Mission Statement
The Cedarville University Department of Media and Applied
Communications is a diverse community of communication
professionals committed to educating students to change the
world as they biblically engage their culture with the heart and
mind of Christ. The department recognizes the importance of
balancing the professional side of our discipline with a rigorous
academic grounding. Contemporary issues and theories are
evaluated and discussed in the perspective of Scripture. To
achieve these goals, the department has set the following
objectives. We seek to:
• Achieve excellence in communication skills and critical
thinking.
• Foster a desire for knowledge and an enthusiasm for creative
expression.
• Aid students in formulating problem-solving techniques in
applied contexts.
• Encourage the evaluation of performance-based
communication as a reflection of culture.
• Develop innovative leaders for positions in media, politics,
business, and entertainment.
Personal Requirements
Students planning to pursue a major in Media and Applied
Communications are best prepared by taking a college-
preparatory curriculum in high school. Successful students in the
major are individuals with abilities in creative expression, critical
thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal interaction.
Department Requirements
All students in the department take Introduction to
Communication Arts as the entry course in the major. Within
each specific program of study, students complete courses in
the history, theory, research, and ethics of their particular fields
of communication. Students are required to complete a senior
capstone project in research, production or an internship to
graduate. The nature of the project is determined by the emphasis
area of the student.
Technical Resources
The department provides state-of-the-art audio and video
equipment with which students learn the skills of the broadcasting
and digital media.
The computer network provides tools and resources for public
speaking, debate, and forensics.
Journalism students learn news writing and design in a newly
developed media lab. This facility also features print, broadcasting,
and online media resources for classroom instruction and
research.
Programs of Study
The Department of Media and Applied Communications offers
the following programs of study:
Majors
• Applied Communication
• Broadcasting and Digital Media
• Journalism
• Technical and Professional Communication
Minors
• Comprehensive Communication Arts
• Digital Film
• Editing and Publishing
• Electronic Media
• Intercultural Communication
• Motion Graphics
• Organizational Communication
• Writing for the Professions
Cocurricular Opportunities
Debate
Cedarville University traditionally has had a successful debate
program, earning the national championship title in 1999, 2000,
and 2003 within the National Education Debate Association.
In 2003, Cedarville joined the National Parliamentary Debate
Association (NPDA), one of the largest debate organizations in
the United States. The Debate Team has been ranked in the top
5 percent in the nation for the past four years, including the past
two seasons, being ranked in the top 10 and fourth in the nation
for the 2012–2013 season. Cedarville debaters are also the 2011
National Champions among Christian colleges and universities
small schools division. Contact the Debate Director, Mark Bentley,
for audition and scholarship information.
Forensics
Forensics is intercollegiate speech competition, including events
in public speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and
Lincoln-Douglas debate. In recent years, Cedarville has been
state champions in Ohio and national champions among Christian
colleges and universities. Contact professor Derrick Green,
Assistant Professor of Communications, for audition information.
Scholarships are available.
Lamda Pi Eta
Lamda Pi Eta is the National Communication Honor Society
for undergraduate students. It recognizes, fosters, and rewards
outstanding scholastic achievement. In addition, Lamda Pi Eta
promotes and encourages professional development among
majors, while providing an opportunity to discuss and exchange
ideas in the field of communication.
Miriam Maddox Forum
The Miriam Maddox Forum is an honorary alumni society of the
Department of Media and Applied Communications for alumni and
graduating seniors with a continuing interest in communication
within the public sphere.
Society for Human Resource Management
Media and Applied Communications majors interested in
organizational communications and human resources are
encouraged to join the Cedarville University chapter of the Society
for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM members
investigate the field of human resources by developing their own
human resource management programming and activities and
by attending other professional human resource meetings and
conferences.
Society for Technical Communication
Serves students in the technical and professional
communication major. It promotes communication in technical
fields. Benefits of membership include job referral services,
networking with professionals, and numerous social activities
among faculty and students.
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2013–14 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Department of Media and Applied Communications
Mission Statement
