Contact Us

Media & Journalism
Al Neuharth Media Center, Room 151
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion, SD 57069
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Welcome to the Department of Media & Journalism

Social media, advertising, television, radio, sport marketing, newspapers, and more engage with the public. The media and marketing fields make that connection possible. 

At USD, our faculty have the real-world experience and expertise to prepare students for the rapidly-changing media landscape. Through small class sizes and interactive learning opportunities, our students develop marketable skills in and beyond the classroom as they explore all aspects of media, social media marketing, journalism, sport media, advertising and public relations. Students don't have to wait to get this valuable experience; they dive into their studies and benefit from career preparation throughout the curriculum. Whether students have their sights set on the sport marketing industry, the world of journalism, the public relations sphere or another media profession, our programs help them prepare for the future and achieve their goals.

Join our community of storytellers, thinkers and creators in the Department of Media & Journalism.


Programs

Meet the Department

Get to know faculty and staff in the Department of Media & Journalism. Our faculty are experts in their fields, contributing research and scholarship in public relations, consumer brand engagement, integrated marketing communication, sports broadcasting and more.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Michelle Van Maanen

Michelle Van Maanen

Chair, Media & Journalism/Assistant Professor

Specialty

Journalism, Digital Media Writing, Theory
Bio Image for Faculty Member Lori Costello

Lori Costello

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Janet Davison

Janet Davison

Lecturer

Specialty

Media and journalism, writing
Bio Image for Faculty Member Travis Loof

Travis Loof

Assistant Professor

Specialty

Media Psychology
Perceptions of AI
Bio Image for Faculty Member Todd Mechling

Todd Mechling

Instructor

Known for Excellence

At USD, you'll find a high quality educational experience strengthened by our faculty's research and creative scholarship. See what makes our department exceptional.

Student Opportunities

As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in the Department of Media & Journalism.
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Communication Studies

Communication is at the center of everything we do. Explore the role communication plays in our personal relationships, professional experiences and public leadership through the Department of Communication Studies.

Photo of students all smiling in a large room with one standing in front of a microphone

Student Media

Our student media is student-run, providing you with leadership opportunities and creative freedom as you serve as the main news source for the USD student body. From The Volante student newspaper to Coyote News, there is a place for everyone here. 

 

Photo of Al Neuharth speaking at a podium

Mentorship and Professional Connections

In the Department of Media & Journalism, our faculty bring hands-on experience from their industries and fields. You are not learning from just lectures and textbooks; you are learning from professors who have spent years serving as storytellers, creatives, researchers, sport marketers and digital content producers. Plus, the department sponsors guest speakers covering all aspects of media, journalism, advertising and public relations, giving you countless opportunities to learn from experts and expand your network.

 

Student success story

Success story Jeannie Jedlicka smiling.
As I got older I quickly realized that my extroverted personality was in need of a more social career that would allow me to talk to a plethora of people. I found that Media and Journalism allowed me to effortlessly do both. I feel confident in my skills both in and out of the classroom. The department has taught me not only how to film a video promotion, but how to talk to important alumni and potential employers. The transferrable skills I've gained will truly set me apart in the future.

Jeannie Jedlicka

B.A. Media and Journalism, Strategic Communication '22
Solon, Iowa

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