Communication Arts has long offered a major in Public Relations/Advertising, but beginning Fall 2009 we will offer separate majors and minors in both Public Relations and Advertising. The Advertising major will build upon the current course offerings by adding courses in ad copywriting, ad campaigns, as well as partnering with the school of business, requiring courses in marketing and consumer behavior. Students will also have the opportunity to take hands on courses in video production and graphic design.

Highly recommended for students pursuing ministry areas, including the pastorate, missionary service. As foundational to any ministry, this area is also recommended to those who wish to teach and plan to pursue graduate work in New or Old Testament or any theological discipline.

The major is designed for those who wish to pursue biblical knowledge and study skill with a strong foundation in Greek and Hebrew, or who wish to enhance personal Bible study and move into advanced, language-oriented courses at seminary. This major is recommended for those wishing to teach the Bible in a church context or the college level.

Because contemporary biology leans heavily on mathematics and physical sciences, students majoring in biology should include introductory mathematics and chemistry in the freshman year. The beginning course will be BIO 112 where the student will build a foundation for future study of biological processes. With this preparation, students can proceed to the first 200-level biology course during the second semester of the freshman year. In the sophomore year, the student will continue the survey of the kingdoms of life by taking additional 200-level biology courses. Students should strengthen their understanding of mathematics and obtain a background in organic chemistry during that year. Biology courses at the 300-400 level should be taken during the junior and senior years, with seminar reserved for the senior year. In these courses students will examine in detail how organisms function, as well as how they interact with their environment and each other. Biology majors are encouraged to minor in chemistry.

Upper-level students may enroll in marine biology courses at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory during the Summer. For information, see the Department Chair.

Broadcasting students at Union learn performance skills in front of the camera and cutting edge editing and production techniques behind the scenes as well scriptwriting, reporting, editing, and news analysis skills. Union graduates are in positions to influence the broadcast media. Recent graduates hold positions in at CNN, Charter Communications, and Top 50 market stations across the country. Graduates also work in international media including Focus on the Family and the International Mission Board. During the year, Union produces 15 basketball games for public television, a weekly newsmagazine and Head2Head, a weekly high school quiz show. Students have also had internship opportunities with Jeopardy! and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

The major will provide opportunity to experience growth in Christian character as well as deeper knowledge of contemporary issues facing the church and the nation. Critical thinking and research skills, prepares students for further seminary/graduate study in ethics or for a more thoughtful, informed approach to Christian discipleship, church membership, and citizenship.

Designed for students who want a general introduction to biblical, theological, or ministry studies, the program is recommended for students who have yet to choose a specific direction in ministry and wish to explore the various areas.

The 21-hour Computer Information Systems Minor will provide the student with a general understanding of analysis, design, and implementation of applications via third- and fourth-generation programming languages and pre-written packages. This minor is intended for the student expecting to use computers in a job-supportive mode.

The Computer Science major emphasizes the practical application of basic concepts from the different areas of study in the discipline, and strives to give an understanding of and appreciation for their interrelation. Computer science majors are given the skills and confidence to work with all the cutting-edge software and hardware. As a graduate, you are prepared fully to "hit the ground running" with such high tech companies as Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Microsoft.

The Digital Media Studies major is an interdisciplinary program joining Art, Communication Arts, and Computer Science. Its purpose is to produce a student that is aesthetically, theoretically, and technologically trained and capable of excellence in the relatively new area of the design, production, and implementation of digital communications media. The art emphasis is geared toward those interested in the graphic design and aesthetic qualities of digital media. Through courses such as 2D Design, Design History, Advanced Photography, and Advanced Graphic Design, you will further develop your skills and knowledge in digital media design.

The Digital Media Studies major is an interdisciplinary program joining Art, Communication Arts, and Computer Science. Its purpose is to produce a student that is aesthetically, theoretically, and technologically trained and capable of excellence in the relatively new area of the design, production, and implementation of digital communications media. By placing an emphasis on public relations and media development, the communication arts emphasis is geared toward those interested in critically looking at the way they convey a message. Courses include Interactive Media, Principles of Public Relations, Video Editing, and Communication Law.

The Digital Media Studies major is an interdisciplinary program joining Art, Communication Arts, and Computer Science. Its purpose is to produce a student that is aesthetically, theoretically, and technologically trained and capable of excellence in the relatively new area of the design, production, and implementation of digital communications media. The computer science emphasis focuses on the technical nature of digital media. If you wish to delve into the intricacies of programming, networking, and databasing, you will find that this emphasis will further challenge and develop your knowledge in the behind-the-scenes world of digital media.

Union University offers an engineering curriculum leading to ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering, B.S.E., with Concentration in electrical and mechanical engineering (ref. http://www.abet.org/schoolstateeac.asp)

The Film Studies minor is designed for those who want to study film. For students interested in becoming more knowledgeable about film—its history, its theory, and how to view films from a Christian perspective—the Film Studies program provides an series of film courses taught in Art, Christian Studies, Communication Arts, English and Political Science. For students interested in making films, the Film Studies program offers the chance to study filmmaking for a semester in Hollywood at the CCCU-sponsored Los Angeles Film Studies Center.

History majors take courses in world, American, and church history, study historical methodology, and write a major research paper in a senior seminar. From Union, majors move on to graduate school, law school, or seminary, or launch careers in teaching, government, or business.

Programs include:

• History major
• Teacher Licensure for History (Grades 7-12)
• History minor

Individual courses were designed for students with relatively high ACT scores and/or grades, plus intellectual curiosity, good communication skills, and motivation toward guided individual and group study of subjects. Taken as a whole, the program encourages the student to begin to evaluate learning from the perspective of an inter-disciplinary analysis, thus realizing that no subject or area can be approached from a totally independent position.

The program is open to incoming freshmen and transfer students who have achieved an Enhanced ACT of 24 or higher and express interest in the program. Students will complete an English writing test prior to enrolling in Honors courses. Upperclassmen with a 3.0 GPA are eligible to enroll in Honors courses and complete the minor. A student may take no more than two Honors courses in a semester.

The operation of all aspects of the Honors Program is under the auspices of the Honors Council and its designated representative, the Director of the Program. Qualified students who do not choose the Honors Program as their minor may be admitted to individual courses with permission of the Director. The Honors Minor consists of HON 210, 211, 310, 311, and 411 plus additional hours selected from the Honors Program Courses.

Union's journalism major equips students to join newspapers, magazines and corporate communication organizations. Students gain practical experience working with the Cardinal & Cream, Union's campus newspaper. The Cardinal & Cream was ranked the #2 college newspaper in the Southeast at the Southeast Journalism Conference in 2005 and has been named the #1 college newspaper by Baptist Press for the past three years.

A degree in mathematics at Union provides a solid core of mathematics classes, while retaining the flexibility needed to allow you to choose classes to prepare for graduate school, teaching secondary mathematics, or to begin an actuarial career or other mathematics-related career. You may also seek a mathematics degree to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills for careers such as law, medicine, or optometry.

This new major is designed for students who are interested in creating compelling stories through a variety of media, including film, video and interactive media. Media Communications students will take courses in digital storytelling, television production, interactive media, and digital filmmaking. Additionally, students will have numerous opportunities to work behind the scenes on live television programs including Focus on Jackson Live, Union University Basketball, WestTenn DiamondJaxx AAA baseball, and the Circles of Hope telethon.

Designed for students who wish a greater understanding of the general study of philosophy and Christian theology toward studying these disciplines on the graduate level; or as foundation for biblical and ministry studies in seminary.

The power of visual imagery in today’s world is unmistakable. Study in photojournalism assists in the development of the artistic, technical and personal qualities required of those in pursuit of a career in most any communications field today. It provides grounding in current trends and issues common to its practitioners. Through close examination of the visual message within our society and the greater world culture students see more clearly the significant role of this aspect of communication. An understanding of the methods and practices of the visual journalist today strengthens the student’s potential for impact upon our world. Courses include Photo Editing, Social Documentary and Professional Portfolio.

As part of Union University's Physics Program, you will master an excellent physics curriculum. You will also become one of society's problem-solvers, an effective communicator, and a creative thinker. As a liberal-arts institution, Union University educates the whole person, so you will become conversant in such areas as business, social sciences, humanities, and theology. You will enjoy small classes and personal assistance as you pursue a physics degree. Whether you desire a career in research, teaching, industry, or government, Union will get you there.

Students of political science learn about United States government and politics, international relations, comparative government, political theory, research methodology, and the art of writing an in-depth research paper. After Union, they go to law school or graduate school, or begin careers in government or business.

Programs include:

• Political Science major
• Teacher Licensure for Government (Grades 7-12)
• Political Science minor

PR majors incorporate journalism skills, creativity and strategic planning to produce PR campaigns. Working with media outlets, writing ad copy and designing ad campaigns are emphasized.

Union's public relations program is accredited by PRSSA (the educational division of the Public Relations Society of America) making it one of only 7 schools in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) to earn this distinction.

Two tracks are available for students wishing to teach English as a second language.

• Major in Teaching
• English as a Second Language
• Teacher Licensure in English as a Second Language

A minor in teaching English as a second language is also available.

The Theatre/Speech major at Union University prepares graduates for careers in acting, directing, technical theatre, writing and teaching licensure in Theatre/Speech. Four major productions compose the University theatre season. In addition an annual student directed showcase and alumni productions offer theatre students at Union a wide variety of opportunities for involvement and development of their skills.

Union graduates are working in all phases of theatre throughout the country. Many are in secular and Christian theatre companies throughout the United States, and others are pursuing graduate degree programs at The Actors Studio and New Actors Workshop in NYC, University of Memphis, and University of Houston.

Crafted for students called to youth ministry, this major blends theological foundation with practical information and mentoring relationships.