Introduction

The Department of Communication provides an undergraduate program and a graduate program. Founded in 1993, the graduate program has been the very first graduate school of mass communication to be established in southern Taiwan. “Convergence of Telecommunication” has since been set as the core principle for our education and research. The department begins to offer the undergraduate program in 2001.

Goals of Education

• Developing skills of digital media production and integration.
• Understanding general principles and theoretical foundations of digital communication.
• Cultivating enthusiasm and curiosity in knowledge, creativity, and originality.
• Nurturing ability to work independently and willingness to collaborate with others.
• Fostering a sense of social responsibility and humanity.
• Training in critical thinking/investigation and theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills of digital communication.

Distinctive Features

• Emphasis on digital convergence, cross-media communication and interdisciplinary learning.
• Emphasis on theoretical understanding as well as essential skill development of cross-media integration.
• Quantitative and qualitative research abilities are equally emphasized; critical thinking, political economics and cultural studies are especially emphasized; international as well as local perspectives.
• Comprehensive curriculum design covering fields such as communication policy and regulation, media economics and management, media culture and society, media technology and society, digital content production/design.

Structure of Curriculum

Total amount of credits for completing the undergraduate program is 128, including 28 credits for general education, 45 credits for required courses, 40 credits for elective courses and 15 credits for free-elective courses. To earn the master’s degree, 32 credits are required, including 10 credits for required courses, 22 credits for elective courses (2 credits for internship and 3 credits extra-department courses)

Employment

Students graduating from our department find jobs in the following fields (in proportional order): communication-related (over 60% of undergraduates; over 70% of graduates), non-communication industry, continuing study inland or abroad for an advanced degree, and government institutions.

Admission

Four types of admission for undergraduate program are available: (1) via national entrance examination, (2) individual application to university, (3) high school recommendations, and (4) students with outstanding athletic performance and talents. Two types of admission for graduate programs are available: (1) individual application/interview and (2) entrance examination. A special admission procedure by placement is designed for overseas Chinese students.