Department
Communication & Media
Our department combines hands-on professional training with a strong record of national honors for students and faculty.
Journalism & Mass Communication
Media shapes how we understand the world, share information and connect with others. Samford's Journalism and Mass Communication program helps students understand today's media landscape while developing the skills to communicate clearly and ethically. Our goal is to prepare graduates to make a positive impact in media and serve others through their work.
Students can choose tracks in print journalism, broadcast and electronic journalism, public relations or advertising. The program also offers courses in church media, social media and photojournalism, along with minors in film production and sports media.
Through a strong liberal arts education and hands-on professional training, students prepare for careers in journalism, television, video production, public relations, advertising, marketing and sports media. Graduates also pursue opportunities in media research, sales, law, ministry communications, broadcasting and publishing.
Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society
We have a very active chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, which is the official honor society of the National Communication Association. There are over 400 active chapters around the world. The name is representative of Aristotle's description of the elements of persuasion: logos (Lambda), pathos (Pi), and ethos (Eta). To join this organization, a student must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA with at least 60 credit hours of college coursework completed, and must have a 3.25 minimum GPA for all communication courses with at least 12 semester credits completed.
Our chapter, Omicron Rho, is involved each year in Samford's Earth Day and we've won awards for our assistance with organizing the event. And for Earth Day 2008, our display booth was voted "Most Creative." In addition, the chapter is responsible for sponsoring most departmental parties, such as our annual fall party and spring awards ceremony.
"My CAM degree helped me develop the soft skills you truly need to be successful in this industry, including relationship building, collaboration and meeting deadlines. It also prepared me in ways I didn't know I'd need, especially through learning media ethics and ethical ways to market effectively. A lot of the effectiveness of my CAM degree took time to mature as my career unfolded, and I've come to appreciate even more the professors who invested in my growth."—Armond Lloyd '20, Account Manager, Hearst Corporation
Communication Studies
Samford's Communication Studies program helps students understand how people communicate in different settings, relationships and cultures. Students explore how messages shape personal relationships and influence areas such as business, law, politics and religion.
Rather than focusing only on communication tools and platforms, the program examines how people share ideas, understand one another and overcome communication barriers. Students explore questions such as:
- Why do people say the things they do?
- How can messages motivate and persuade others?
- What strategies help resolve conflicts?
- How can we communicate effectively across cultures?
- Why do misunderstandings happen?
Strong communication skills are valuable in nearly every career. Through coursework, research and hands-on learning, students develop skills in writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and working with others. These skills help graduates prepare for careers in a wide range of fields.
The department has received eight awards for outstanding teaching and is recognized for its student research program. It was also featured in Kevin Kecskes' book, Engaging Departments, as an example of academic excellence.
"Communication Studies gave me the confidence to pursue a path I never imagined. My professors never put me in a box—they consistently encouraged me to dream bigger and pursue what I was passionate about. That encouragement gave me the confidence to build my own business and help others achieve their dreams every day."—Thomason Bryan Zoldock '18, Founder, Winningly by Thomason
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Majors
Communication Studies
Samford's Communication Studies major helps students understand how people communicate across different settings and cultures. Students build skills in writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking while learning to connect with a variety of audiences.
Through coursework and research, students learn to manage relationships, work effectively in teams and communicate within organizations. These skills prepare graduates for careers in business, education, public service and other fields where strong communication is essential.
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Journalism and Mass Communication
Samford's Journalism and Mass Communication major prepares students for careers in media, public relations and advertising. Students can choose tracks in print journalism, broadcast and electronic journalism, public relations or advertising.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through writing, reporting, production and other media projects. Faculty mentors help students build professional connections, find internships and prepare for careers in the media industry.
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Undergraduate Minors
Communication Studies
The Communication Studies minor helps students from any major strengthen their writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. These skills can support success in a wide range of careers.
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Film Studies Interdisciplinary
The interdisciplinary Film Studies minor, offered with the Department of Theatre and Dance, helps students develop skills in visual storytelling and film production.
Students gain hands-on experience writing and editing scripts, filming projects and editing video. These skills provide a foundation for creative work in film and digital media.
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Sports Media
The Sports Media minor prepares students for careers in sports journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising and photography.
Through a partnership with Samford Athletics, students gain hands-on experience working with university athletic teams. Courses combine classroom learning with real-world sports media projects.
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Communication & Media Scholarships
Bishop Guild Scholarship
The Bishop Guild Scholarship honors Brad Bishop, a former Samford debate coach.
Department Scholarships
Department of Communication and Media scholarships are awarded based on ACT scores, high school grades, volunteer work and participation in media-related clubs.
To qualify for renewal, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and participate in Samford student media. Students must reapply each year.
Rex Copeland Scholarship
The Bishop Guild Scholarship honors Brad Bishop, a former Samford debate coach.
