By Caroline Moore

“The field of communication is becoming a convergence of design, speech communication and mass media that is forming into an art,” according to the Department of Communication Arts graduate program coordinator Dr. David Nelson.

The VSU Masters of Communication degree program is jointly sponsored by Speech Communication and Mass Media.  It is designed to help students become the “best possible artist in their field,” Nelson said.

With the job markets becoming increasingly competitive, young professionals are exploring how graduate school can positively affect their future. Students in the program develop a deeper understanding of theory, critical thinking and problem solving skills. “The skill set they learn in graduate school gives them a whole box of tools they can use to jump into their careers,”  Nelson said.

The graduate program is small in size, which allows for the opportunity of quality one-on-one time for students. The members of the graduate faculty have an open door policy that makes it possible for students and professors to sit and talk in a comfortable setting, according to Nelson.

“Not only does the master’s program equip you with essential needs for today’s workforce but it creates a comfortable environment for you to flourish in,” Nelson said.  He hosts a social at his house every semester to which he invites the entire program’s students and faculty to socialize and get to know each other as people.

 

Nelson is also charged with recruiting students into the program.  To do so, he and Dr. Tally Mulligan in Mass Media have developed a number of promotional displays and materials that Nelson takes to academic conferences throughout the year.

 

For more information about the Master Program in Communication contact David Nelson at drnelson@valdosta.edu or 229.245.3840.