Northwestern to Launch Updated Media and Communication Degree in Fall 2025
August 7, 2025
Enid senior media and communication major Jaxy Cloud of Enid records a media segment in the program’s podcast studio.
Alva, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Mass Communication program is set to debut as Media and Communication this fall.
“This title is a better representation of our academic program as it encompasses mass media and strategic communication,” said Tamara Brown, communication department chair and assistant professor of speech.
Faculty spent many hours researching to determine what changes needed to be made to this longstanding, well-known program and how to make them.
“We reviewed years of exit surveys that had been completed by graduating seniors of the Northwestern Mass Communication program,” Brown said. “We discussed options previously considered for program changes, researched other university programs and discussed current industry trends with communication professionals.”
The updated curriculum is designed to enhance alignment with evolving industry standards, a priority for the program. The primary modifications to the degree requirements for major and major/minor programs include updates to previous courses as well as some new classes to replace outdated coursework.
New classes required for the degree include: Writing for Media Professionals, a lower level writing course to address the basics of writing in all areas and to serve as a prerequisite to prepare students for all upper-level writing courses; and the 4000-level course Social Media Strategy, a course to address how to incorporate social media platforms in a comprehensive communication plan, including use of analytics to gauge effectiveness.
Students will continue to participate in award-winning student media the Northwestern News newspaper and NWTV7 broadcast, the student-led strategic communication firm Ranger Communication and are provided the opportunity to utilize the program’s podcast recording studio.
Students from the media and communication program (left to right) Kenneth Irving, senior from Diberville (Mississippi); Derrick Galindo, senior from Alva; Dr. Jesse Schroeder, assistant professor of communication; Piper Gallagher, senior from Watonga; Jaxy Cloud, senior from Enid; Karolina Juresiute, senior from Vilniaus, Lithuania; Ingrid Maldonado, senior from Alva; Allison Scheiber, graduated senior from Okeene; and Tamara Brown, communication department chair; visited KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City this past April.
Students are also afforded career enrichment opportunities such as media tours with corporate and non-profit communication teams, TV stations, marketing and advertising firms, and newspapers in the region. Previous tours included discussions with communication professionals—including Northwestern alumni—from the Love’s Corporation; KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City; the Paycom Center; event and entertainment venue Texas Live!; and The Oklahoman
“The students are able to learn from various professionals, network and visualize the ‘big picture’ of how they may fit into the industry, which is so important for future success,” said Dr. Jesse Schroeder, assistant professor of communication and NWTV7 adviser.
New elective classes will also be available in the major/minor program including Media Literacy, Advanced Reporting, and Special Topics in Communication. Students will still receive top-tier instruction in broadcast, journalism, strategic communication, and related areas.
The faculty of the Northwestern Media and Communication program are (left to right) Dr. Jesse Schroeder, assistant professor of communication; Tamara Brown, assistant professor and communication department chair; Jared Cole, instructor of communication; and Dr. Kaylene Armstrong, professor of mass communication.
These changes were approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education during the spring 2025 semester.
“Collectively, the changes we have made are expected to enhance our educational framework, ultimately better equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their professional endeavors,” Brown said.
To read the Northwestern News Online visit northwesternnews.rangerpulse.com and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthwesternNewsNWOSU. To watch NWTV7, visit nwtv7.rangerpulse.com, subscribe to their YouTube channel youtube.com/@nwtv-7 and follow them on social media. Contact the Ranger Communication firm by visiting their website rangercommunication.rangerpulse.com, email them at rangercommunication@nwosu.edu and follow them on social media.
For more information on the Northwestern Communication Department contact Brown by email at tlbrown@nwosu.edu or by phone at (580) 327-8429.
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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480