How well do you know the Department of Communication?
How well do you know the Department of Communication?
PRSSA Event Emphasizes the Advantages of Public Relations Program
On September 28th, Communication students gathered to hear advice, and guidance from public relations scholars, experts, and professors. The invitation was for all students interested in the public relations track and Public Relations profession. No matter the reason for attendance, all left with a greater appreciation for the University of Maryland public relations program that has earned a name as one of the best in the nation.
The event was brought to the students by the University of Maryland chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The audience of undergraduate students was eager to hear the words of the panel, who gathered for the evening’s event. Julie Gowin, Outreach Coordinator for the Communication Department, began the evening by informing students of the numerous job opportunities and internships that are available in the field of public relations. Some of the most well known companies in the Washington DC and Baltimore areas contact her looking for students to intern or work part time.
This reputation has been developed over the years, but most recently the University of Maryland’s public relations program was acknowledged as one of three, “Ivy Leagues of PR,” by PR Weekly. Elizabeth Toth, public relations faculty, discussed the type of curriculum that has become a “model for the rest of the country.” Public relations professor, Dr. Bowen advised the student audience how to tell if the field of public relations is right for them. She also discussed the versatility of this profession that spans across business, management, and research. She described public relations as a “Communication function that spreads across all fields.” (Cont.)
University Extends Communication Program to Shady Grove
The University of Maryland Department of Communication extended the program to the Universities at Shady Grove, a Maryland System school, this fall. This two year program will allow students at the Shady Grove campus to graduate with a degree in communication equivalent to a College Park education. The program holds the same standards and requirements as the College Park department. (Cont.)
Universities at Shady Grove Building II.
The Department of Communication: Bigger and Better
The Department of Communication at the University of Maryland continues to grow and improve as higher quality students and professors enter the department. The National Communication Association conducted a study in 2004 which ranked three programs from the department in the top ten in the United States: Intercultural-International Communication ranked fifth, Rhetorical Communication ranked seventh, and Political Communication ranked eighth. Additionally, PR Week magazine identified the Department of Communication as part of the “PR Ivy League,” naming the public relations program as one of the top three programs in the nation.
Furthermore, the department is now a “Limited Enrollment Program” by the University limiting undergraduate enrollment to the approximately nine hundred current students because of the substantial demand from prospective majors. The Limited Enrollment status creates a more competitive program for undergraduates attempting to enter and a more rigorous program upon acceptance.
As the department rises through the rankings and continues to grow, space for students and professors becomes an issue. This year alone two new faculty members, Dr. Shannon Bowen and Meina Liu, joined the department. Additionally, Dr. Craig Hullet will join the department from the University of Wisconsin in the Spring 2006, requiring office space, and three faculty searches are occurring at this time. (Cont.)