New Communication Degree Program Will Combine Communication Strategy With Emerging Technology

May 12, 2015

Alverno College is launching a new Communication degree program in the fall. The program, which combines traditional communication curriculum with an emphasis on digital technology, is the result of a year-long analysis and input from multiple local experts in the communication field.

“There is a demand for professional women with strong written, presentation, and leadership skills who can capitalize on emerging technologies,” said Tracy Stockwell, Ph.D., chair of the Communication department. “The revision of our curriculum, framed within the innovative, ability-based teaching and learning approach Alverno College has practiced for decades, offers preparation for both current and emerging professions in communication and technology.”

The new program replaces the existing Professional Communication degree program, evolving to meet the needs of today's students while maintaining the core strengths of the current program. Experts representing a range of professions, including public relations, marketing, advertising and digital strategy weighed in. Their input helped shape the curriculum and paved the way for the school to build partnerships with local businesses, in addition to opening the door for students to design projects that will be mutually beneficial. “The new program at Alverno is very much geared towards teaching students what they need to know to hit the ground running after graduation,” said Steve Koeneke, owner of Thirsty Boy and one of the experts asked to give feedback. “I have seen no other curriculum that offers the advanced kind of training and teaching that this particular program will. For me as a business owner in a digital media company, this is what I've been waiting to see.”

“It's great to see a program built around digital and social and interactive,” said Katie Klein Murphy, social media marketing manager for Boelter & Lincoln Communications. “I really wish I had a program like this available to me.”

The new program includes 24 core credits that every communication major takes, plus nine credits of flexible, hybrid production labs. Six credits of electives and a required internship round out the curriculum. “We work with women to transform their lives and their communities through communication and technology. More than ever, due to the tremendous changes of the Digital Age, communication professionals are poised to advocate for and cultivate change within both the public and private sectors,” said Stockwell.