GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College has launched a new Bachelor of Arts in Communications Media, a program designed to graduate skilled and ethical communicators equipped to navigate a media-saturated, diverse, and complex global environment.
The enhanced curriculum emphasizes integrated storytelling and media creation skills across written, visual, and oral communication, while also fostering critical thinking, research and leadership abilities. The new major prepares students to excel as communicators in a media-rich world. It will build skills and confidence in the traditional pillars of writing and speaking for careers. The new program unifies media production, journalism and interpersonal and mass communication techniques. Students will be able to create documentaries, write news articles and harness the power of story.
“The new communications media major will open career paths in advertising, marketing and social media as well as traditional and new media,” Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D. said. “Thiel’s program also sets a solid foundation for students planning for post-graduate studies. Our faculty members give students one-on-one attention and mentoring and students in the major will have access to industry-wide contacts through the College’s alumni network.”
Through the communications media program, Thiel students will be connected to the alumni network of experienced media professionals. Students have access to the state-of-the-art facilities in the James Pedas Communication Center, which includes a redesigned and modern television studio, new camera drones, a podcast studio and a radio broadcasting studio with advanced equipment. These facilities serve as a dynamic learning environment where students can create a digital media portfolio. They will also receive experience-based training that goes beyond what students learn in the classroom through internships and practicums.
Thiel also provides unique scholarship opportunities for its communication media majors including one with a connection to iconic children’s show host Fred Rogers H’69, who received an honorary degree from the College in 1969.
“The new communications media major at Thiel College is designed to prepare students for the constantly evolving and disparate media landscape. By integrating storytelling, critical thinking, and technical skills, we equip our graduates to excel in various industries, including broadcasting, advertising, and media production,” Assistant Professor of Communication and department chair Matthew Humphrey said. “Our alumni have found success in diverse fields, demonstrating the value and versatility of a communications degree from Thiel.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.