Summer is coming soon and it is an important season for school admission. Among the many programs offered at Olivet University (OU), why should you choose to study media and communication?
1. We are called to proclaim the truth
We wake up every day to a world where news and information come freely and abundantly. Our phones send us top headlines from our favorite media outlets--even when we do not ask. However, the abundance of information does not mean that we are any closer to the truth. Messages espousing crude bigotry, hatred, extremism and blatant lies have infiltrated the media. Rather than being a force for unity and positive change, media is now the tool for division and mistrust.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)
Christians are called to bring the truth to the world, so it is essential that God-fearing men and women be a significant presence in media. We should be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the generations to Christ - so that they will be delivered from the broken world today.
2. We are called to be watchmen for the house of Israel
The Christian Church today has lost its strength. It is our mission to awaken, preserve and unite God's people by providing them daily bread and courage. By making good use of the media to preach the Word of God, we have tremendous power to protect the people of God and the Church.
"At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: 'Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.'" (Ezekiel 3:16-17)
The late Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth has remarked on the importance of newspapers and media. In a Time Magazine article on Barth published on May 31, 1963, Barth recalled that 40 years ago he advised young theologians to "Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible."
Newspapers, Barth said, are so important that "I always pray for the sick, the poor, journalists, authorities of the state and the church-in that order. Journalists form public opinion. They hold terribly important positions."
3. OSMC prepares you to be effective media ministers
Our goal at OSMC is to prepare students to be critical thinkers and effective storytellers. Students will learn how to tell a story in multimedia format - with texts, photography, videos and graphics. We train students to practice responsible journalism abiding media law and ethics. Our curriculum and technology are updated regularly to match up with the current standard in the media profession.
4. OSMC cares for your spiritual growth
Beyond professional development, OSMC encourages students to set up a strong foundation in Christian faith through spiritual training and theological study. We believe that only when you are well-connected with God, you can become a servant-leader to provide solutions for the world.
Students may start their study program at OU's Riverside main campus where they study Bible and theology courses, and immerse in a spiritual environment filled with the Word of God and prayers. Master of Divinity (M.Div.)/Master of Arts (M.A.) in Journalism joint-degree program is available at Riverside campus.
5. OSMC offers unique Washington D.C. internship experience
OSMC students have the opportunity to study at the Washington D.C. campus.
Washington D.C. is the media center of the United States. Students will be able to gain hands-on experience in media ministries and create a media portfolio through the upper-level courses and internship program.
OSMC graduates have excellent communication skills, which is applicable and transferable in many different professions. They play major roles in the media such as reporters, editors, video producers, photojournalists and social media strategists. They may also pursue a career in public relations and advertising for businesses, churches, ministries and non-profit organizations.