Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations

at Shorelight Group - University of Central Florida USA

The study of human communication allows students to develop critical thinking skills, an understanding of cultural and gender-related differences in how people communicate, and it sharpens their marketable skills such as writing, public speaking and persuasion.

Students with a B.A. in human communication pursue jobs in a wide range of industries including management, sales, human resources, higher education (admissions and student services), marketing and training. Many students also continue their education in graduate school, law school and business or professional graduate degree programs.

Students must choose one track from the following: General Human Communication, Business and Professional Communication, Health Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Social Innovation and Activism.

The Bachelor of Arts in Art – History offers undergraduate students specific knowledge about art and architecture from prehistory to the present. The curriculum provides a foundation for the understanding of art, in all of its various forms, and encourages the development of visual literacy. Contextual, as well as stylistic approaches, provide exposure to different methodologies involved in the study of visual material. A broad range of courses foster critical thinking, multicultural awareness, and provide art historical skills that lead to an understanding of image making and the power and function of images.

The School of Public Administration provides the highest quality undergraduate education for students interested in working in the nonprofit sector. The school strives to achieve local, state and national prominence through contemporary curriculum, innovative instruction, scholarly and applied research, and community service. Programs and services develop and enhance management skills essential to public and nonprofit organizations. The school offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nonprofit Management. The program provides opportunities for students to prepare for employment as nonprofit professionals and produces graduates with the management skills and analytical techniques needed for successful careers in nonprofit and related business fields.

Religion and Cultural Studies is a B.A. program designed to familiarize students with religious traditions around the world, from ancient through contemporary cultures, as well as to introduce students to critical theories and methods through which to view and analyze the category of religion and its associated concepts, practices, and meanings in all areas of life. The program emphasizes the academic study of religion and does not privilege any particular tradition or belief.

The Journalism B.A. provides students with the skills and knowledge leading to careers in electronic and digital media. It is a limited-access degree program, which means a separate application must be submitted directly to the Nicholson School of Communication and Media in order to be considered for admission. Students choose from two focus areas:

• Digital News. For students who wish to work as writers, reporters, editors and photographers for the news media, primarily websites, newspapers and magazines.
• Electronic News. For students who desire to work in broadcast news as reporters, photographers, anchors or broadcast sports journalists.

Students completing the Forensic Science - Chemistry Track B.S. degree will also meet the requirements for ACS certification. This track is designed to allow students the flexibility to prepare for multiple careers in forensics through selection of restricted elective courses. Students should be advised that background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers are likely to be a condition of employment (Reference: NIJ Report NCJ 203099).

The Integrated Business (IB) degree is intended to develop a strong business "generalist" who has the ability and capacity to enter the workforce with a broad understanding of business and strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills. The program focuses on issues faced by small and medium size, privately held firms. Not eligible for a double degree or double major with another College of Business Administration major.

The BFA degree prepares students for professional practices and is recommended for students who plan to attend graduate school. The BFA degree provides a solid foundation in techniques and theory in focused areas of competence. The School affirms that a theoretical and working understanding of the historical meanings and studio applications of the human image are critical in the education of Visual Art and Art History students.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts track in Musical Theatre is offered for students who, upon graduation, plan to pursue a specialized performance career on the musical theatre stage. It provides the student with a thorough foundation in theatre complemented by very structured and intensive career preparation in all areas of musical theatre. The Musical Theatre B.F.A. program offers a sequence of courses in acting, movement, voice, dance, music theory, and piano. Classwork is augmented with practical production experiences. Drawing upon a variety of acting, dance, and voice methodologies, the professional musical theatre performance program offers an organic approach to musical theatre performance training. The first two years focus on the fundamentals of music theory, piano, acting, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre voice, with an emphasis on the development of artist's instrument. During the junior and senior years, emphasis is placed on studio training, musical theatre scene study, and musical theatre repertoire. The program culminates with a professional internship where students are able to apply their education in a real world work environment. While most students choose to enter the work force following graduation, the BFA is an excellent degree for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in theatre. Work within the BFA program requires energy and dedication; therefore, other part-time study or outside employment is very challenging. BFA standards are high, both for admission and for continuation in the program.