Multimedia Journalism
Journalists are explorers who witness the world. They also share it. At SAU, you'll learn the art of balancing facts, perspective, and personal stories.
You'll build your ethics and creativity and gain the ability to inform readers and viewers in a thought-provoking manner. SAUtv, KALA radio, and The Buzz student newspaper give you hands-on opportunities to build your writing and technical skills. Start making your mark in journalism now.
Our students work at Freemont (Neb.) Tribune, NerdWerks, TownNews.com, WNWO-TV, Nickelodeon, CCTV America, and many others.
Ambrose Advantages
- Learn by Doing: SAUtv and The Buzz newspaper
- State-of-the-Art Technical Equipment
- Faculty Who Teach & Mentor
Be inquisitive. Ask questions. Collect answers. Then share your dedication to the truth with the world. Through SAUtv and The Buzz student newspaper, you can inform readers and viewers about events, words, and actions that impact their lives, and those of people across the world. Be guided by faculty who are dedicated to helping you become an ethical, creative journalist.
see our fact sheet on the multimedia journalism major
Dateline SAU
SAUtv: University Television Station
SAUtv is a 24/7 station that offers programming on education and technology. Our students produce a weekly newscast, operate cameras, edit video on state-of-the-art equipment, broadcast live sporting events, and work as on-air talent.
More Information on the Multimedia Journalism Major
There are so many ways to share information and our Multimedia Journalism majors gain skills in them all. You'll learn to write news stories, in-depth features, sports, and advertising for print, radio, TV, and digital media.
You'll take courses in media law; build research skills; practice interviewing techniques; and learn to operate the technologies used in the field today.
On-Campus Radio, TV Station, and Newspaper
We don't want you to sit still. Instead, we encourage you to explore the field of journalism, and here is your chance through our multimedia outlets:
- The Buzz is SAU's student newspaper. Join the staff and help choose content, report and edit stories, design and layout pages, take photos, and sell and design advertising.
- SAUtv is our 24/7 TV station. Our students produce a weekly newscast, operate cameras, edit video on state-of-the-art equipment, broadcast live sporting events, and work as on-air talent. Check out the SAUtv YouTube Channel.
- KALA Radio broadcasts 24/7 on 88.5 and 106.1 FM, featuring everything from blues to gospel to urban to rock. The Stinger is an online-only radio station featuring pop, alternative, and country music. At SAU, you can choose the shows, music, edit news specials, volunteer at community events, and broadcast live sporting events.
Internships
Intern and you get marketable experience, learn from professionals, and network with your future colleagues. Our Career Center and Communication Department faculty have deep connections in media which give you so many opportunities to learn in the field.
- Journalism students have interned with local NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, and newspapers including the Quad-City Times and The Dispatch/Rock Island Argus.
- Radio and Television majors have interned with local NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX affiliates, and with many area radio stations.
Our graduates are successful writers, reporters, and editors with newspapers, magazines, non-profit organizations, corporate communication departments and creative agencies.
Others built careers in closely-related fields such as advertising and public relations. Some have landed careers in political communications and public affairs.
Our multimedia journalism major can be a first step to graduate study in communication, business administration, public administration, law and more.
- Fabiola Orozco '14 double-majored in English and Journalism, a natural combination for her job as a Marketing Communications Assistant at UnityPoint Health.
- Shelby Steger '15 works at HON in Muscatine, Iowa, as a Representative and Recruiter. She talks about her education in this video.
- Jessica Denney '09 is Coordinator of Development at the Creative Arts Academy in Davenport. She also paired her journalism major with a Radio/TV major and a theatre minor.
Jim Baumann, PhD, Professor and Chair
Brett Billman, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Marianne Fenn, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Ann Preston, PhD, Professor
Alan Sivell, MA, Asst. Professor
Communication Center/SAUtv and KALA Radio Staff and Instructors
Jon Anderson, Chief Engineer
Dave Baker, KALA Operations Manager
Duke Schneider, SAUtv Operations Manager
Shelby (Shepherd) Leabo, Production Specialist
Degree Requirements
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
Required:
+ENGL 101 English Composition
COMM 224 Digital Media Production, 4 credits
COMM 225 Introduction to Visual Communication
COMM 230 Media Writing
+COMM 232 Media & Society
COMM 305 Media Theory & Ethics
COMM 326 Communication & Technology
COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing
COMM 332 The Buzz Student Newspaper
COMM 340 Global Communication
COMM 334 Digital Media Writing
COMM 337 Digital Media Practicum
COMM 432 Media Law
COMM 454 Contemporary Journalism
One of the following:
ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
ENGL 316 Expository Writing Workshop
ENGL 317 Creative Writing Workshop
ENGL 319 Writing About Place
ENGL 320 Writing Topics
C+ Average required throughout the major.
Required:
ENGL 101 English Composition
COMM 225 Introduction to Visual Communication
COMM 230 Media Writing
COMM 232 Media & Society
COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing
COMM 332 The Buzz
COMM 432 Media Law
Required:
COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 232 Media and Society
COMM 326 Communication and Technology
COMM 340 Global Communication
COMM 327 Organizational Communication OR COMM 361 Topics in Strategic Communication
This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a degree in Multimedia Journalism. Current students should use MySAU Portal Student Planning and consult with an advisor to determine graduation requirements.
This plan assumes the student has not taken three years of foreign language in high school. Check the online course catalog for prerequisites.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +COMM 232 Media and Society | 3 | COMM 230 Media Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Oral Communication | 3 | COMM 224 Digital Media Production | 4 |
| Foreign Language 101 | 3 | Theology or Philosophy | 3 |
| NSS 101 New Student Seminar | 1 | Foreign Language 102 | 3 |
| Wellness Concepts | 1 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| Total Credits | 14 | Total Credits | 17 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 332 The Buzz | 1 | Electives | 6 |
| STBE 137 Quantitative Reasoning in Business | 3 | COMM 332 The Buzz | 1 |
| Social Science | 3 | THEO/PHIL | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Natural Science | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Creative Arts | 2-3 |
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits | 14-15 | Total Credits | 15-16 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing | 3 | COMM 337 Digital Media Practicum | 3 |
| COMM 326 Communication and Technology | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| COMM 332 The Buzz | 1 | COMM 340 Global Communication | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | ENGL 315, 316, 317, 319, or 320 | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | THEO/PHIL | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 305 Media Theory and Ethics | 3 | COMM 454 Contemporary Journalism | 3 |
| COMM 334 Digital Media Writing | 3 | Theology or Philosophy (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | Electives | 6 |
| COMM 432 Media Law | 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
+satisfies a general education requirement
Scholarships and Grants
For academic/merit-based awards, we match eligible students to a qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
You may also qualify for scholarships or grants due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Contact the Admissions Office so we can be sure you're getting what you need.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
And finally, look below under Outside Scholarships to see examples of non-SAU financial aid, and be sure to get an early start on your applications!
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores*.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies – up to four years – as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and remain a full-time student.
2021-22 Scholarships
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, 2021 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15
Award: Full tuition
Trustee
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $23,000/year
Academic
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $15,000-$21,000/year
University Grant
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
$13,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500-$1,000/year
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year (Iowa resident) or $14,000-17,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required.
Award: $500/year
*While St. Ambrose University has a Test-Optional admissions policy, standardized test scores are required for admission to specific programs and eligibility for top academic scholarships.
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their performance and abilities in fine arts and athletics.
Below, you'll find a quick summary of financial awards, and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education even more affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports.
If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional Scholarships (2020-21)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship – $15,000-$21,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities – including Esports – click here.
Fine Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2021-22 academic year.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only* and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
*Total combined scholarships may not exceed cost of tuition. Scholarships offered to transfer students who enroll full time, online students not eligible.
2021-22 Scholarships
PHI THETA KAPPA
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $16,000
OR
TRANSFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU, full-time enrollment
Award: Full Tuition
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarship
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Award
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
2021-22 Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,200
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,345 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes.
These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
With more than 31 varsity athletic teams and state-of-the-art facilities in which to play them, the Fighting Bees of SAU are bold contenders on any field. Watch this video
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Shelby Steger '15
Shelby graduated in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism. She currently works at HON in Muscatine, Iowa, as a recruiter.
Read Shelby's story
Shelby Steger
Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Multimedia Journalism,Class of 2015
An internship can reaffirm a career passion or challenge a student to consider another direction – as was the case for Shelby. While she was hands-on working in broadcast journalism, she discovered it was not the career she wanted. She refocused her efforts and discovered a new field that perfectly fit her education and goals. Today, Shelby is the Human Resources Coordinator for BITCO Insurance Companies in Davenport, Iowa.
Contact
Jim Baumann, PhD, Chairperson
Communication Department
Galvin Fine Arts Center, Office 35
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6048
BaumannJamesA@sau.edu