Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Students in the communication major are exposed to the fundamental tenets of several aspects of the field, including interpersonal communication, oral communication, verbal and nonverbal communication, organizational communication, intercultural communication, and electronically mediated communication. They also learn about different approaches to research and practice within each field. Students also choose one of four concentrations which will allow them to focus their studies in an area best reflecting their personal interests and professional needs: 1) Media Theory and Production, which emphasizes the production, reception, and interpretation of messages via electronic media as well as the role of media institutions in society; 2) Professional Communication, which emphasizes the analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication in interpersonal, business, and professional contexts as well as the development of skills to increase efficiency in conveying or interpreting messages in those contexts; 3) Journalism, which emphasizes the creation and interpretation of messages in a variety of news media and the development of journalistic ethics and reporting skills; and 4) Public Relations, which emphasizes the construction of messages for public consumption across media and the development of skills to enhance the efficacy of conveying a message clearly and accurately via mass media institutions. Career Opportunities The benefits of a communication major are manifold. Some graduates of the communication major continue their education in graduate school or law school. Others work for television or radio broadcast stations, newspapers, public service organizations, hospitals, insurance companies, public relations firms, political campaigns, and other businesses. Our unique partnership with WAMC Northeast Public Radio enables our best students to write, produce, and broadcast news reports at a national level an excellent springboard for careers in journalism and broadcasting. Students also have an opportunity to produce professional promotional videos for nonprofit organizations through the University’s Institute for Media and Nonprofit Communication. Regardless of the concentration they choose, our graduates tell us that the communication curriculum has helped them not only to develop their writing and speaking skills, but also to handle specialized assignments such as creating questionnaires and conducting interviews that provide useful data for their organizations. In short, they know how to obtain, process, and disseminate information. Program Objectives To enlarge and deepen students understanding of human nature as reflected in and affected by various forms of communication To enlarge and deepen students understanding and appreciation of the role of communication in human society and individual life To deepen students understanding of the various forms and media of communication To enhance students understanding of the conditions for both success and failure in communication, as well as abuses of power through communication To encourage critical reflection on the information and values conveyed by electronic media, as well as their role in society To encourage critical reflection on the ethical issues that arises in the field of communication