Communication, Media and Theatre Department
With its highly accomplished and award-winning faculty and staff, UW-Superior’s Communication, Media and Theatre Department offers students a balance between theory and practice in the program areas of Communication, Multimedia Journalism and Theatre/Digital Filmmaking.
All Communication, Media and Theatre Majors and Minors have many opportunities to engage in individualized experiences, including communication and media research, student teaching, internships, news reporting, sports broadcasting, digital filmmaking, and theatre production. Students also gain experience through campus organizations, such as The Promethean newspaper and University Theatre, which stages 2-3 productions each year.
Program Options
The Communication and Media Arts degree combines theory and hands-on practice in communication, journalism, theatre, and digital filmmaking. Students gain real-world experience through campus media, theatre productions, and internships while building strong portfolios of original work. With options to study on campus or online, graduates are prepared for careers in media, public relations, business communication, theatre, film, and beyond.
Students with a Communication Concentration or Communication Minor explore how social interactions shape their everyday personal and professional lives, including how they form and negotiate relationships in groups, communities and cultures. Coursework focuses on critical, cultural, global and media contexts and perspectives. The Communication Concentration and Communication Minor are available both on campus and online, the latter having received multiple national rankings for its academic excellence and affordability. Online students take the same exceptional classes as on campus students, but with the flexibility of earning their degree from home. Whether on campus or online, the interdisciplinary nature of the Communication program prepares graduates to work in a wide range of professions and fields, as well as pursue advanced degrees.
Multimedia Journalism students develop their knowledge and skills as digital storytellers who research, compose and produce work to be mass communicated across a wide range of media platforms. Students with a Multimedia Journalism Concentration or Multimedia Journalism Minor have numerous experiential learning opportunities with campus partners Yellowjacket Athletics, The Promethean student newspaper and Wisconsin Public Radio. Multimedia Journalism graduates have careers in traditional print, radio and television media, as well as in the expanding fields of public relations, social media marketing and web content production for businesses, government and nonprofit organizations.
Students who choose the Theatre and Digital Filmmaking Concentration or Theatre Minor learn and apply theory and techniques in theatre and digital film production. Coursework is very hands-on, offering students multiple opportunities to perform, create and collaborate in theatre productions and on both fictional and documentary video projects. Graduates of the Theatre and Digital Filmmaking Concentration or Theatre Minor go on to work as writers, producers, directors, editors, designers, actors and more in the highly creative and competitive theatre, film/TV and video production industries.
My experience with the Communication, Media and Theatre Department has been really positive. it has helped me gain valuable skills in both written and verbal communication. It has also helped me develop a critical understanding of media, culture and human interaction.
It’s a small university with great professors and fellow students. It’s been easy to get doors to open – either one at a time or all at once. One of my Communication and Media Arts professors, Tom Hansen, encouraged me to apply for a job at Fox21. It’s been an amazing experience.
When I first came to UWS I lacked confidence and had a lot of doubt in my ability. My teachers and advisors pushed me to try new things. Their need for me to succeed led me to challenge myself and experience new things. I auditioned for a theater production on campus, I made a film, and all along the way made connections with people that will last a lifetime.
The Communication, Media and Theatre Department has helped me realize my passion for journalism and giving the campus and community a voice. Through the department I’ve had opportunities presented to me that would never have happened without the help of the department and my advisors. The experience I’ve gained through the department truly created a future for myself.
When I was at a larger university it was hard to find help, but UWS does an amazing job of finding you. I’m thankful for all the different ways I was pushed to be a better version of myself and for all the opportunities I have been offered because of the Communication, Media and Theatre Department.
The theatre minor has allowed me to continue to pursue my passion in theatre while also focusing on my main degree. The professors are supportive of all the students regardless of experience and the classes have aspects that carry over to other classes as well. My college experience has improved greatly by being involved in the theatre department.