(BFY): Would you explain the difference between your Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication?

Luis: While a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication is very structured within its discipline, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication gives a student the opportunity to take additional classes outside of their major, making the student a lot more diverse and marketable. To be considered for this degree, a student must request admittance in their sophomore year.

(BFY): Do you offer any co-op or internship programs for communication majors?

Luis: The students have various opportunities to intern in the Greater Miami area. This bustling city is home to major advertising and public relations agencies, as well as television stations, newspapers and magazines, and video/film production companies.

(BFY): Do freshman applicants to UM have any special requirements for entry into the communication program?

Luis: Freshman applicants need only follow the university’s general application procedures. No auditions or portfolios are necessary.

(BFY): What special programs exist for motion picture majors?

Luis: Every year, there are two programs offered to motion picture majors outside of the normal classroom setting. In the summers, two groups of students go to Europe. One group visits Prague, where they learn the aspects of narrative filmmaking. The other group goes to London to study documentary filmmaking. In addition to these programs, the annual Canes Film Festival showcases our students work to the community.

(BFY): How successful have UM communication students been in getting jobs after graduating?

Luis: UM School of Communication students have been VERY successful in securing jobs in their fields. Our students are employed in most of the major communication companies in the U.S. and abroad.

(BFY): How important is it for communication students to earn graduate degrees in order to find jobs in the competitive communications arena?

Luis: While some of our students chose to continue with to graduate school, we feel the Bachelor of Science in Communication is a very solid degree. Our students are well prepared and the majority of our graduates have offers waiting upon graduation.

(BFY): Some universities place a greater emphasis on the theoretical study of communication as compared with a hands-on approach. How would you characterize the UM communication program?

Luis: We have a strong theoretical program but a stronger early on-hands on way of teaching. Our students acquire a working knowledge of their fields of study and are very confident when interviewing for jobs. They 'know their stuff' when they graduate from the UM School of Communication.

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