Why study Communication at MC?
The vehicles for communication may be ever-evolving, but writing remains at the core. As a Writing/Communication major at Maryville College, you will master methodologies in creative and professional writing. You will learn how to communicate effectively to different audiences in journalism, public relations and business and technical writing. In creative writing classes – fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction – you will be challenged to realize the potential of your work through workshops, multiple drafts and intensive study of craft. The major balances instruction and practical experience, ensuring that you graduate with a substantial portfolio of original work produced through coursework, internships and participation in campus publications. You’ll be prepared for success in a variety of fields, including print and broadcast journalism, new media, publishing, corporate communications, public relations, technical writing, law, marketing, advertising and business.
ON CAMPUS OPPORTUNITIES
Student staff members of The Highland Echo publish a 10-page campus newspaper every other week during the semester. Impressions, an annual publication and bimonthly online literary magazine, features artwork, creative writing and poetry submitted by MC students.
Meet a Current Scot
McKenna Marr
Hometown: Jonesborough, Tennessee
McKenna chose MC for its personalized learning structure and the Maryville College Works program, which offers opportunities and internships that prepare students for future careers. She also stated: “The professors are truly here to support and an encourage you into being the best student you can be.”
As a Writing Communication major, McKenna loves the creativity and freedom it gives her, to pursue minors in Theatre and Gender and Women’s Studies. As a staff member for The Highland Echo and Impressions, McKenna has gained experience in fiction and journalistic writing, the latter being the field she wants to pursue. A class assignment in an MC writing course led to publication of McKenna’s short story, “The Little Girl I Play Cards With,” in the University of Connecticut’s literary and arts magazine.
Meet a Recent Grad
David Peters ’19
Currently: Pursuing a Ph.D. in Media at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in New York
David began his journey at MC as a non-degree seeking student, but after one semester he found that the Writing Communication major was a good fit, so he enrolled full-time. “Honestly,” David said, “that decision changed my life for the better.”
In addition to pursuing his Ph.D., David is a manager of the Extended Reality Lab at S.I. Newhouse and is enrolled in Syracuse University’s Future Professoriate Program. His graduate study focus is in media psychology, studying media effects at both individual and societal levels.
David is thankful for his growth through the rigorous coursework and thesis requirements at MC. “I’m not sure another institution would have equipped me so adequately to deal with the pressures of a highly demanding Ph.D. Program,” he said.
