The Integrated Media Department excels as an experiential learning environment. Students acquire the philosophical grounding in media literacy, ethics, and law while creating content across a range of media platforms, including social media, websites, podcasts, and documentary film, as well as the legacy platforms

The coursework in Integrated Media Programs teaches the skills and uses of technology and theory required of media professionals. The department balances this skill-based instruction with a philosophical grounding in ethical and effective communication that is productive in fostering communities and civic life.

Gonzaga’s Integrated Media Department weaves the related disciplines of Broadcast Studies, Journalism, and Public Relations into an environment where students can learn and hone their writing, interviewing, strategic communications, and technological skills. These specialized communication skills become bridges for students into careers or further scholarship in graduate school.

Students have many opportunities to develop storytelling and strategic communication techniques as they experiment with multiple platforms and methods and learn through the lens of social justice and Ignatian pedagogy.

In addition to coursework in traditional classroom settings, students regularly engage in hands-on media production experiences. The Integrated Media Department computer lab and TV studio are equipped for students to practice working in a contemporary news and video-editing environment. Students further hone skillful and responsible communication through internships in professional environments.

The Integrated Media Department faculty collectively spent decades engaged in professional media creation, including print and broadcast journalism, photojournalism, documentary film, and public relations strategic and crisis communication. They bring a depth of experience to the classroom. In addition, ongoing engagement in professional media creation helps faculty build bridges for graduates to an array of media career opportunities.

The Public Relations Program combines the study of communication theory, corporate strategies and structures, general business concepts, and experiential planning and research techniques to best prepare students for work in the profession. Gonzaga’s program emphasizes the evolving role of public relations in the upper levels of organizations and in building strong relationships. The Program also addresses new developments in the profession such as the use of multiple digital platforms and social media and the growth of brand management. Courses in public relations writing, speech writing and coaching, media law, strategic communications, and campaign planning form the professional foundation for the major.

Public Relations students gain an advanced level of public speaking acumen, both in speech delivery and in speech creation for a variety of public relations-specific contexts. They also gain experience in media coaching and speech writing for corporate executives and spokespersons.

Public Relations graduates pursue careers in a variety of sectors. Graduates have chosen to work at top public relations agencies and corporations.