preparing students to work in all fields of media: television and film production, audio recording, radio broadcasting, photography, media promotion, media marketing, public relations, news writing, and scriptwriting.

Instructors focus on career-ready transferable skills valued by employers in fast-growing, evolving, and exciting industries, including:

Communication
Collaboration
Leadership
Decision making
Fluency in industry software and technology applications

All our students have opportunities to get involved with WXTC radio station, TCTV television, the Thielensian newspaper, and the photography club. Students gain practical skills covering Thiel Athletics and numerous campus events that perfectly complement our courses in communication studies.

Undergraduate Program of Study

Communications Media (B.A.)

Students develop integrated storytelling and design skills in written, visual, and oral communication along with essential critical thinking, research, and leadership abilities.

Understand the dynamics, nuances, and cultural differences in communication between individuals and among groups.

PDF on the B.A. in Communications Media

Experiential Learning and Campus Activities

Thiel has many options for media, communication and public relations students to get involved in campus activities. Campus activities are an excellent way for students to extend their bachelor’s degree program and explore the field of communications.

The James Pedas Communication Center houses our campus media which includes our new podcast studio, TCTV (Thiel College Television), WXTC (our FCC-licensed radio station) and The Thielensian (our student-run newspaper). Campus media allows students to gain hands-on experience alongside their classmates, boosting their resumes and providing additional opportunities to earn course credit. Students participating in the campus media are eligible to become members of the Society for Collegiate Journalists.

Communication majors can join Lambda Pi Eta, Thiel’s chapter of the honor society of the National Communication Association. The honor society represents a network of like minded students who exchange ideas about the field of communication, fostering meaningful connections and personal and professional growth.

In their junior or senior year, many students take advantage of internship and study abroad opportunities to broaden their perspectives and deepen their practical knowledge of their major. These hands-on learning opportunities ensure students are equipped with the vital experiences that position them to start their career or pursue graduate education.

Learn more about the clubs and activities for communication majors.

Career Opportunities

Students in the department of Media, Communication and Public Relations are well-prepared for a range of in-demand careers in their chosen field, from print and digital journalism to television broadcasting to public relations. Our alumni have gone on to become reporters, public relation coordinators and directors of communications—to name just a few of the exciting roles held by our graduates.

At the Pedas Communication Center, students consult with on-site coaches to perfect their work and explore production values to implement in individual and group assignments.

The faculty at Thiel assist students in developing the knowledge and skills they need, as well as mentoring them for their next steps after completing their bachelor’s degree. No matter what communications studies program you choose, you can expect to receive one-on-one instruction and career-focused guidance from faculty who have extensive professional media experience.

“I always wanted to be a reporter. I loved to talk to people, to tell the story ... To put {media writing} into play in a classroom setting with cameras and teamwork. Trying to create the 'station' feel ... I definitely feel like I learned the most in that, I grew the most.” Danielle Dwyer ’11

Explore more about communication careers and our alumni success stories.

Connect with the James Pedas Communication Center

Check out what our bachelor’s degree students have produced as part of their communication studies:

Students and faculty are able to borrow production equipment from the James Pedas Communication Center in order to complete interactive classroom media assignments and field productions. In order to request rental equipment, you must complete the form below.

Pedas Center Equipment Rental Form