Communication Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

Communication Studies Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

What Sets Us Apart

Our six majors will help build your career

• Audio-Radio Production prepares you to work in audio-based fields including radio, television, live sound, and music recording. You gain technical proficiency with digital audio tools and develop your expertise with hands-on experience in radio (at WARP and WQKE), television (at PSTV), and through music-based field recordings.
• Broadcast Journalism prepares you to gather, produce, and deliver news for radio and television broadcasting. Through hands-on training in three different media outlets, you will prepare for careers as news and sports journalists, board and camera operators, writers, anchors, and video editors.
• Communication Studies focuses on exploring the wide-ranging field of communication. The focus of study is on the three main aspects of communication: Rhetoric & Public Address, Human Dynamics & Culture, and Media Studies. This in-depth cross-section of communication emphasizes the personal over the technological and is a very powerful option — with many of our students continuing on to politics, law, or graduate school.
• Digital Media Production enables you to explore and develop your abilities with audio, video, multimedia, and digital media. You explore cutting edge technologies and will be prepared to work in a variety of technology-driven fields including website development, digital animation, multimedia production, and online publication.
• Public Relations is your gateway into the marketing and promotional communications professions. It provides you with the tools to become an effective communications professional, delivering a solid foundation in communication theory and practice — from understanding the marketing mix to laying out the communication plan. It provides you the with the know-how and skills you will need in today's communication-rich environments and gives you a competitive advantage in a wide variety of careers.
• TV-Video Production prepares you for studio and field production for video and television. Through hands-on experience you produce shows and edit in linear and non-linear suites. You work at Plattsburgh State's television facility (PSTV) and will be prepared for a variety of careers in TV-video broadcasting.

Easy access to facilities, teaching resources, and faculty members:

• Progressive teaching methods which connects your classroom experience to the outside world.
• Classroom activities and projects that build an effective portfolio, making you look good to potential employers.
• Internships that let you jumpstart your career.
• Exposure to many related areas within communication — developing proficiency in several areas, not just one.

We Balance Theory with Hands-On Experience

Unlike some other colleges, hands-on training begins from day one. Our program strikes a balance between theory and practice by combining a traditional liberal arts education with professional training.

You can get involved in audio recording, live sports broadcasting, advertising, and marketing campaigns. Due to our close relationship with other programs such as art, journalism, and music, you have the opportunity to further explore web design, broadcast journalism, live music recording, and more.

Our Offerings Are Wide and Deep

You'll learn about persuasion and mass media effects, culture and relationships, speaking and writing. And at the same time, you'll pursue a course of study that provides in-depth knowledge that suits your interests and career needs. Whether you are studying TV-video production or communication studies, you get professional training plus a traditional liberal arts education. Liberal arts courses help you develop general knowledge and reasoning ability.

Today's jobs demand a broad base of strengths. Our program challenges you to not only become a master of one area, but to be strong in speaking, writing, ethics, leadership, culture, and much more. Our program also supports study in more than one major or concentration. This adds to your flexibility and increases your ability to take on the competition in your chosen field.

Our Classrooms include Real-World Experience

Effective teaching and learning depends on applying concepts. Professional-level experiences begin here from day one. In the classroom, you will often work with real, client-based projects. And even when clients are not involved, our faculty have significant industry experience that provides real-world exposure right in the classroom.

Our Alums Can Help You to Network

Our graduates go on to successful careers in:

• public relations;
• advertising;
• sales;
• marketing;
• television;
• video production;
• Web design;
• radio;
• audio production;
• law;
• and so many more.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers at media outlets such as MTV, CBS, NBC, and Sony Tri-Star, at radio stations and recording studios across the U.S., and on to graduate school, bound for careers in teaching, politics, and law. Our alumni, along with your Plattsburgh State Communication Department faculty, can mentor you as you begin your own successful communication career.

Programs of Study

With four majors in the communication program we've got what you're looking for. Get started building your career with one (or more) of our options:

• Audio-Radio Production Major.
• Broadcast Journalism Major.
• Communication Studies Major.
• Digital Media Production Major.
• Public Relations Major.
• TV-Video Production Major.

News

Professor Justin Gustainis Pens New Urban Fantasy Novels

For SUNY Plattsburgh Professor Justin Gustainis, 2011 has been a banner year for communicating — not just in the communication department, where he’s celebrating 29 years on faculty — but in the realm of fiction writing. He’s even caught the attention of Hollywood. Read more.

PR Students Go Into Crisis Mode

Something terrible has happened. A gas leak has sickened students. A few are hospitalized in critical condition. And now one of the dorms is on fire. Hundreds of students may be trapped inside. A major crisis is unfolding, and, as a public relations representative for the college, you’re facing a barrage of questions from emotional parents and the media. What do you do?

Relax, It’s Not Real

This emergency is, in fact, just a drill, used to introduce the students in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Principles of Public Relations class to the rigors of crisis management. Read more.

Contact Information

Peter Ensel, Chairperson

"Welcome to the Department of Communication Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh. I hope you find your visit to our web page useful and informational. By visiting the various links offered, you will find a great deal of information that accurately explains 'what we are about.' But, to truly feel the sense of community and professionalism that exists between our faculty, students and colleagues, you need to visit our facilities. I encourage you to schedule a tour of the college and department to learn more about our programs."

For more information about the department, or to arrange a campus visit, please feel free to contact me at:

Office: Yokum Hall 103B
Phone: (518) 564-4287
E-mail: peter.ensel@plattsburgh.edu

Department of Communication Studies
SUNY Plattsburgh
Yokum Hall 103B
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2681