Communication

Facilities

Students have access to computer writing and information technology labs, fully equipped forensics squad room, audio and video production and editing facilities, photographic darkrooms, digital imaging labs, print/graphic design facilities, color television studios, a print technology laboratory, and the services of the Instructional Media Center.

Internships

Intern programs are transitions between school and work. The programs provide students with academic credit while pursuing on-the-job experiences. Internship assignments are available throughout California as well as in Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York.

Communication Activities

Communication houses a number of student-operated programs, including KCHO-FM (a National Public Radio- affiliated station), the Orion (a weekly student newspaper), the nationally recognized forensics team, Tehama Group Communications (a student-managed public relations agency), Milk Crate Productions (student video production company), and numerous student clubs and organizations. In addition, faculty and student research is facilitated by the Center for Instructional Technology Research.

Career Outlook

The field of communication is dynamic and expanding. It is energized by the continual and rapid development of digital communication and the growing industrial, business, government, and personal use of these technologies.

The BA in Communication Design provides opportunities for positions in media design, production, and network systems. Graduates of the digital publishing option seek positions of production management and team leadership in print and online digital publishing environments. Graphic designers are in demand for advertising, commercial art, and corporate communication agencies. Information and communication systems specialists have opportunities in many industries and government agencies in network design, management, and operations. Graduates in the Media Arts Option work in television and radio broadcasting or in independent production companies and corporate media departments creating video and audio programs.

Graduates of the BS and MS in Instructional Technology find careers in government, industry, and military organizations in the field of performance analyis and performance improvement. As designers and developers of training materials and systems they apply communication technology to distance learning, interactive multi- media, and computer based instruction, as well as traditional media for education and training.

The BA and MA in Communication Studies offer humanistic and social science approaches leading to a wide range of employment options, including sales, education, research, management, consulting, and human services.

With a BA in Journalism, public relations option graduates work in corporate, travel, entertainment, government, and non-profit settings. News-editorial option graduates work with organizations such as newspapers, magazines, and new technology businesses.

Cross-Disciplinary Study Programs:
Information and Communication Systems

CSU, Chico provides for the study of information systems in three distinct but complementary programs in the Colleges of Business; Communication and Education; and Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.

In the Option in Information and Communication Systems of the College of Communication and Education, students encounter a range of issues that are not addressed in other campus programs concerned with information systems. The Option in Information and Communication Systems in the College of Communication and Education provides for:
1. Core courses in Communication Design.

2. Analysis of the ways in which new electronic technologies (both computers and telecommunication) are transforming human behavior in organizations.

3. Assessment of the impact and nature of human-machine communication processes and their long-term effects on the world of work, education, and the home in an evolving information-based economy.

4. Impact of new information media and communication technology on the information-seeking behaviors of individuals and groups.