Academic Year Represented
2025
Mission Statement
The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Communication major is primarily concerned with professional applications of communication in traditional and emerging media, strategic communication (advertising and public relations), and organizations. Within this context the mission of the School of Communication is to discover, integrate, and disseminate applied and theoretical knowledge about human and mediated communication processes and effects as they relate to individuals, groups, and society. We are committed to high quality teaching that prepares students for lifelong learning and professional careers in communication; scholarship that advances knowledge of communication and enhances the reputation of the university, and service to the university, academic and professional communities, and to northeast Florida. To achieve our mission, students engage in learning activities inside and outside the classroom, such as participating in media internships and community-based learning, producing news programs, and creating advertising and public relations campaigns for clients.
Technology/Equipment/Facilities
Facilities in the school’s building (Building 14D) include Mac and PC computer labs, a lecture hall with SMART technology, a high-definition TV studio, a control room, an editing room, an equipment room, an area for sound recording, faculty and staff offices, and a conference room.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in Communication is accredited by ACEJMC. (In addition, the school offers a B.A. in Communication Studies, which is not part of ACEJMC accreditation.)
Graduate Degrees Offered
Master of Science in Communication Management (not part of ACEJMC accreditation).
Majors
B.S. in Communication.
Tracks within Majors
The Bachelor of Science in Communication has four major concentrations: Advertising, Digital Video Production, Multimedia Journalism, and Public Relations.
Internships Accepted for Credit
Virtually all students are required take at least one three-hour senior level internship (MMC 4975-Internship Senior Project) with extensive and continuing dual supervision by the unit’s faculty and professionals. In exceptional cases which prevent a student from participating in a professional internship, a student may complete either a substantial research paper or major project in the student’s field that allows the faculty to fully evaluate the student’s skills.
Internships Facilitated
Student performance is evaluated by their supervisors through a midterm and final job performance. Students must provide weekly reports summarizing work activities and hours worked. A total of 210 hours, verified by their supervisor, is among course requirements. Additionally, an ePorfolio, which summarizes their internship experience and shows examples of their work, is required.
Experiential and/or Immersion Programs for Credit
Advertising and Public Relations students take Campaigns (ADV 4800 and PUR 4800). Most sections of Campaigns take on a local nonprofit client every semester. Journalism students produce “Inside Jacksonville,” a 30-minute news magazine show that airs on the Jacksonville station WCWJ-TV. The show is about and for the local community. Each episode connects to a theme that is of interest to the community, such as local history, money matters, and politics.
Online Options
There is no fully online degree option. About a third of the school’s courses are distance-learning classes in the fall and spring. Those teaching online classes must be certified by attending UNF’s workshop called Teaching Online Seminar.
Study-Abroad Options
Study abroad courses are offered to expose students to different cultures and global perspectives and issues in countries, such as France and the United Kingdom.
Graduate Programs
M.S. in Communication Management
Department Budget
$3,326,201
Amount Spent per Student
$5,488
Undergrad Student Fees
$14,178
Undergraduate Student Fees Exclusive of Housing and Meal Plan
$2,368
Undergraduate Student Fees for Housing and Meal Plan
$11,810
Undergrad In-State Tuition
$6,390
Undergrad Out-of-State Tuition
$20,790
Average Undergraduate Financial Aid
$8,903
Average Undergraduate Student Debt
$17,630
Graduate Student Fees
$None
Graduate In-State Tuition
Graduate Out-of-State Tuition
Average Graduate Financial Aid
Average Graduate Student Debt
Total Accredited Unit Enrollment
490
Undergraduate Enrollment
490
Graduate Enrollment
Number of In-State Students
452
Percentage of In-State Students
Number of International Students
7
Percentage of International Students
Male
172
Female
318
Not Specified
0
White
301
Black
59
Asian
23
Hispanic/Latino
66
Pacific Islands or Native Hawaiian
Native American or Native Alaskan
Other
34
Average Size of Skill Based Classes
17
Average Size of Non-Skill Based Classes
29
First Year Student (Freshman) Retention Rate at University
76
Four Year Completion Rate
76
Six Year Completion Rate
Full-Time Employment within Six Months of Graduation
82
Full-Time Employment Within Field of Study
Part-Time Employment Within Field of Study
Full-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
Part-Time Employment Not In Field of Study
Attending a Graduate Program
11
Unemployed
Unknown Status
Full-Time Faculty
23
Part-Time Faculty
12
Faculty with Tenure
11
Faculty on Tenure Track
2
Untenured Part-Time Faculty
12
Untenured Full-Time Faculty
10
Percentage of Faculty within Scholarship or Research Field
Male
12
Female
23
Unspecified
0
White
29
Black
5
Asian
0
Hispanic/Latino
1
Pacific Island or Native Hawaiian
0
Native American or Native Alaskan
0
Other
5
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for All Classes
Faculty-to-Student Ratio for Skill Classes
17