Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication and Media Arts with Concentrations in Video

at University of St. Francis USA

History is powerful. History majors are encouraged to visualize, feel, and experience history. You will gain a solid grounding in American, European, and World history while being introduced to past and current historiography and take part in current debates in the discipline. USF’s History program emphasizes skills such as critical thinking, research, information literacy, writing and oral presentation.

Classes are taught in small settings. Students can explore World War II in a global perspective, rather than the traditional European focus, or take a class on “History in Film,” which helps students evaluate and critique the historical narratives found in pop culture. There’s also “Digitizing History,” where students learn about digital preservation and techniques for effective online presentations of history for the public.

USF’s History degree also promotes experiential learning, encouraging students to gain experience outside college classroom at museums and other historical sites. This flexible program gives students a lot of leeway to take courses that suit their interests. Students are exposed to a variety of different ideas and sources, and can focus in depth on issues that most intrigue them.

Concentrations

• European
• Non-Western
• United States
• History/Social Science Secondary Ed. (9-12)

On the front page, on the home page, on camera, or behind the microphone… these are just a few of the places you’ll find University of St. Francis Communication & Media Arts (CMMA) majors.

Communication & Media Arts is a broad field that touches on every aspect of human social behavior. Along with traditional communication theory, media writing, and broadcast/print production, you will learn about new and emerging electronic media. Digital media, wikis, video sharing, podcasts, blogs and social media are altering the way we communicate. In CMMA you will explore the fast-changing fields of advertising, public relations, journalism and broadcasting.

Students are encouraged to “jump in with both feet” from the moment they step on campus by:

• Writing articles or taking photos for the USF Encounter student news magazine
• Filling air shifts on USF’s radio station, WCSF 88.7 FM
• Creating graphics for a television or video production
• Producing on-location video news stories
• Designing websites for the community and completing real world projects
• Developing storytelling techniques for social media

This major offers a comprehensive approach to studio art, photography and graphic design. Students may immerse them­selves in a variety of traditional and contemporary media, taught by practicing artists with local, national and international professional experience. Learning takes place in a state-of-the-art facility that’s unmatched in the region, offering dedicated spaces for a variety of media such as ceramics, digital arts, graphic design, photography, printmaking, studio arts, video editing and woodshop.

Classes are small (usually ranging from 8–15 students), giving each student the opportunity to develop enriching educational relationships with classmates and professors. The Art & Design department emphasizes the importance of blending the faculty’s professional experience with the students’ understanding of contemporary aesthetics and their development of ambitious studio practice.

Photography:
Designed to secure students introductory to upper level knowledge in photography application, practices, history, and theory. The primary goal of this concentration is to prepare the student for a career in a photography related position.

As a USF DARA major, you will become a musically competent professional. You’ll gain the technical knowledge to excel in today’s digital-based music production industry. You’ll also acquire the knowledge, principles and practices of engineering methodology and music production, while learning to turn your artistry into a viable and sustainable business.

Each DARA major will have a prolific portfolio of work with a resume that illustrates his/her exceptional abilities. You’ll be equipped for success as an audio engineer, music industry entrepreneur, creator of user generated content or a recording artist.

In the studio, you’ll remix and reshape audio loops, create MIDI compositions utilizing various MIDI editors and controllers, and capture, edit, mix and master audio using USF’s state-of-the-art facilities.

The DARA Studio includes digital audio workstations that run Avid Protools and Ableton Live as host DAWs. Students use a myriad of embedded plug-ins and virtual instruments, an extensive microphone selection, a tracking room, sound booths, a control room and editing suites to create their musical masterpieces, at which point the value of the DARA program and coursework will truly reveal itself.

Industrial-organizational psychology is the scientific study of human behavior in organizations and the workplace. As an I-O Psychology major at USF, you’ll learn about major psychological theories and their application in human resources through hiring, training and talent development, performance appraisal, motivation and work satisfaction. You’ll also learn more about organizational communication, organizational change and development, team building and leadership, culture and diversity, safety in the workplace and more. You’ll conduct field research and assessment, and will grow your skills in literature-based research, problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent learning. You’ll also enrich your commitment to values and ethics while doing research and business—guided by the values of respect, integrity, compassion and service.

Graduates will be able to apply their understanding of major psychological theories and principles in their organizations and work life. They will be prepared for entry-level job positions and graduate-level training. According to a survey, jobs in the I-O psychology field are projected to increase by 19 percent before 2024.

On the front page, on the home page, on camera, or behind the microphone… these are just a few of the places you’ll find University of St. Francis Communication & Media Arts (CMMA) majors.

Communication & Media Arts is a broad field that touches on every aspect of human social behavior. Along with traditional communication theory, media writing, and broadcast/print production, you will learn about new and emerging electronic media. Digital media, wikis, video sharing, podcasts, blogs and social media are altering the way we communicate. In CMMA you will explore the fast-changing fields of advertising, public relations, journalism and broadcasting.

Students are encouraged to “jump in with both feet” from the moment they step on campus by:

• Writing articles or taking photos for the USF Encounter student news magazine
• Filling air shifts on USF’s radio station, WCSF 88.7 FM
• Creating graphics for a television or video production
• Producing on-location video news stories
• Designing websites for the community and completing real world projects
• Developing storytelling techniques for social media

The Finance degree is designed for students who intend to assume professional roles as financial managers. USF will prepare you with the knowledge, skills and tools you’ll need to be an effective manager of financial resources. A student may choose one of four concentrations that combine a traditional and certification-ready curriculum, experiential learning and practitioner-based instruction.

Finance students will learn to weigh benefits and costs by applying fundamental and advanced financial concepts in the decision making process. They will design financial spreadsheet models to solve real-world financial management problems, and will help advance the study of finance and its impact, both locally and globally, to make the world a better place.

An added benefit, seniors who feel inspired to keep studying to obtain an MBA or M.S. degree may take graduate-level courses during their last two semesters for dual undergraduate and graduate credit. That means students can take nine graduate-level credit hours during senior year, and can complete their MBA or M.S. one year after graduating if they attend full time. See course catalog for additional details about the “3 to Degree” program.

USF’s MSW program is designed for working professionals because it offers convenient evening, weekend and online classes. Full-time students can expect to complete the degree in two years or four semesters. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for advanced standing and should anticipate one academic year for completion. Part-time options are also available.

Benefits
Now more than ever, a Master of Social Work degree is critical to professional success in the social work field. Those earning an MSW degree have increased professional competency and job satisfaction, along with opportunities for career advancement. The field has shown an increased demand for individuals with the MSW degree, making it a must in today’s competitive market.

USF’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed for those who wish to make a career out of helping people improve their lives and reach their highest potential. Our program helps students develop skills that will give them the competency they need to be marketable and to make a difference in today’s multicultural world.

Many students report one of the most interesting aspects of our program is interacting and learning from a diverse student body and faculty. In addition, the required classes for the BSW program are small, which ensures lively discussions and hands-on experiences in and outside of the classroom. Faculty and students get to know each other well and provide a supportive environment for learning. Each year there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved in faculty research and to explore the wide range of opportunities within the social work field.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the world by helping others and affecting social change, the BSW program at the University of St. Francis will prepare you to do just that!

USF’s Supply Chain Management degree prepares students to solve problems and meet organizational goals in settings including business logistics, distribution, supply chain management and domestic and international transportation management.

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for the entire chain of supply for a business, creating and delivering the products and services to the customer. This strategic and tactical functional area is critical to business success, working with marketing to meet customer needs and expectations. Supply Chain Management includes demand planning, supplier management, manufacturing, operations, logistics, transportation and distribution. This degree prepares students to solve problems and meet organizational goals in settings including supply chain management, business logistics, and domestic and international transportation management.

Best yet, USF’s Joliet location in Will County is home of North America’s largest inland port. This transportation hub area has eight major rail lines, important truck freight distribution routes, and extensive warehouse and distribution facilities. Logistics and related businesses are the county’s third largest employer, with continuing growth expected. In the U.S., supply chain jobs encompass over one third of all employment (HBR 2018).