Julianne Gonzalez
April 27, 2020
u·nique
/yo͞oˈnēk/
“Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.”
UNC’s COMM/JMS Program is unique because it creates a nice blend of Communication and Journalism for students to learn both subjects. Communication and Journalism go hand in hand since most Journalism jobs are looking for those who are well spoken and are able to communicate with others. While most Communication majors chose Journalism as their minor. For this program, students will be learning Communication theories like—leadership, role of technology and research—and will apply them to Journalism aspects like—digital storytelling, social media and branding. By offering this unique combination of subject, the program will draw people in to take these new online courses.
In Colorado, most universities do not supply students with a combination of Communication and Journalism. This allows for UNC to be seen as unique. If UNC is one of the only schools that offers students with this combination to let students expand their experiences in their career fields. When asked to describe the new online program, The School of Communications Chair, Thomas Edres, stated, “There is something intuitively logical about a coalition between the Communication Studies and Journalism and Media Studies programs. It is an exciting structure in which each program maintains its in which each program maintains its uniqueness and disciplinary integrity.” Students will be offered a sophisticated blend of the two subjects that teach discipline, time management and technology.
Another way that this program is unique is that it is being offered online. Students can learn from the comfort of their homes and on their own times. Having classes online removes the hassle of needing to commute to a certain place. Many students are skeptical about the transition from face to face instruction to online because they believe that it will strip away the sense of community that students get in the classroom. With this program, faculty are hoping to still have the sense of community. This will be done with synchronous and asynchronous learning, meaning there will be a mix of discussions as well as Zoom meetings. By blending these two together, students will have a combination of discussing their opinions and thoughts about a subject and also having some face-to-face time. Online classes shouldn’t diminish the connection the graduates have because they all still have one thing in common—they are students learning more about their field of interest.
Julianne Gonzalez is the advocate of the COMM/JMS online graduate program. She lives in Greeley, CO. She is an alumna of The University of Northern Colorado. She plans to work in Public Relations for a non-profit company. Her interests are learning more about advertising and convergent media. Her hobbies include making puzzles and baking.