Program Overview

Introduction to the Jerry Louis Maygarden Undergraduate Communication Program

The Jerry Louis Maygarden Undergraduate Communication Program at the University of West Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with three concentrations of study: Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media; Communication; and Digital Storytelling and Journalism. This program is designed to teach students the principles and skills needed for successful careers in the ever-changing communication field.

Why Study Communication at UWF?

Employers across all types of organizations need employees skilled in written and verbal communication. The University of West Florida's communication program prepares students for a successful career in today's communication professions by combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, client-based projects, community engagement opportunities, and internships.

What You Will Learn

Students will choose a curriculum that best suits their interests and career goals by mixing and matching courses from the three concentrations of study. The program blends academic theory with project-oriented classroom assignments and hands-on experience to help students become skilled professionals. Students will develop communication skills with personable instructors who foster a supportive climate while emphasizing quality work and high standards.

Concentrations

• Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media: This track builds from a core of integrated advertising, public relations, and social media strategies and tactics. Students in this track choose from concentrations in either Advertising or Public Relations while earning a certificate in Social Media Communication.
• Communication: The Communication track provides students the flexibility to build their own areas of specialization according to their professional goals. The Communication Specialist concentration explores the contexts and professional skills needed for public, private, or non-profit industries, while the Communication Studies concentration allows students to draw knowledge from each of the tracks and concentrations.
• Digital Storytelling and Journalism: The Digital Storytelling and Journalism track engages in the theory, writing, production, and practice of journalistic, documentary, and cinematic storytelling in a converged media environment. Students can choose between Multimedia Journalism or Digital Cinema and Film concentrations.

Careers and Outcomes

Communication graduates work in a wide variety of fields, including tourism, hospitality, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Potential job titles include:

• Content Strategist
• Reporter
• Managing Editor
• Social Media Specialist
• Television Producer
• Publicist
• Crisis Communications Specialist
• Radio Producer
• Advertising Account Manager
• Speechwriter

Employers

Graduates have been employed by organizations such as:

• WEAR-TV3
• Blue Wahoos
• Andrews Institute
• Baptist Healthcare
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• City of Pensacola
• IDgroup
• Good Morning America
• Major League Baseball

Student Organizations and Professional Development

Students have ample opportunities to flex their skills in internships and in student organizations such as Speech and Debate, Club Ad, Film Club, Florida Public Relations Association, and The Voyager student newspaper. These organizations provide valuable real-life experience and have led to numerous awards and recognitions for UWF students.

Program Details

• Communication at UWF Emerald Coast: UWF Emerald Coast accepts students who may have had to put their dream of achieving a bachelor's degree on hold. As a transfer student, you can complete the B.A. in Communication within two years through a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction, online instruction, and synchronous delivery.
• Internships: Students can earn credit for interning at a wide range of corporations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. Internship industries include advertising, journalism, organizational communication, telecommunications, healthcare, radio and television production, education, and military.
• Scholarships: The Department of Communication offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate communication majors. Applications are due by June 15 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester. Available scholarships include:
  • Dr. Eddie Myers Memorial Scholarship
  • Eric B. Calcagni Memorial Scholarship
  • James J. Marks Forensics Scholarship
  • Jessie Earle Bowden Journalism Scholarship
  • Maygarden Family Scholarship Endowment
  • Pat Lloyd Tiger Bay Scholarship
  • Pensacola Press Club Scholarship
  • Roseanne and John Landey Scholarship
  • Susan L. Morris Memorial Scholarship
  • Vigodsky Family Scholarship

Featured Courses

A sample of featured courses in the Communication program includes:

• COM 3471: Fundamentals of Social Media Communication: This course introduces students to the history, theory, technology, and uses of social media, considering the role of individual choice, social influence, technological influence, and their implications for personal relationships, organizations, and culture.
• PUR 4400: Crisis Public Relations: Examines crisis public relations planning, preparation, and execution, focusing on risk assessment, types of crises, and the role of and interaction with the media and other publics.
• COM 4103: Leadership Communication: Promotes leadership development through the study of leadership theory and concepts and practical application of leadership laboratory experience, focusing on building leadership competencies in interpersonal communication, public presentations, team building, and influence strategies.
• JOU 4313: Sports Reporting: Offers a comprehensive exploration of the many facets and platforms of sports journalism, including lessons and practice in gathering and disseminating original articles and opinion pieces, and exposure to contemporary issues facing sports and sports journalism.

Related Programs

Related programs at the University of West Florida include:

• Strategic Communication & Leadership, M.A.: A master's degree program in Pensacola.
• Strategic Communication for the Sciences Minor: A minor program in Pensacola.
• Leadership Communication Minor: A minor program in Pensacola.
• Anthropology, B.A.: A bachelor's degree and minor program in Pensacola.