Dickinson State University (DSU) is proud to announce the development of a new Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication, along with a certificate in Sports Production and Broadcasting. These forward-looking programs are designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in communication fields through immersive, hands-on learning opportunities and strong connections to industry.
At the heart of these upcoming programs is DSU’s newly renovated, state-of-the-art Digital Media Studio. The studio includes advanced podcasting stations, a green screen production room, and mobile video equipment—resources that will allow students to create professional content from day one. These tools will be fully integrated into applied coursework, giving students direct experience with industry-standard technology.
Set to launch in Fall 2026, both the Applied Communication bachelor’s degree and Sports Production and Broadcasting certificate are currently undergoing the curriculum development and accreditation process. Students interested in pursuing these new programs are encouraged to enroll in DSU’s current Bachelor of Science in Communication, which offers foundational coursework that will prepare them for a smooth transition into the new academic pathways.
Welcoming New Faculty
To support these initiatives, DSU has added two new faculty members with exceptional backgrounds. Dr. CarrieLynn Reinhard brings deep academic experience in applied communication and a strong record of innovation in teaching communication aligned with real-world practices. Stefanie Aulner, a veteran of the sports production industry, joins DSU with extensive experience on regional production teams and brings invaluable industry connections that will enrich the student experience.
Dr. CarrieLynn Reinhard earned her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 2008, where she was the final doctoral student of renowned scholar Brenda Dervin and applied Dervin’s Sense-Making Methodology (SMM) to her research. Her academic career has included a postdoctoral fellowship at Roskilde University in Denmark and a faculty role at Dominican University in Chicago, where she developed programs in social media and faculty development. Dr. Reinhard is an accomplished author with multiple anthologies, monographs, and her solo work, Fractured Fandoms: Contentious Communication in Fan Communities. She currently co-authors Designing Sensemaking Studies and is developing an anthology on political fandom.
At Dickinson State University, Dr. Reinhard will help launch the new Applied Communications program, with a focus on building students' communication literacy for both personal and professional success.
“I am excited to help the Applied Communications program get started, given how much of an advocate I am for communication literacy,” Reinhard said. “I especially look forward to being able to help the Dickinson and Western Edge communities improve their communication skills, wherever they are in life. It's never too late to learn how to better listen, speak, write, read, watch, record, play, design and more.”
These new faculty members will work alongside Dr. Chris Olson, current communication faculty member at DSU and an expert in the field. Together, this growing team of faculty will drive the vision for DSU’s applied communication programs.
“These programs represent a bold step forward in how we think about communication education,” said Dr. Joan Aus, Dean of the School of Education, where the new degree and certificate will be housed. “Students will not only study theory but will actively engage in communication practice through digital storytelling, sports media production, and emerging communication platforms.”
Dr. Holly Gruhlke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, added, “DSU’s new applied communication offerings demonstrate our commitment to relevant, career-ready programs that reflect the needs of today’s workforce. With our investments in technology and talent, we are building programs that offer students access to transformative learning experiences right here in southwestern North Dakota.”
For more information about DSU’s communication programs and how to get started, visit www.dickinsonstate.edu