Communication studies goes online

EOU adds online option to popular communication studies degree

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement | 541-962-3585
Source contact: Kevin Roy | Assoc. Professor of Communication Studies | 541-962-3064 

LA GRANDE, Ore. May 20, 2016 – Eastern Oregon University is offering a new online degree in communication studies starting this fall. The major and minor are available on campus, too, and the expansion means more students will be served through a flexible combination of courses.

From the busy working professional to a stay-at-home parent or the undergrad seeking an on-campus experience, the goal is to be accessible to all students.

“EOU has amazing campus life, plus it is located in one of the most scenic and beautiful areas of the country,” explained Kevin Roy, associate professor and faculty chair of the program. “Now students can get personal attention in our small classes and study online from almost anywhere on a schedule that works for them.”

Students enrolled online also have the opportunity to take a variety of courses taught by faculty in-person during weekend seminars held around the state.

As an academic major, communication studies is gaining popularity at schools across the nation, in part because it can be paired easily with other fields of study. Students in EOU’s program choose from three tracks or primary areas of interests: business, media and teaching.

Business centers on marketing, public relations, human resources and related fields. Media covers broadcasting, journalism, new media, computer science and other digital technologies. Future educators are prepared to enter graduate school upon completion of the teaching track.

Psychology, history and public administration are a few of the other programs EOU students often integrate with communication studies.

“Communication skills are necessary and desirable in nearly every setting,” Roy said. “Our program is an innovative and interdisciplinary experience that prepares students for career success.”

Ashley Butler graduated from EOU’s on campus program in March and landed a job in her area of interest right away.

“I always assumed that after college I would struggle to find a career I enjoyed, however I have come to realize that the opportunities for students in this field are vast and growing immensely,” she said.

Butler recently became the production manager and communications director for an independent book publishing company where she started out as an intern. Her job includes corresponding with authors and editors to ensure publication deadlines are met and promoting books once they are published.

“The passion I have for the work, as well as the knowledge I gained here at EOU, helped me to excel at the job,” Butler added. “I could not be happier with the career path I have chosen and the opportunities that became available to me due to the excellent education I received.”

While Butler completed her degree on campus, the curriculum is designed to ensure students enrolling online have an equal experience.

“The attention our students receive is second to none, and the innovative platforms and techniques we use to build online learning communities is leading-edge,” Roy explained. “The very technologies we’re learning about are what we’re also using to interact with in class.”

These tools include YouTube, Google and other applications like Canvas, a learning management system enabling students to view their current courses, take quizzes and tests and see upcoming assignments. Students can complete coursework on a smartphone and receive robust support including one-on-one interaction with professors, access to academic advising, eTutoring and other services tailored for their unique needs.

“We want them to have the widest opportunities available, now and later when they are building their careers,” Roy said.

For more information on the degree and how to apply visit www.eou.edu/communication.