Multimedia Journalism majors learn to write news, in-depth features, sports, and advertising content for all areas of print, electronic, 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 now.

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 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, Chair and Professor

Jim Baumann, Assoc. Professor
Brett Billman, Asst. Professor
Marianne Fenn, Assoc. Professor
Alan Sivell, Asst. Professor

Communication Center/SAUtv and KALA Radio Staff and Instructors
Jon Anderson, Chief Engineer
Dave Baker, KALA Operations Manager
Ken Colwell, Professor and Director
Duke Schneider, SAUtv Operations Manager

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.

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.)

Institutional scholarships (2018-19)

There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.

The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

Ambrose Scholar
For First Year, on-campus residents only. Straight As on high school transcript and a minimum 30 ACT score. Applicants who meet Ambrose Scholar criteria will be invited to compete for a full-tuition scholarship for $@{17-18-Tuition}.

Trustee Scholar
$22,000/year - For First-year, on-campus residents only. Unweighted 3.8 GPA, 28+ACT. May be offset by state and/or federal aid if eligible.

Academic Scholarship
$14,000-17,000/year - Based on GPA and ACT/SAT score

University Grant
$12,000/year - Based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT score

Additional Scholarships (2018-19)

If you want to apply for any of the scholarships below, contact the Admissions Office.

Fine Arts Scholarships
Award based on performance and ability in art, music, or theatre. Includes the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required.

Athletics Scholarships
Award varies. Based on performance and ability. Marching Band scholarships available. See below.

Freeman Pollard Minority Scholarship
$1,000 for on-campus students; $500 for off-campus. For accepted minority students.

Menke Parish Scholarship
Award varies. For First Year students only who are recommended by their parish pastor in the Diocese of Davenport. Recommendation form (pdf) to be completed by your pastor.

Father Welch Alumni Scholarship
$1,000/year. For on-campus students only whose parent is a St. Ambrose graduate.