UWF to offer new communication degree at UWF Emerald Coast

“For 48 years, UWF Emerald Coast has been an extension of both the quality of education and caliber of faculty found at the Pensacola campus,” said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. “We choose new programs thoughtfully to meet the area’s industry needs, and design them to accommodate traditional and non-traditional students alike.”

Dr. George Ellenberg, UWF provost and senior vice president, sees this as a way to introduce a highly-sought after academic discipline to a growing University.

“We are extremely pleased to add this new degree to UWF Emerald Coast,” Ellenberg said. “UWF responds to area needs to create relevant programs that will serve students and the region. Communication is central to the betterment of our society, and we anticipate that UWF students will have exciting opportunities as they graduate from this program.”

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers an integrated approach to communication and prepares students to build successful careers in today’s communication professions. The curriculum will include classroom instruction with hands-on learning, client-based projects and internship opportunities. Courses will be offered in advertising, public relations, journalism, speech and social media, including a 3000-level course, “Integrated Advertising and Public Relations Concepts,” which will be taught by Saunders.

Graduates with this degree are prepared to think critically and communicate effectively, equipping them for a variety of possible career paths including public relations specialist, brand manager, advertising account manager, journalist and public information officer, among other professions. The completion of the program for transfer students is possible within two years through a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction, online instruction and videoconferencing.

“Communication graduates support a multitude of fields including tourism, hospitality, non-profit organizations and government entities,” said Dr. Steven Brown, dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. “The program focuses on introducing students to experiential learning opportunities, providing a well-rounded experience.”

All Northwest Florida State College students who earn an associate degree are guaranteed admission to UWF, and students who enroll in the NWF2UWF program receive additional benefits including a waived application fee, easy transfer of records, personalized advising and possible qualification for a scholarship.

With the addition of the new program, UWF Emerald Coast will offer 10 bachelor’s degree programs.

For more information about UWF on the Emerald Coast’s communication program, visit uwf.edu/eccommunication.