Communication Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

Communication Studies Program

• Overview
• About Communication
• Careers
• Internships
• Student Profiles
• Alumni Profiles
• Center for Communication & Journalism

Programs of Study

• Communication Studies Major
• Audio-Radio/Digital Media Production Major
• Public Relations/Organizational Communication Major
• TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism Major

Facilities

• Media and Technology
• TV, Radio, & Media Outlets

Productions and Publications

• Student Projects
• Faculty Productions
• Faculty Publications

Resources

• Alumni Directory

Contact Us

• Faculty Directory

Take the Next Step

• Apply for Admission
• Request Information
• Quick Facts
• Visiting & Open Houses
• Virtual Tour
• Register for Courses

Communication Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

What Sets Us Apart

Our four majors will help build your career

• Audio-Radio/Digital Media Production prepares you for the wide-ranging fields of audio, radio, and digital media production. Our student-run FM radio facility, WQKE, or the student-run, cable-based tele-radio station, WARP, give you opportunities to get hands-on experience
• Communication Studies focuses on exploring the wide-ranging field of communication. This in-depth cross-section of communication emphasizes the personal over the technological and is a very powerful option -- with many of our students continuing on to politics, law, or graduate school.
• Public Relations/Organizational Communication provides you the with know-how and skills you will need in today's communication-rich environments and gives you a competitive advantage in a wide variety of careers.
• TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism Major lets you discover all the ins-and-outs of television/video production with the TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism major. Our student-run cable TV station, PSTV, lets you gain hands-on experience producing TV shows and the news.

Easy access to facilities, teaching resources, and faculty members

• Progressive teaching methods which connects your classroom experience to the outside world
• Classroom activities and projects that build an effective portfolio, making you look good to potential employers
• Internships that let you jumpstart your career
• Exposure to many related areas within communication -- developing proficiency in several areas, not just one

We Balance Theory with Hands-On Experience

Unlike some other colleges, hands-on training begins from day one. Our program strikes a balance between theory and practice by combining a traditional liberal arts education with professional training.

You can get involved in audio recording, live sports broadcasting, advertising, and marketing campaigns. Due to our close relationship with other programs such as Art, Journalism, and Music, you have the opportunity to further explore web design, broadcast journalism, live music recording, and more.

Our Offerings Are Wide and Deep

You'll learn about persuasion and mass media effects, culture and relationships, speaking and writing. And at the same time, you'll pursue a course of study that provides in-depth knowledge that suits your interests and career needs. Whether you are studying TV-Video Production or Communication Studies, you get professional training plus a traditional liberal arts education. Liberal arts courses help you develop general knowledge and reasoning ability.

Today's jobs demand a broad base of strengths. Our program challenges you to not only become a master of one area, but to be strong in speaking, writing, ethics, leadership, culture, and much more. Our program also supports study in more than one major or concentration. This adds to your flexibility and increases your ability to take on the competition in your chosen field.

Our Classrooms include Real-World Experience

Effective teaching and learning depends on applying concepts. Professional-level experiences begin here from day one. In the classroom, you will often work with real, client-based projects. And even when clients are not involved, our faculty have significant industry experience that provides real-world exposure right in the classroom.

Our Alums Can Help You to Network

Our graduates go on to successful careers in:

• PR/Advertising
• Sales
• Marketing
• TV-Video Production
• Web Design
• Audio Production
• Law
• and so many more

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers at media outlets such as MTV, CBS, NBC, and Sony Tri-Star, at radio stations and recording studios across the U.S., and on to graduate school, bound for careers in teaching, politics, and law. Our alums, along with your Plattsburgh State Communication Department faculty, can mentor you as you begin your own successful communication career.

Programs of Study

With four majors in the Communication Program we've got what you're looking for. Get started building your career with one (or more) of our options:

• Audio-Radio/Digital Media Production Major
• Communication Studies Major
• Public Relations/Organizational Communication Major
• TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism Major

Contact Information

Peter Ensel, Chairperson

"Welcome to the Department of Communication Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh. I hope you find your visit to our web page useful and informational. By visiting the various links offered, you will find a great deal of information that accurately explains 'what we are about.' But, to truly feel the sense of community and professionalism that exists between our faculty, students and colleagues, you need to visit our facilities. I encourage you to schedule a tour of the college and department to learn more about our programs."

For more information about the department, or to arrange a campus visit, please feel free to contact me at:

Office: Yokum Hall 103B
Phone: (518) 564-4287
E-mail: peter.ensel@plattsburgh.edu