Journalism and Public Relations (BS)
Develop and apply the skills necessary to thrive in a variety of media careers
Develop and apply the skills necessary to thrive in a variety of media careers
Working with caring professors with vast experience in journalism and public relations, you will learn the researching, reporting, interviewing and writing skills needed in a wide variety of communication careers, including reporting, editing, copy writing, public relations, social media, marketing, publishing, and advocacy.
Madonna University's Journalism and Public Relations program is career-oriented and designed to provide students the skills needed for their media careers:
The Journalism and Public Relations program at Madonna University provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's dynamic media landscape.
Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and digital media literacy, preparing graduates for a variety of exciting careers, where they may work as reporters, editors, public relations practitioners, speech writers, social media communicators, and photographers/videographers.
Recent graduates have secured positions at renowned organizations such as the Detroit News, Livonia Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, University of Michigan Library, and the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
Laura (Sweeney) Tahmouch (Journalism and Public Relations) is the director of marketing and events for the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, where she plans and coordinates 30-40 events per year.
Armed with experience from three internships, Tahmouch has excelled in the marketing world. “The experience I gained from my three internships is irreplaceable,” she said. “Community is very important in my role and having already built some connections in the area and having knowledge of Livonia has helped.”
Tahmouch knew that Madonna’s feel and student-to-professor ratio would provide an atmosphere for success. “The expectations, organizational skills and morals that Madonna instills in its students has stuck with me," she said. "Madonna provides you with the knowledge, skills and connections to succeed no matter the degree.”
Ph.D., Wayne State University
M.A., Michigan State University
B.A., Michigan State University
734-432-5559
Dr. Neal Haldane directs the Journalism/Public Relations program and also teaches Communication and Writing courses. His courses prepare students for a wide range of media careers by emphasizing hands-on experience with traditional and digital communication tools and strategies.
The former newspaper reporter, editor and public relations practitioner extolls the virtues of experiential learning through internships and co-ops. He also emphasizes the importance of connecting the classroom to the community via service-learning and study abroad initiatives. In addition, Haldane works closely with the First-Year Experience helping students transition to college.
Ph.D., Wayne State University
M.A., Central Michigan University
B.A., Wayne State University
734-432-5659
Dr. Kathleen M. Edelmayer is a Professor of Communication. She joined Madonna University in 2003 after having been the Chair of the Humanities Division at St. Mary’s College of Ave Maria University. Previously, she was Director of Debate at Illinois State University, Assistant Director of Forensics at St. Olaf College, and Visiting Assistant Professor at Albion College. She earned a Ph.D. in Communication and a B.A. in Economics from Wayne State University. Her M.A. in Communication is from Central Michigan University.
Dr. Edelmayer teaches interpersonal communication, argumentation and persuasion, small group communication, and political campaign communication. Her research areas are religious and political communication, teaching methods, and administrative issues. She is very involved in Madonna University’s Study Abroad program, having led programs to Ireland and Poland/Prague.
She is very active in the professional community. She currently serves the National Communication Association as a member of the legislative assembly and the leadership team of the Undergraduate College and University Section of NCA. She has served as president of the Religious Communication Association, executive board member of the Central States Communication Association, and finance committee chair of the American Forensics Association.
