About the School of Communication
The School of Communication (SOC) is a transformational, interdisciplinary academic school with four undergraduate departments and two graduate programs: Communication Studies; Entertainment Recording Industry Management (ERIM); Journalism; Radio, Television, and Film (RTF); and Master of Arts (MA) in Communication and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Communication and Digital Media (PCDM).
The School of Communication (SOC) has been a distinguished fixture in the academic landscape since its founding in 1975. It is one of the oldest communication programs amongst HBCUs in the U.S. and the first program of its kind in Houston. Often referred to as the academic jewel, the SOC has led the charge for excellence and innovation in communication. Its commitment to innovation and diversity helped to shape Houston media to be more inclusive in its coverage of African Americans and other underserved communities. Its talented students are from all walks of life and have helped to usher in voices from the community that played a vital role in policy change. The impact has been profound, as Houston is now known as a multicultural city. Many of the SOC students have been hired by the local media and have helped these organizations to embrace positive change.
For 48 years, the school has been at the forefront of training culturally responsive professionals and scholars who can navigate urban and international settings with a deep sense of inclusivity and an understanding of historical legacy.
The SOC's innovative approach has helped it to become the "cultural hub of excellence for all things media and communication at TSU" and the communities it serves. Its new state-of-the-art multiplatform television studio, dedicated newsroom, audio engineering production room, convergence multimedia labs, KTSU2 digital lab, and centers for excellence, including Africana Futures, have placed it at the top of communication schools nationwide.
The updated curriculum and new Master of Arts degree in Professional Communication and Digital Media (PCDM), which was added in 2015, has quickly become a popular graduate program concentration with over 150 students since its inception.
New partnerships with NBCU Academy, KPRC2 Houston, the Center for Journalism and Democracy, Austin Film Festival, WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, and African Film Festival have put the SOC on the map as one of the nation's premier schools.
The SOC's Advisory Board, which includes stellar academics and award-winning professionals, is helping the school to blaze an unparalleled path of opportunities for its students and faculty.
Faculty have created groundbreaking research and experiential projects that are far-reaching with global impact.
SOC students and alumni can be found worldwide, making a remarkable difference in the field. From Hollywood to New York and Emmys to Grammys, School of Communication students and alumni are making their marks in an unprecedented manner.
The SOC's objectives are clear: to prepare students to be lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders for careers in media and emerging industries; to conduct groundbreaking research that bridges the gap of misconception and intolerance and build consensus and understanding across cultures.