You are here: American University School of Communication About Divisions & Centers

Divisions

The modern media landscape is in constant flux and the School of Communication is dedicated to keeping with the pace of emerging technologies, expanding modes of interaction and evolving business models. By presenting students with the option to study in four divisions, SOC helps them unlock extraordinary opportunities in an expansive range of fields and industries.

Student talking into a mic during classroom.

Public Communication

Influence change and inspire action in others. 

Learn more

Students film on a tv set

Film & Media Arts

Media that tells a powerful story that stirs the heart, shape a bold narrative that persuades the mind, and drive knowledge that demands action. 

Learn more

CNN Anchor Jake Tapper and SOC professor Jane Hall speak in front of an audience of students.

Journalism

Real stories, told well, can create change, extend knowledge and compel action.

Learn more

Communication Studies Professor Laura DeNardis giving a presentation

Communication Studies

Media at the crossroads of society, politics, culture, and history.

Learn more

Academic & Research Centers

The School of Communication hosts and partners with several centers that leverage the vast experience of SOC faculty to give students unique academic opportunities. With these centers, students are honing longstanding approaches to journalism, pushing the boundaries of communications with interactive storytelling or striving to make a positive social, political and environmental impact.

Girl filming near a river.

Center for Environmental Filmmaking

We are committed to raising awareness and empowering action through the innovative use of media.

Learn more

Illustration of a man holding a pencil at the start of a maze.

Investigative Reporting Workshop

Journalism, research, innovation: we are a non-profit newsroom dedicated to stories of public concern. 

The laughter effect

Center for Media & Social Impact

An innovation lab that creates, studies, and showcases media for social impact.  

Diverse group of Game Lab students and faculty working on a game.

AU Game Center

A hub for experiential education, persuasive play research, and innovative production in the fields of games for change and purposeful play.

Learn more

Linda Wei holding a sign that says "I am public media."

Current

Current is the nonprofit news service for and about public media in the U.S.

Girl in VR headset

Institute for IDEAS

Leading interdisciplinary research focused on developing, applying, and understanding immersive technologies.