Degree Programs

Undergraduate:

Speech
If one word could describe Tech's Speech Communication Program, it would be "choices." Students prepare themselves for a large variety of careers, including broadcasting, public relations, education, management . . . the possibilities are endless. Majors can hone their skills on Tech's award-winning forensics team, as well as at the campus radio station or TV studio.

Theatre
Live for the stage? Check out our theatre program. Students will participate in every area of the craft, both inside the classroom and in practical application. Tech presents several productions each year, where students learn acting, directing, scenic design, costuming, makeup, and set construction. At the Arkansas Tech University theatre program, we view our instructors as one of our greatest attributes. Our faculty are willing and able to work one on one with their students in order to assure that the students will have a full understanding of their field. We are very proud of our accomplished staff.

Journalism
Flexibility for our students is key to our journalism program, where students may choose an emphasis in print, broadcast, or public relations. Opportunities for hands-on experience include:  The Arka-Tech, TV-6, or KXRJ-FM and get internships locally in print, broadcast or PR operations.


Graduate:

Masters of Arts Multi-Media Journalism

Journalism is no longer confined to traditional media outlets.  The advent of new media technologies provide journalists operating in traditional formats the ability to expand with global information access, interactivity and multi-media story telling in a manner uniquely suited to our media driven society. Journalists familiar with the new media are able to expand their story telling ability with the incorporation of new media to provide stories with historical, political, and cultural contexts.

The coursework entails a minimum of 30 semester hours including a professional project.  Classes will cover, theory, social media and technology uses in the fluid state of news presentation in a constantly developing technical environment.

The key determinant of journalistic success in any mode of delivery is communication effectiveness. The program's common core includes two Speech Communication theory classes to provide that knowledge together with a Journalism theory course that investigates the effect of media on society and the influences of society's institutions on media practice.

Applicants for admission to the program must complete and submit an application form and arrange for complete and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work to be sent directly to the Arkansas Tech University Office of Graduate Studies.

For more information, Please contact  the department of Speech Theatre and Journalism, 1815 Coliseum Drive, Russellville, AR 72801, 479-964-0890


Scholarships:

Dana Coffman Journalism Scholarship
This partial-tuition scholarship has been established in memory of Dana Coffman, a former journalism student at Arkansas Tech University. Preference will be given to a female student majoring in the field of Journalism. Academic achievement and financial need will be reviewed before making the award. Application should be made through the Journalism Department.

Alfred and Marge Crabaugh Scholarship Program
Established through the benevolence of Alfred J. & Marge W. Crabaugh, both of whom were prominent figures in the history of Arkansas Tech University and the River Valley community. This renewable scholarship will be awarded to outstanding full-time student(s) who have an ACT score of 21 or above, demonstrate leadership skills, and excel in Speech, Journalism or Communication. To be considered for this award, in addition to the above stated criteria, entering freshmen must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, a scholarship application and high school transcripts. The scholarship can be renewed with the original recipient provided he/she continues to meet the criteria, maintains a cumulative 3.00 grade point average, and has written renewal recommendations from two Arkansas Tech University faculty members in their field of study. Renewal recommendations must be made to the Arkansas Tech Development Office. Scholarship recipients will receive an award for tuition, fees and books and will be known as "Crabaugh Scholars." Financial need will be considered when making these awards. Application should be made to the Arkansas Tech Development Office.

Gerald Edgar Scholarship
A performance scholarship paying a semester's tuition is awarded each spring in honor of Gerald Edgar who was News Bureau Director, advisor of student publications, and journalism professor for twenty-nine years at Arkansas Tech University. It is to be awarded to a student who shows ability in and dedication to publications work. Financial need will be considered. The student will be required to work ten hours per week on student publications.

Clifford and Mary Anne Franks Scholarship
To be considered for this award, the student must be involved in the Arkansas Tech Theatre program and be in good academic standing.  Direct application to the head of the Speech Theatre and Journalism Department.

Kathleen Tucker Hollabaugh Journalism Scholarship
This scholarship is funded by the Pope County Historical Association in honor of Kathleen Tucker Hollabaugh, the first woman editor of the Arka-Tech. The annual award will be made to a sophomore, junior or senior journalism major each year that funds are sufficient and will be based on commitment to journalism and work in the field. A letter about commitment to journalism and samples of the applicant's work should accompany the scholarship application.