The Tim Russert Department of Communication prepares you to become a critical thinker and an effective communicator by exploring all areas of communication from social media, to radio, to integrated marketing, to digital media, and more. With a Russert degree, you’ll be able to create, present, evaluate, and analyze messages in a variety of media and arenas, and build a career in public relations, television, radio, film, corporate communication, social media, and beyond.
Inspiring individuals to create, understand, and analyze communication to become informed, effective, and ethical.
The Tim Russert Department of Communication educates students to become critical thinkers trained in advocacy and effective communicators able to integrate theory and ethical principles in their professions while fostering awareness of diverse cultures and developing communication styles and technologies.
We are guided by three principles:
Inquiry – be a critical thinker
Integrity – make ethical decisions
Involvement – be a leader in professional and public life
Blue Streak Media is the home of JCU's hands-on media and communication experiences. Join one or more of our organizations to create content, build your portfolio, and collaborate with students who care about storytelling, strategy, and performance.
Turn your passion for media into action at Blue Streak Media.
Faculty contact: Jasen Sokol
Work with a nationally and internationally recognized college radio station while you write, host, interview guests, and run the control board on an FCC accredited public radio outlet.
WJCU has earned 89 awards since 2022, including the 2024 International Student Broadcasting Championship State of the Year and the 2025 Audio Outlet of the Year.
Faculty contact: Yunmi Choi
Join JCU's student run advertising agency and collaborate with real clients on campaigns, branding, and creative concepts that prepare you for agency and in house roles.
Students can also participate in PRSSA, JCU's student chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, to build professional connections and leadership experience.
Faculty contact: The Carroll News adviser
Report and write for both print and digital platforms while working with editors, designers, and photographers in JCU's award winning student newsroom.
The Carroll News is home to JCU's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and has been named the 2025 Periodic Newspaper of the Year, 2025 Best in Ohio College Newspaper, and 2025 Best in Ohio College News Website by the Press Club of Cleveland.
Faculty contact: Darrin Slentz
Create live broadcasts for sports and campus events, produce short films and video packages, and learn the craft of audio and video production in a professional studio environment.
JCU Studios projects earn recognition such as the Silver ADDY awarded to Lydia Bennett 25 for her film The Last Assignment.
Faculty contact: Speech and Debate director
Join JCU's longest running student organization to compete in speech and debate events across the country while sharpening your public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking skills.
The team has earned four national championships since 2000 and continues to compete successfully on the national stage.
