BACKGROUNDER

February 22, 2018

The Department of Communication

The Department of Communication at Virginia Tech is a division of the College

of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and gives a home to students in Shanks Hall.

Originally a part of the department of theatre, the communication program at

Virginia Tech began in 1970 when the first communication faculty member was hired.

The first five communication degrees were presented in 1976 and the program received

departmental status in 1980. Initially, the undergraduate curriculum included journalism

and speech communication as track options. In 1999, a Master of Arts in English with a

communication graduate option was introduced.

Today, the department of communication offers three undergraduate majors:

public relations, multimedia journalism and communication studies. A minor in

communications is available, and as of 2017 multimedia journalism students have the

option of a sports media and analytics concentration. Additionally, the department of

communication now offers a “stand alone” M.A.

As described in it’s mission statement, “The department of communication

develops and enhances understanding of communication processes and their effects on

individuals, organizations, culture and society.” The curriculum for the department aims

to achieve six main goals. It seeks to improve student’s skills in research, writing, visual

and oral communication, communication theory and competency evaluating various areas

of communication. To achieve this, the department of communication works to enhance

how students create and communicate by combining research with hands-on learning to

effectively prepare students for their future careers.

Communication majors are permitted to check out professional media equipment,

free of charge, through the department’s technology center. Two onsite facilities are also

available for communication students to engage in career-orientated activities. For those

studying broadcast journalism, the Multimedia Center allows students to practice in a

studio setting with professional-grade equipment and editing software. Secondly is the

VT G.A.M.E.R. Lab which specializes in research surrounding video game technology

and their effects.

The accomplishments of Virginia Tech’s Department of Communication has been

recognized on both a university and national level. In 1995 and 2006 the department

received the Virginia Tech Exemplary Department Award. The National Communication

Association, in 2012, awarded the department with the Program for Excellence Award

from the Basic Course Division.

Media Contact:
Carley Murphy
carleymm@vt.edu