Multimedia Journalism
Whether your goal is to report on breaking news in Washington, highlight the good in your local community, or write for Rolling Stone, St. Ambrose gives you the education be an ethical, compelling and successful storyteller.
Our students work at Freemont (Neb.) Tribune, NerdWerks, TownNews.com, WNWO-TV, Nickelodeon, CCTV America, and many others.
Ambrose Advantages
- Hands-On Skills and Classes
- Become Involved From Day One
- We Know You By Name
From the day you step into our classrooms, you’ll be invited to contribute your ideas and to participate in our media outlets. Our faculty provide you with the skills and opportunities to be a journalist now and in the future.
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
Multimedia Journalism majors learn to write news, in-depth features, sports, and advertising content for diverse outlets: print, radio, TV, and digital media.
You will take courses in media law; learn research, interviewing, and reporting skills; and learn hands-on how to use current technologies used in the field.
We don't want our students to sit still. Instead, we want them to learn by doing. Here is a sample of what you can do at SAU:
Get involved with The Buzz, SAU's student-run newspaper. When you join the staff, you can help choose content, report and edit stories, handle design and layout pages, be a photographer, and sell and design advertising.
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. 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. We also have The Stinger, an online-only radio station featuring pop, alternative, and some country music. Best of all, our students choose the shows, program music, edit news specials, volunteer at community events, and broadcast live sporting events under the direction of a staff advisor.
Intern! You will get marketable experience, learn from professionals, and network with your future colleagues while you are still in college. Our Communication Department faculty have deep connections in the media world, and by working with the SAU Career Center, you are provided with opportunities to learn in the field. For instance:
- 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.
Public Relations and Strategic Communication majors have interned with the Quad City Mallards, Genesis Medical Center, The District of Rock Island, Quad-City Times, Quad City River Bandits, and several advertising and public relations agencies.
Our graduates are successful as writers, reporters and editors with newspapers, magazines, non-profit organizations, corporate communication departments and creative agencies. Others have established careers in such closely-related fields as advertising and public relations. Some have landed careers in political communications and public affairs.
Our multimedia journalism major is excellent preparation for graduate study in communication, business administration, public administration and law.
- 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.
- 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.
Ann Preston, PhD, Chair and Professor
Jim Baumann, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Brett Billman, PhD, Asst. Professor
Marianne Fenn, PhD, Assoc. Professor
Alan Sivell, MA, Asst. Professor
Communication Center/SAUtv and KALA Radio Staff and Instructors
Jon Anderson, Chief Engineer
Dave Baker, KALA Operations Manager
Ken Colwell, PhD, Professor and Director
Duke Schneider, SAUtv Operations Manager
Shelby Shepherd, Production Specialist
Degree Requirements
Required:
COMM 224 Radio/TV 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 Print News Practicum
COMM 340 Global Communication
COMM 334 Broadcast News
COMM 337 TV Practicum (prerequisite COMM 334 or faculty permission)
COMM 432 Media Law
COMM 454 Contemporary Journalism
One of the following:
ENGL 315 Written Business Communication
ENGL 316 Expository Writing Workshop
ENGL 319 Writing About Place
ENGL 321 Creative Nonfiction
ENGL 335 Topics in Writing and Persuasion
C+ required in 224, 225, 230 and 232. C+ Average required throughout the major.
This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a degree in Multimedia Journalism.
This plan assumes the student has not taken three years of foreign language in high school.
Year One
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| +COMM 232 Media and Society | 3 | COMM 230 Media Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 | COMM 225 Intro to Visual Communication | 3 |
| +COMM 129 Intro to Public Speaking | 3 | COMM 224 Radio and TV Production | 3 |
| 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 | 16 |
Year Two
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 335 Techniques in Audio Production | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| STBE 137 Quantitative Reasoning in Business | 3 | COMM 332 Print News Practicum | 1 |
| Social Science | 3 | THEO/PHIL | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | Natural Science | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| KIN Activity | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits | 16-17 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing | 3 | COMM 337 Television Practicum | 3 |
| COMM 326 Communication and Technology | 3 | COMM 332 Practicum | 1 |
| COMM 332 Practicum | 1 | COMM 340 Global Communication | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | ENGL 315, 316, 319, 321, or 335 | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 | THEO/PHIL | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 305 Media Theory and Ethics | 3 | COMM 454 Contemporary Journalism | 3 |
| COMM 334 News Broadcasting | 3 | Theology or Philosophy (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Creative Arts | 3 | Electives | 6 |
| Electives | 6 | COMM 432 Media Law | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
+satisfies a general education requirement
Required:
COMM 225 Introduction to Visual Communication
COMM 230 Media Writing
COMM 232 Media & Society
COMM 331 Advanced Media Writing
COMM 332 Print News Practicum
COMM 432 Media Law
Scholarships and Grants
For academic/merit-based awards, eligible students are matched to the qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
You may also qualify for a scholarship or grant due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Give us a call or send an email so we can get to know you and find the best package for you. (You're also encouraged to seek outside scholarships and begin that search early.)
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2019-20 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, for 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.
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Trustee Scholarships
Criteria: unweighted 4.0 GPA and minimum 30 ACT or 1390 SAT score
Award: $23,000 per year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential Scholarships
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $20,000 per year
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $14,000 per year, $15,000 per year, $16,000 per year or $17,000 per year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
$12,000 per year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year
Fr. Menke Catholic Parish Scholarships
Criteria: member of Catholic parish in the Diocese of Davenport
Award: varies
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $1,000/year
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000 per year, $12,000 per year, $13,000 per year or $14,000 per year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $10,000 per year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Menke Catholic Parish Scholarships
Criteria: member of Catholic parish in the Diocese of Davenport
Award: varies
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $500 per year
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their talents and abilities in fine arts and athletics. Below, you'll find a quick summary of some of those awards and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education 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 (2018-19)
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
$14,000-17,000/year
University Grant
$12,000/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 Art 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 2019-20 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.
Scholarships
Phi Theta Kappa
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $14,000
OR
Transfer Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $13,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $12,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $11,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $9,000
Out-of-State Grants
Criteria: non-Iowa resident
Award: $2,000 per year
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate; on-campus students only
Award: $1,000 per year
Dual Admission Scholarships
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 per year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: diverse student
Award: $1,000 per year on-campus; $500 per year off-campus
Federal and State Aid
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,095 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
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $5,650
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
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.
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