Ottawa University's communication major includes a broad range of areas of study, interests and career opportunities. The coursework increases students' knowledge of mass media, advertising, public relations, and more. Public performance skills as well as people skills are also increased. Whether a student is interested in mass communication, performance communication or professional communication, there are a variety of on-campus opportunities to advance skills:
The communication major at Ottawa University will prepare students to be effective in the job market in a vast array of careers. Students majoring in communications have the option of enhancing their marketability through seven concentration areas. The Curriculum
Required Major Courses
Three different production courses of the following options
Required Courses from outside of the Division - choose one
16 hours of approved electives plus an additional production course Or add a concentration including: advertising, business communication, broadcasting, journalism, public relations, speech performance, and visual communication
Advertising
Broadcast
Business Communication
Journalism
Public Relations
Speech Performance
Visual Communication
The Ottawan Students have the opportunity to visually record the events and organizations of Ottawa University through photography and media design in the student yearbook The Ottawan.
The Campus Newspaper students receive credit in the hands-on production of The Campus, the oldest student-produced newspaper in Kansas. Students meet weekly to apply journalistic principals in planning, writing and production. Click here to read The Campus Online.
KTJO, RAGE 88.9 Students have the opportunity to be DJs, talk show hosts or call exciting play-by-play action of Ottawa University athletic events on our student radio station, Rage 88.9. Heard around the OU campus and online, Rage 88.9 is a great avenue for students to gain practical experience in broadcasting. Click here to listen to archived athletic events on Rage 88.9.
VP Group The Video Production Group is responsible for recording, editing and producing archives of campus events and student projects. Students gain hands-on experience in professional type settings in video and film.
Media Sales Team The Media Sales Team is responsible for selling all ads placed in any campus media including The Ottawan, The Campus, The Campus Online, and Rage 88.9. Students work on commission and are responsible for maintaining relationships with clients throughout the design and placement process.
Intercollegiate Forensics Team
Ottawa University competes in intercollegiate forensics in platform speaking, limited preparation speaking, oral interpretation, and debate. The OU team participates in tournaments around the country, typically ending the season with a state tournament followed by a national tournament. Joining the speech and debate team will help you prepare for a career that uses speech performance abilities. Team competition will also give you an edge in jobs where speech skills are less obviously in demand.
At Ottawa University, the intercollegiate forensics team travel schedule is very selective, allowing you more time to devote to academics and develop other interests. You will enjoy traveling to outstanding regional, state and national tournaments in such states as Illinois, California and Florida. OU students not only compete against students from across the country, they also develop friendships with them as well.
Pi Kappa Delta
PKD, a national honorary forensics society, was founded in 1913 and today has over 60,000 members. Ottawa University is the original charter chapter of Pi Kappa Delta and sponsors a variety of philanthropic and educational activities beyond the Ottawa community. These off-campus events include high school workshops, supporting local high school tournaments, and various local, regional and national performance opportunities.
Forensics Club
The Forensics Club sponsors on-campus activities for students to explore public speaking and performance skills, including improvisational comedy, public forum debates, literary performances, speech showcases and service activities that support the Ottawa community.
Kara Cunningham Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Business Education MA, Communication, Wichita State University BS, Agriculture, Kansas State University Contact Info 785.242.5200 x5451 kara.cunningham@ottawa.edu
Ryan Louis Instructor of Speech Director of Forensics Education MA, Speech Communications: Rhetoric & Performance Studies, Hofstra University BA, Film Production/Oral Communications, Webster University Contact Info 785.242.5200 x5464 ryan.louis@ottawa.edu