Communications Major
In today's digital era, the way we communicate has been transformed by social media and online platforms. These innovations have redefined how we connect, share ideas and tell meaningful stories, shaping everything from personal interactions to global conversations. Salve Regina University's communications program prepares you to thrive in this dynamic environment by developing the core skills of information gathering, writing and editing.
Salve has so many classes for different pathways within the field. Whether it be social media, journalism, podcasting, videography or public relations, you get to know your professors and classmates well.
Morgan Rizzo '23, social media and marketing manager, A.T.Y. Hospitality
Through a mix of creative and conceptual coursework, you'll explore modern communication methods like broadcasting, digital media and public relations while sharpening your craft as a storyteller who understands the power of media messages.
The Department of English, Communications and Media fosters empathy and social change through its coursework and community engagement. In courses that emphasize storytelling, media literacy and ethical communication, you learn to recognize the transformative power of stories and their ability to inspire meaningful social change. Whether crafting compelling narratives, engaging in community-based projects or exploring the impact of media on society, our students develop the skills necessary to become thoughtful authors, creators and global citizens dedicated to making a positive difference.
As a communications major, you'll get a fresh take on the field through courses on everything from reality TV, fan culture, women's magazines and horror movies to social media and PR campaigns. Our dedicated faculty design the classroom experience to inspire your creativity and innovation so you can thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital world.
What Sets Salve Apart
Salve is ranked in the top 6% of universities nationwide for long-term return on investment, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
The Salve Compass program runs through all four years, connecting college to career. With a focus on hands-on, real-world experiences, it ensures every student has the skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market.
Hands-On Focus
Nestled in the historic coastal city of Newport, rich with stories of the past and present, Salve's communications program offers exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning. From local internships with organizations like Audrain Hospitality, PBS and Newport magazines to the inspiration drawn from our Gilded Age campus, students gain storytelling experience in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Creative Community
Our communications program stands out for its strong, close-knit community, where you'll connect beyond the classroom through unique traditions and social events. With a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, this supportive environment fosters collaboration, creativity and lifelong friendships - making Salve a place where you truly belong.
MFA in Creative Writing
Qualified undergraduates can begin our Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program - the Newport MFA - during their fourth year. The Newport MFA immerses students in the creative life through craft talks, residencies, mentorships, and publishing and editing panels, always with a sustained focus on writing.
Studio 228
Studio 228 is a creative hub where communications majors bring their ideas to life. Equipped with podcasting and video production tools - including microphones, cameras, lighting setups, teleprompters and a green screen - this space allows students to develop high-quality multimedia content. Editing bays feature high-end Apple Macs loaded with the full Adobe Creative Suite, providing everything needed for post-production work. Whether you're filming interviews or crafting digital storytelling projects, you'll have access to industry-standard resources to refine your skills and build an impressive portfolio.
Students and Alumni Making Waves
Sarah DeWolfe '20
Content associate, ESPN
"While at Salve, my internships in major news markets and my role as a co-editor of Mosaic, our student newspaper, gave me valuable skills that I am using to become a prominent woman in the fields of sports journalism and broadcasting." Read more about DeWolfe's Salve experience.
Sara Birse '20
Music programming coordinator, SiriusXM
"The program taught all of the skills that I now use every day - like how to find a narrative and tell a story, and how to research and think critically. They really value those skills at SiriusXM when it comes to researching new music and new artists - it's hard to acquire those skills, but Salve really prepares you for that." Read more about Birse's Salve experience.
Emma Liarikos
Communications major, marketing and political science minors
Emma Liarikos is driven by a passion for connection, public service and leadership. Through her internship and work experience at Salve, she has explored her interests and built meaningful connections while developing skills that will take her to the next chapter in her career. Read more about Liarikos' Salve experience.
Morgan Rizzo '23
Social media and marketing manager, A.T.Y. Hospitality
Morgan Rizzo's talent for writing was nurtured through her faculty connections as an undergraduate at Salve. An assignment in her feature writing class led to an introduction to a magazine editor and her first published article as a freelance writer. Today, she continues to enjoy freelance writing opportunities in addition to her work in social media marketing. Read more about Rizzo's Salve experience.
Career Paths in Communications
At Salve, you'll gain a robust set of hard skills that prepare you for success in a competitive digital landscape. You'll develop skills in video and audio production using industry-standard software, acquire expertise in social media management and analytics, and master content management systems such as WordPress.
Beyond technical proficiency, you'll hone essential communication skills - including interviewing, research and critical analysis - through hands-on learning opportunities and fourth-year internships. Our majors are effective communicators who are ready for careers in media or any field they choose.
A look at where our alumni are now:
- Associate director of communications and media relations, Barnard College
- Associate producer/writer, Twin Cities PBS
- Chief communications and marketing officer, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
- Content associate, ESPN
- Director of marketing, Warner Wealth
- Global head of social media and influencer strategy, Nasdaq
- Marketing coordinator, Newport Life magazine
- Marketing and social media manager, A.T.Y. Hospitality
- Music programming coordinator, SiriusXM
- Senior manager of global content strategy, LEGO Education
- Senior program manager, Disney+
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in communications
At just 39 credits, the communications major is designed for flexibility, allowing you to tailor your education to your passions and career goals. Whether pairing the degree with a minor, a double major or studying abroad, you'll have the freedom to explore a range of interdisciplinary interests while building a well-rounded skill set.
Minor in communications
A communications minor equips you with essential skills for crafting clear, persuasive and strategic messages - an asset in any field. The minor complements any major by strengthening writing, public speaking, digital media skills and more, making you more versatile and competitive in the job market.
Meet Our Communications Faculty
Our full-time faculty specialize in different areas of media and communications studies and are supported by adjuncts from the professional world. Our students enjoy close relationships with our highly qualified and dedicated faculty.
Dr. Madeleine Esch
- Associate professor
- Chair, English, Communications and Media
Dr. Sally Gomaa
- Professor
Dr. Donna Harrington-Lueker
- Professor emerita
Dr. Ikea Johnson
- Assistant professor
Dr. Hyoyeun Jun
- Assistant professor
- McAuley scholar
Dr. Jen McClanaghan
- Associate professor
- Writer in residence
Dr. D. Matthew Ramsey
- Professor
Dr. Margaret Svogun
- Professor
Writing at a Professional Level
Our students are uniquely positioned with the knowledge and experience they need for successful careers in the field. Through hands-on opportunities with professional writing, editing and publishing, they build portfolios that showcase their skills and set them apart in the job market.
Mosaic
Salve's independent student newspaper, Mosaic provides campus news, sports and entertainment stories. Mosaic serves as a forum for the Salve student voice and provides an open platform for students from all disciplines. Whether you're interested in writing or reading, the goal of Mosaic is to provide you with a place to publish. Read the Mosaic.
The Willow
Founded in 1998 as a student-organized literary publication, the magazine's purpose is to encourage and celebrate creative expression in the campus community through the publication of poetry, prose, artwork and photography by the student population. Students gain experience soliciting and evaluating literary and artistic submissions while also learning the nuts and bolts of editing and publishing a professional-quality journal.
Ochre
Ochre magazine takes its name from Ochre Court, the Gilded Age summer home of the Goelet family that today serves as the main administrative building of the University. Ochre is an online publication featuring the work of students in the COM371: Feature Writing course. Read Ochre magazine.