When Tom Mooser graduated in 1965, there were not a lot of options for majors in what would become the Jandoli School of Communication. The only major available was Journalism. But since then, the Jandoli School has expanded, boasting 8 undergraduate majors and 3 master's programs [Marketing Communications, Digital Journalism and Sports Journalism]. This is due in part to Tom’s work with Dr. Jandoli himself to build a Public Relations program at St. Bonaventure. Tom had a vision that strategic communications would be critical to linking audiences and hearing messages, whether from a sports team or large company. This vision manifests itself in the Jandoli School today.
“As the communication landscape changes constantly, it is imperative the Jandoli School meets the needs of our students and industries,” said Aaron Chimbel, Jandoli School dean. “Each of our majors is grounded in the same principles as Tom studied – strong writing skills and ethical practice – yet also allow our students to use new technologies and ways to pursue the truth, tell engaging stories, advocate for organizations or causes and, ultimately, find their place in this dynamic field.”
Here’s a rundown of our undergraduate majors and how they build on Tom’s mandate of strategic communications. All Jandoli students are required to gain experience through 400 hours of internships in order to graduate. All Jandoli programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Journalism
Journalism majors learn to write clearly and concisely, and to appreciate that with their power as communicators comes a moral and ethical responsibility. Students can find plenty of opportunities to hone their craft, from writing for the Bona Venture student newspaper to producing hyperlocal online news for local communities via TapInto Greater Olean. Tom’s background in strong writing and journalism gave him the foundation that made him the communications professional he became, and this same background helps future professionals craft engaging messages for the public.
Broadcast Journalism
Broadcast Journalism majors are prepared for communication careers in a variety of video and audio media fields. Students produce broadcasts for SBU-TV in a professionally equipped and supervised broadcast studio, reaching viewers on weekly live broadcasts, as well as through social media. Any public relations professional understands the importance of utilizing broadcast media to communicate messages to the public. PR professionals will need to handle news teams and reporters and a broadcast journalism background give future professionals the skills to work with broadcast outlets in the work of public relations.
Media Studies
Media Studies majors explore big ideas and how media affects society. This interdisciplinary program offers great flexibility, allowing students to follow their passions with courses from other programs, as well as participation in clubs such as SBU-TV, the Bona Venture, and WSBU. Being able to pull from different disciplines is a valuable skill in public relations and a Media Studies degree gives future professionals the methods to be well-rounded and engage with concepts from different fields.
Sports Media
Sports Media majors follow a course of study designed to prepare them for careers in a variety of sports-related fields. Jandoli School students have the opportunity to be a part of broadcasts for many of the university's Division I athletic teams, including men's and women's home basketball games, on ESPN+. Sports reporters will often deal with PR professionals, such as college Sports Information Directors or a team’s PR department. A sports media background gives future professionals opportunities to hone their skills working in the industry and working with real world PR professionals while still in college.
Advertising and Public Relations
Advertising and Public Relations majors acquire the practical skills and ethical decision-making needed to guide communication within businesses and organizations. Students learn to create and execute integrated and complex communication plans while working in an agency setting, developing campaigns for clients, as part of our American Advertising Federation (AAF) competitive team. This program is a direct result of the work Tom did with Dr. Jandoli and gives future professionals a chance to work on a real advertising pitch and to understand the inner workings of a career in public relations.
Video Production
Video Production majors want to use their creativity and technical prowess to create dynamic videos for television, film, streaming networks, sports corporations, and nonprofits. The ability to produce and create video-based messaging is important to the work of PR professionals. Larger corporations utilize in-house studios, and smaller companies might work with local video companies. Understanding the work of producing video content, especially in a world dominated by social media, is essential for future PR professionals.
Communication, Social Justice, and Advocacy
Communication, Social Justice, and Advocacy majors are provided with an ethical grounding, as well as necessary practical knowledge and experiences in preparing them for communication and advocacy roles in nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations. PR professionals have the power to make impacts in the world through messaging and campaigns, and this major gives opportunities for students to grow their skills in advocacy and the world of corporate social responsibility.
Content Creation
The newest program is content creation which prepares students to thrive in today’s digital first communications world. Majors learn to craft compelling stories, manage online communities, and produce multimedia content that informs, entertains and inspires. Students can find work as a content creator, social media coordinator or digital marketing professional.
Jandoli School of Communication, a group of alumni, donors, former colleagues and classmates proposed an exciting wing for the building that would be dedicated to Thomas J.
Mosser, Class of 1965. For his 25 professional years before his untimely death, Tom was an outstanding global corporate leader in the strategic areas of advertising and public relations. Our original letter can be found below.
