The Communications Program at Salem State College received final approval to become a separate department as of July 1, after 14 years within the English Department. Offering degrees in journalism, public relations and advertising, Communications is the sixth most popular major at SSC with more than 250 students.

"We've always had a strong major," said Sandra Fowler, department chairperson, "but now, with increased visibility and autonomy, be become stronger. Employers will be able to find us more easily when they seek our students for internships and jobs. Students looking seriously for a major that's in demand in the current marketplace will be able to find us in the same league as other communication departments. And we can now put our energies into expanding the major, adding more courses and tracks."

The Communications Department offers core courses in media theory and writing, research, editing, and desktop publishing as well as upper level courses in the journalism, public relations and advertising tracks. The curriculum includes an internship and "Seminar," the capstone course requiring that every student develop a professional portfolio.

Lucia Vaughn, a public relations major in the Department, said, "Having Communications as a separate department will add value and credibility to my degree when I graduate because it will be seen as its own field of concentrated study."

Many students who majored in Communications at Salem State have enjoyed successful careers in newspapers, Internet companies, radio and television stations, advertising and public relations firms, publishing houses, government agencies, businesses and social service agencies.

Jean Hennessey, graduating in 1995 with a SSC degree in Communications, said that she gained skills that helped her achieve positions as a freelance writer, marketing specialist and public relations account executive. "I'm excited that the major is receiving the long overdue credit it deserves."

Hennessey, who's currently pursuing a master's in communications at Boston's Emerson College, said, "I often tell my classmates, who have graduated from top communication schools around the country, that I wouldn't change a thing about my undergraduate college experience."

Fowler said that the Communications major is "intensely practical" and guided by both academic and professional standards/ "Our students strengthen their thinking, writing, computer and research skills while preparing for jobs in the various communication fields. Also, our classes are small and students develop strong relationships with faculty and other students."

For more information about the Communications Department and major, call Professor Sandra Fowler at 978-542-6395.