Rogers Dept. of Communications
About us
CLASSROOM THEory meets HANDS-ON practice through Experiential learning.
We facilitate dynamic learning opportunities. You develop skills and a portfolio. Together, we carry forward a legacy.
Dr. Bills Downs pioneered the communications major at Ouachita in the 1960s after earning his master’s and doctorate from the famed Missouri School of Journalism. Although a tough instructor, Dr. Downs’ enthusiastic spirit and pursuit of excellence tightly prepared a swarm of journalists and strategic storytellers during his 41-year tenure.
Most of our full-time faculty studied under Downs, while all are program graduates. Amplified by decades of collective industry practice, scholarship and unique interests, our instructors cultivate the discipline while continuing a rich tradition. The faculty has expertise in public relations, advertising, media research, data analytics, human-computer interaction, journalism, branding, web development, media management, sports information, church media strategy, visual storytelling, applied communication and higher education teaching, assessment and administration.
Innovation in the classroom, high contact with professors, robust practicum opportunities and event travel are hallmarks of our instruction—anchored in experiential learning. Professors and students recently attended the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, the College Media Association conference in New York, the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas, the Big East basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden, and the Final Four in Memphis to work media relations.
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of learning communications at Ouachita is the support of our alumni. Our graduates value the connected network of Ouachita-trained communicators, which provides many opportunities for internships, jobs and continuing education. Alums give back, helping mentor the next generation.
It’s one of the many reasons we believe Niche.com named Ouachita the top communications program in Arkansas and among the top 10 percent nationally (’23). Browse the bottom of this page, and you will find that our alums work for significant organizations nationwide. Success stories like this help make the communications major the 5th most popular on campus. Students see our outcomes, develop a passion for storytelling and want to be part of a celebrated legacy that prepares young professionals to make an impact on the national stage.
Want to learn more? Next, explore our curriculum highlights and contact OBU Admissions to schedule a visit. We’d love to meet you!
OUR CURRICULUM
Learn core communication competencies while going further with one of six career-focused emphases.
Tailor an education that is as unique as you are. Choose the program that best fits your interests and aspirations.
The Strategic Communications emphasis is designed for students who are interested in the fields of communications and marketing.
Courses focus on marketing campaigns, advertising, public relations, event planning and social media marketing. Students work on a real-world campaign with a corporate client.
Ouachita alumni in this field include:
- President, Arkansas Business Publishing
- COO, Team SI (Social Innovation)
- Director of Marketing, Arkansas Heart Hospital
- Senior Communications Representative, Lockheed Martin
- Marketing & Tourism Manager, Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- Director of Marketing & Communications, Pediatrics Plus
The Visual Media and Film emphasis is designed for students who are interested in creating meaningful content for the film and broadcast media industries.
Classes focus on the visual storytelling techniques of writing, production and editing, as well as the history and current issues in visual media. Students in our Sundance class attend the Sundance Film Festival in January, where they interact with film writers and producers.
Opportunities in the field also include work with a corporate, nonprofit or ministry communications team.
Some of our alumni in this specialty:
- Broadcast Director, University of Arkansas
- Co-anchor, FOX News Atlanta
- Executive Director of Communications, The Church at Rock Creek
- Digital Content Producer, WCNC-TV Charlotte, NC
- Sports Photojournalist, KATV, Little Rock
- Cinematographer, Los Angeles
- Marathon Digital Broadway Shows, New York City
- Freelance Writer, Turner Classic Movies
- Reporter, Beverly Press
The Multimedia Journalism emphasis is designed for students who are interested in how to communicate messages using a variety of platforms.
Courses include knowledge and skills in social media, print design, video, broadcasting, photography and feature writing.
Alumni working in the field of multimedia journalism include:
- Senior Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (notable blogger)
- Content Manager, Arkansas Baptist State Convention
- Senior Editor and Columnist, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Assistant Editor at D Magazine, Dallas
- Digital Media Producer, Prestonwood Baptist Church
- Director of Digital Strategy & Brand Engagement, Walmart
- Journalism Teacher and Advisor, Central High School, Little Rock
- Television News Anchor & Reporter, 5News
- Author and Sustainability Influencer
- News Director, KARK
- Reporter, KARK
The Sports Media emphasis of the Communications & Media major prepares students for careers in the growing sports industry, both through traditional media and new media approaches to sports journalism, broadcasting and public relations.
Course content focuses on skill development in a variety of platforms, including print, video, online and broadcast. Students have extensive hands-on opportunities throughout their college careers in broadcasting live events, game coverage and sports promotion. Job and career opportunities in the field of sports media are plentiful and ever-changing to meet the sports industry landscape. Students will develop an extensive resume to apply for jobs with sports journalism outlets, as well as a variety of media positions for professional franchises and college athletic departments.
Alumni in this field of work include:
- Director of Web Content, Bassmaster.com and Outdoor Channel
- Associate Director, NCAA
- Videographer, WXIA 11 Alive TV (NBC) in Atlanta, GA
- Play-by-Play Voice of Northwestern State University Demon Athletics & sports radio talk show host
- Sr. Editor, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Associate Director of Media Coordination and Statistics, NCAA
- Senior Director for Track Communications, NASCAR
- Locutor, Cumulus Media, Inc.
- Assistant Director of Athletic Communications, Ouachita
The Communications Studies emphasis is designed for students interested in oral communication and communications in different settings.
Courses focus on communications in personal, small group, family and corporate setting. Opportunities in this area include work with corporate, non-profit and ministry communications teams.
Alumni include:
- Executive Assistant, CJRW advertising agency
- Oral communications and theatre teacher, Little Rock Christian Academy
- Associate Professor of Communication, Clemson University
- Assistant Professor of Communication, Clemson University
- Business Development Representative and Licensed Professional Counselor, Pinnacle Point Behavioral Healthcare System
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Author and Motivational Speaker
- Law School, Oklahoma City University
- Law School, Bowen School of Law
The Integrated Communications emphasis is designed for students who have a unique interest in communications that requires a combination of emphases. A student can propose a 12-hour emphasis to be approved by the adviser, department chair and dean.
OUR FACULTY
Industry-experienced. Student-focused.
Learn from equipped professors who share a love for Ouachita, advanced communication credentials, and field experience.
wHERE THEY ARE NOW
Ouachita Communication & Media grads in the field
"I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Ouachita Department of Communications. I got hands-on experience every day from freshman year to senior year. It was that experience that helped me land my dream job as a news reporter in Little Rock, Arkansas. Working with professors who believed in me, guided me and pushed me to my best was one of the many highlights of my time at Ouachita. I am so thankful for this department and the lasting relationships I formed while being there."
caroline derby
Reporter, KARK & KLRT
Communications & Media Graduate | Class of 2023
