Communications Journalism & Media Arts
Communication of all kinds – especially interpersonal, small group, and mass communication – forms the basis for all of our lives. The study of human communication provides a valuable foundation for any eventual path in school and life. This program provides human communication studies and opportunities for hands-on media production with modern digital equipment in class, through the college owned radio station, the award-winning student newspaper, and the on-campus television studio.
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Message from the Curriculum Chair
The A. A. (Associate in Arts) Degree in Communications and Media Arts is regularly among the college’s largest curriculums and many of our graduates transfer to a baccalaureate degree program in one of several communications specialties. These include, among others, concentrations in speech, mass media, television and radio production, journalism, and public relations. A number of these colleges have articulation agreements with us, which means that a graduate of the Communications and Media Arts program at WCC is automatically guaranteed acceptance into their communications program. You might be surprised to know that some of these agreements include the opportunity to receive a full scholarship. In addition, outstanding communications majors at WCC are often eligible for other financial incentives, including a “Women in Communications” and a PepsiCo scholarship.
Our program also offers opportunities for students to prepare for a variety of career options. Many of our courses are designed to prepare you for specialized jobs in the communication field. A small sample of these entry level jobs include television camera operator, broadcast technician, assistant producer, video editor, news writer, public relations specialist, and sales representative.
Students who have off-campus internships in communications field can earn college credit, as well as engage in various extracurricular activities such as the Student Media Association, the campus radio station, WARY-FM, our student newspaper, The Viking News, and our video club, WCCTV. All of these can provide valuable hands-on experience that is essential to successfully navigating the competitive world of communications careers.
It is also significant to note that, according to Pathways to Careers in Communication (6th edition) published by the National Communication Association, “…a national study indicates that the essential skills needed by a competent employee to get (any) job and to succeed and be promoted are primarily communication skills.” With that in mind, studying communications here at Westchester Community College is a great foundation, no matter what your future career and life may hold for you.
– Eric Luther, Curriculum Chair – Communications & Media Arts
Chair: Prof. Eric Luther
Telephone: 914-606-6136
Email: eric.luther@sunywcc.edu
Information about the chair
Eric Luther
Contact Information
Phone: 914-606-6136
Office location: HAAB – Room #133
Email: eric.luther@sunywcc.edu
Title(s): Associate Professor; Curriculum Chair (Communications and Media Arts); Department Co-Chair
Eric Luther, Curriculum Chair as well as Chair of the Department, came to Westchester Community College in the fall of 2010 after several semesters of adjunct teaching in the area, as well as over a decade of journalism/media career experience, mostly television news. He received his Bachelor of Humanities from Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) and his Masters of Arts and Humanities Education from NYU. Multimedia Journalism, Understanding Mass Media, Broadcast Journalism, and TV Production are just a few of the courses he’s taught here at Westchester Community College.
In addition to his teaching and chairing work, Eric has contributed greatly to various college committees including the Middle States Self-Study Faculty Subcommittee, as well as both the Strategic Planning and Academic Advising Self-Study Task Forces. Eric lives with his husband, Mike, and their lucky dogs in Carmel, NY.
Department/School:
Area of Arts & Communication/School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Degree Information:
BA, Liberal Arts, SMU, Dallas, TX
MA, Arts & Humanities Education, NY, NY
Courses Taught:
COMM 101: Understanding Mass Media
COMM 106: Multimedia Journalism
COMM 109: Speech Communication
COMM 119: Broadcast Production (online)
Class/Program Requirements
Program Learning Outcome
More Information
About Westchester Community College
Financial Aid
Nearly 33% of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid. Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually.
Sports
The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors thirteen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. The roster of sports offered includes Men’s Baseball, Women's Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball. Visit the Vikings Athletics website for schedules, reports, and more.
Locations
We’re accessible: Public transit-friendly main campus and extension locations. Online classes for wherever you are. Valhalla (main campus); extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester and Peekskill (Center for the Digital Arts) and White Plains (Center for the Arts).
