School of Performing Arts and Communication
The School of Performing Arts and Communication offers a rich and vibrant learning environment in which performing and communication artists can thrive, grow and reach their full potential. You’ll study and collaborate with a talented faculty and work with professional artists who will help you bridge the gap between the classroom and the “real world.”
Department of Communication Studies, Theater and Dance, BA in Communication Studies, offering three concentrations.
In this major, emphasis is on communication ethics, effective listening, small group communication and the mastery of argumentation skills. Students in General Communication Studies are expected to be actively involved in the department’s student organizations.
The emphasis in Interdisciplinary Studies is ideal for the student who desires to combine training and development in a variety of communication content areas with 18 hours in a second content area. Students are expected to participate in organizations specific to their graduate school and/or career goals (e.g., Pre-Law Club, Future Educators of America, Psychology Club).
The emphasis in performance trains students for multiple fields, including acting, directing, producing, voice talent for radio, film, television, sales, marketing, news reporting, and theatre arts education. Performance study also places emphasis on the development of critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Enrollment in Performance Repertory is required for this emphasis. Students whose emphasis is performance must also be actively involved with the Mary McLeod Bethune Players and/or Orchesis Dance Ensemble. Students outside of the major are also invited to participate in these organizations.
Department of Mass Communications, BA in Mass Communications, offering three concentrations
The B.A. in Mass Communications-Digital Broadcast Production is designed to train students interested in television, radio production and new media careers. Hands-on real-life exposure to industry standards is emphasized. Students are active in our on-campus facilities including: WM&G-TV, a modern, television production studio and three radio stations, WELE-AM, WBCC-AM, and WRWS-FM.
The B.A. in Mass Communications-Multimedia Journalism is designed for students who are interested in social media, new media, digital media, and print, radio and television careers. Students are encouraged to gain experience through membership in the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), professional internships (some virtual, some international) and with two award-winning on-campus student-run publications: Voice of the Wildcats newspaper and McLeod Magazine, both with print and digital versions.
Strengthening the pipeline with proficient African American PR practitioners and teaching the importance of providing balanced and fair representations via the public relations industry are top priorities of our Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications-Public Relations/Advertising emphasis area. Public Relations/Advertising is designed to prepare students for dynamic public relations and advertising careers. Many students are active members of the student PR organization “Vision” of the Florida Public Relations Association and the National Black Public Relations Society (NBPRS).
Department of Music, BA in three degree programs:
The Bachelor of Arts in Music offers students a liberal arts education with a concentration in music. Graduates of the program will have a comprehensive background in core musicianship and performance requirements in addition to a minor in an outside field suited to each student’s career goals. Students will consult with an advisor to choose the minor and concentration in music that is most appropriate. This degree allows students to craft a degree that is suited to their needs while allowing them the flexibility to pursue a wide range of interests in order to craft an individualized educational experience. Upon completion of this degree students will be prepared for further training at the graduate level or other professional experiences.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Education is offered through the College of Education in conjunction with the Department of Music. This degree provides professional training for students seeking to pursue a career as a public-school music teacher. Required courses help students to develop musicianship, performance skills, and instructional strategies. Various field and clinical experiences, in addition to a solo senior recital, are major components of this degree. Students desiring a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education must satisfy all requirements of the Department of Music as well as those of the School of Education. Those requirements are listed under the School of Education portion of this catalog. Graduates from this degree program are certified to teach music K-12, vocal and instrumental in the state of Florida.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music Recording Technology is a focused degree that, in addition to providing a strong musical foundation through required musicianship and performance courses, covers the fundamental aspects of audio, music production and music business to prepare students for a career in the music and audio industries. Some of the more specific topics covered include: digital audio, fundamentals of sound, microphone technique, music production, arranging, MIDI production, songwriting, music licensing, artist management, record label structure, audio for post production, live sound reinforcement, and sound design. Students can also complete coursework leading towards Pro Tools certification and have the opportunity to become a Pro Tools Certified Operator. Students graduate with a portfolio, clinical experience through an internship and are poised to enter the field professionally.
The Faculty and Staff of the Department of Music thank you for your interest in our programs. Please click here for information.
