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    Academics

    Academic Catalog

        Lee University
       
        Apr 23, 2026  
    DRAFT - Lee University Catalog_2026-2027 
        
    DRAFT - Lee University Catalog_2026-2027

    Communication Arts


    Christine Williams, Chairperson

    Communication

    Professor Megan Moe
    Assistant Professor Brian Mattson

    Public Relations

    Associate Professor Andrea Phillips 

    Digital Media Studies

    Senior Lecturer Mary Dukes
    Associate Lecturer Kimberly Lyon

    Cinema

    Professor Matthew Fisher
    Associate Lecturer Lee Waller

    Theatre

    Professor Christine Williams
    Assistant Professor Anna Marie Brendel

    Art

    Associate Professors Mary Mathias-Dickerson and Jordan Holt
    Assistant Professor Victoria Phillips
     
    Disciplines

    Communication
    Communication (Advertising)
    Public Relations
    Cinema
    Digital Media Studies (Journalism, Studio Production)
    Theatre ( Theatre Studies, Musical Theatre, Theatre Education)
    Art (Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art Education)
     

    The Communication Arts Department at Lee University exists to provide instruction and training to individuals pursuing knowledge and/or professional development in the wide variety of fields associated with the communication discipline. As an integral part of an institution that bases its educational practice on the discovery of truth found in Scripture, the faculty of Communication Arts seeks to guide students through programs of professional, technical and vocational education with a view toward the integration of faith in daily life and learning.

    The Communication Arts Department also oversees Student Media, producing a print and online newspaper, the Clarion; a yearbook, the Vindagua; and a video news show, Lee Update. Lee University Theatre stages four theatrical productions each year as well as a summer Theatre Day Camp for community children.

    Communication Studies

    The Communication Studies program explores the transformative nature of communication in relationships and prepares students to develop message strategies in an increasingly complex technological world. Our students learn the theories, tools and techniques to create effective communication in both personal and professional contexts. With strong critical thinking skills, comm majors are valued contributors in any organization.

    Communication Advertising

    Our Communication Advertising program emphasizes strategic planning and creative application to craft persuasive messages. Advertising is situated at the intersection of theory and practical application, where students collaborate to generate ideas and execute campaigns through print, video, audio, and social media.

    Public Relations

    In the Public Relations major, students develop the knowledge and skills they need to help organizations build mutually beneficial relationships with key publics. Students will be equipped to work in corporate, nonprofit or agency settings, using critical thinking, creativity, and strategic communication to reach an organization’s goals. Emphasis is place on experiential learning at students apply their emerging skills to real-world projects and internships.

    Digital Media Studies

    Digital Media Studies offers two areas of focus for students. Studio Production and Journalism are designed to train students in both professional and academic pursuits. The B.A. provides additional training in world language studies. The two degree programs share a common core of courses that prepare the student in the writing and presentation aspects of the field, as well as in the basics of production and aesthetics.  Studio students enter the fast-paced, team environment of television and remote video production that is used in many broadcast, sports, industrial and religious media outlets. Journalism students train in the ever-expanding world of the multimedia journalist, crafting information and visuals to best inform the public about what is happening in the world around them. Students join together again with a senior religion capstone course that demonstrates how Christians can use media to influence and positively shape culture.

    Cinema

    The Cinema major focuses on storytelling in the motion picture medium. Students learn all the disciplines of telling an audiovisual narrative - e.g., writing, cinematography, editing, producing, directing, and sound design. The major integrates theory and praxis, drawing connections between the techniques of film production and the importance of a historical, theoretical, and critical perspective. Students collaborate in hands-on projects throughout the degree program, culminating in a senior project that will serve as a portfolio piece for graduates.

    Theatre

    The Theatre program offers emphases in Theatre Studies (BA), Musical Theatre (BA) and Theatre Education (BAT).  The Theatre Studies emphasis is designed to train students interested in professional or academic work in theatre.  The core courses in the major provide preparation for graduate school or the professional stage with electives to offer options for more specific study in particular theatre areas.  The senior seminar and religion capstone bring together the students’ academic study with the art and practice of Christian theatre artist.  The Musical Theatre emphasis is designed to train and educate students in the practice of musical theatre through coursework in various aspects of theatre training including history, performance, design/technology and practice as well as dance and music curriculum.  The BAT in Theatre Education shares much of the same curriculum as the Theatre Studies emphasis with the additional education courses to result in a teaching certification for K-12 education.

    Art

    The Art & Design program at Lee University offers major emphases in Studio Art (BA), Graphic Design (BA), and Art Education (BS) with K-12 certification. The art major prepares students to work professionally in various fields of art and design or to attend graduate school. The Art & Design program offers a strong grounding in the technical skills of art and design production as well as training in historical, theoretical, critical and theological perspectives. Faculty work to create an environment that fosters student creativity in traditional and digital media. The program culminates in a senior thesis, providing both exhibition experience and a professional portfolio.

    Minors

    The Department of Communication Arts offers courses for a minor in advertising, cinema studies, communication studies, digital media studies, graphic design, journalism, media writing, public relations, studio art, and theatre. A collaborative minor in musicat theatre is offered through the School of Music.

    Programs

      Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceOther Programs

      Courses

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