Do you know what our school offers? A deep dive into Arts & Sciences

As many of you know, I'm always rooting for my team. But I also take pride in rooting for this school. This week, we're spotlighting some incredible highlights from the College of Arts and Sciences, particularly the Communications Department.

The communications department offers three concentration paths for our students to choose from. First, we have film production and media entrepreneurship. Second, there's multi-platform journalism and media, including television production. Finally, my pick: public relations and Digital Media.

A concentration in film production and media shapes communications in many ways. If these topics pique your interest, you could find yourself working on cinematography, screenwriting, playwriting or film editing. You'll learn to harness your creativity and acquire skills actively used in the industry. You'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art studio equipment and editing software. Some of the fantastic instructors guiding you on this journey include Wayne Edwards, Paul Falcone, Nicki Chavoya, Diane Smith, Dean Pagani and Susanne Murphy, along with our department.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a globetrotter? Paul Falcone and Tom Garrett will help you become a star-studded director. In the Film 2 course, you'll have the chance to work with a real crew, go through the casting process and screen an entire student film. You'll pitch and create a movie from scratch, and after the process, you could submit your film for an Emmy and multiple film festivals. Garrett will even encourage you to attend the Cannes Film Festival to walk the red carpet, watch screenings with the stars and live the

Interested in student media? Join our live news broadcast, Charger Bulletin News, either as a class or just for fun. Our live broadcast was recently submitted to the New England division of the Emmys. Staying put in the studio? Check out Charger 360, the official video podcast of the University of New Haven. Each episode features guests from across the university with the goal of giving you a 360-degree view of the amazing things happening in Charger Nation.

Our department also provides opportunities to intern with organizations such as ESPN, Lionsgate, NBC Sports and Disney. Here, you'll participate in real-world meetings and experiences, especially in sports communication, Wayne Edwards' area of ​​expertise. Interested in pursuing sports management, communications or business? A sports communication minor can complement a sports management or business major, providing skills in media relations, marketing, and broadcasting. This opens opportunities in teams, agencies, media outlets and sports organizations, where communication is key to business success.

Edwards also teaches a course titled “Race, Gender, Class in the Media,” exploring the evolving relationship between human relations and equity in the workforce.

Not into TV and film? Nicki Chavoya's music video class will capture your attention. In this course, you'll learn how to produce high-quality productions in a short amount of time, sourcing your musicians. In the final project, you'll create a music video that could also win an Emmy. This is not just a far-off dream—just last year, Harley Angelillo's production, Hope You Like Roses by Powder, won an Emmy.

Now, let's shift to multi-platform journalism and media, where you might find yourself writing for The New York Times or winning a Pulitzer Prize. Look at the dreamer in you! Our department is home to award-winning journalists, including those with Pulitzer-level experience, who mentor students in pursuing authentic media literacy. These are the mentors who will guide you to success.

The journalism track at UNH prepares students for careers in top publications, giving them the tools to navigate the fast-paced media industry. Whether you're starting in the widely popular class “Communications and the Law” — which draws the lines between law and morality in the media — or learning AP style writing in our student newspaper or digital (soon-to-be print) magazine, you'll have plenty of opportunities. You can also get involved in Charger Bulletin live news, where you could become the producer or director of our broadcast.

You'll use our media hub to explore journalism and the role of technology in the industry. Our radio studio, WNHU, is right across the street, so if you've ever dreamed of creating your own YouTube show, now's the time to make it happen. Bruce Barber, our radio supervisor and esteemed faculty member with years of experience, will guide you into the world of audio perspectives.

Does the idea of ​​slowing things down appeal to you? Consider taking the “Telling Digital Stories” course, which provides students with the foundation to report with integrity and accuracy, taught by Susanne Murphy and Nicki Chavoya. In this class, you'll explore multi-platform journalism, digital media and equality in our community while simultaneously using audio, images and video to tell compelling stories about real-world experiences.

Through guest speakers, networking opportunities and hands-on training, students gain real-world experience in journalism and media ethics. The communications department provides extensive journalism opportunities, from student-run media to award-winning publications.

Finally, wrapping up the list with public relations and digital media. Key classes include “Telling Digital Stories,” “Public Relations Principles & Practices,” “Social Impact of Media” and “Communication in Organizations.”

New classes coming in fall 2025 include “Photojournalism History and Practice” and “Writing for Newsletters, Daily Briefings, and News Analysis,” both taught by Dean Pagani. Pagani is a public relations expert who brings years of experience to the classroom. “Photojournalism History and Practice” explores the history of photojournalism, its impact on public affairs and ethics, and its evolution to the present day. The course “Writing for Newsletters, Daily Briefings, and News Analysis” focuses on delivering news, engaging in independent journalism and learning how to communicate internally within businesses and organizations.

“Public Relations Principles & Practices” introduces students to the role public relations plays in today's business, social, political and cultural environments. You'll gain real-world experience that you can apply to everyday life. “Social Impact of Media” looks at issues like media regulation, law, ethics and the behavioral aspects of mass and interpersonal communication. You'll also write your own media messages. Lastly, “Communication in Organizations” is an industry-based course that addresses real-world, complex problems and case studies.

If you're still not convinced but are lurking in the shadows of switching, maybe the general communications minor is for you. The University of New Haven's communication minor teaches effective communication, media literacy and public speaking. One of your core classes is “Intro to Communications” with professor Diane Smith. Students gain skills in conveying ideas, analyzing media and improving interpersonal interactions, which are valuable across various careers.

Please note the following two requirements: You may not declare a major and minor in the same program, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.

Wow, we've covered a lot of info here! I do not doubt that if you aren't already captivated by these opportunities, you will be soon. We have a knack for drawing people in—probably because every project we create is, let's be honest, award-winning! With industry-changing faculty, hands-on experiences and endless opportunities, this isn't just a program—it's your launchpad. The world is always yours to explore.