Communication - B.A.

The Communication bachelor's degree provides students with the opportunity to build upon foundational communication principles and leverage new knowledge into practical skills and marketable proficiencies. Graduates of this program can seek opportunities in a number of various and challenging positions. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

  • Discuss the research literature of the subfields of communication, such as organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, rhetorical or media.
  • Analyze the processes of how humans communicate to solve problems where ethical judgments, professional values and culturally-sensitive competencies are required.
  • Develop purposeful messages in a variety of mediums for a range of audiences.
  • Apply communication theories and methods to the creation of original work.

Upon completion of the Professional Communication specialization, graduates are expected to:

  • Demonstrate excellence in the processes of professional writing, such as drafting, revising, editing and publishing.

Communication

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of arts degree

Credits
Major Courses
COMM1001Introduction to Communication3
COMM1200Communicating for Social Change3
COMM2150Visual Communication3
COMM2400Communicating in Relationships3
COMM3150Organizations, Power, and Identity3
COMM3400Communicating Across Cultures3
or PSYC4150 Psychology of Conflict Resolution
COMM4150The Elements of Persuasion3
COMM4500Communication Research Methods3
COMM4900Communication Capstone3
MCST3090Critical Perspectives on New Media3
Major Electives, Minor or Specialization
Choose 15 credits from the following courses or a minor or specialization listed below: *15
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Marketing Communications
Media Strategy
Creative Concepts and Strategy
Integrated Marketing Communications Seminar I
Introduction to Business and Management
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Finance
Spreadsheet Design for Business Solutions
The Legal Environment of Business I
Human Resource Management
Marketing Foundations
Social Media Marketing
Or
Minor in Human Resource Management **
Or
Minor in Leadership Studies **
Or
Specialization in Professional Communication
Choose five of the following:
Introduction to Technical Communication
Introduction to Creative Writing
Technical Editing
Advanced Business Communication
Introduction to Food Writing
Introduction to Travel Writing
Applied/Experiential Learning
Choose 9 credits from the following:9
College of Arts & Sciences Internship ***
Directed Experiential Education D
Undergraduate Research Experience
Study Abroad Sa
A&S Core Experience
Communications Foundation Courses9
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition II
Communication Skills
Integrative Learning6
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level
Arts & Humanities 6
Ethics: A Global Perspective
One course from ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, or REL
Mathematics6
A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on a student’s placement)
Statistics I
Science3
One course from BIO, CHM, PHY or SCI
Social Science 6
Two courses from different disciplines: ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC
A&S Electives 6
Two courses with an EASC attribute
Free Electives #24
24 credits selected from 1000-4999 offerings within the university
Total Credits120.0
*

Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

**

Students selecting a minor should refer to the catalog page for the course requirements:  Human Resource Management, Leadership Studies.

***

Internships will be available for the Communication program, but they will not be required. For online students who do not wish to register for an internship, three 3000+ courses with an EASC attribute or from the following disciplines can be taken in place of an internship: ADVC, ENG, LEAD, MGMT, MRKT, PSYC, or SOC.

D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS). 

SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For Accelerated Master's program students, up to three graduate-level courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

NOTE: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math course(s).

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses

Internships will be available but they will not be required. For online students who do not wish to register for an internship, 3000+ level college discipline-specific courses can be taken in place of the internship.

In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international options for major, minor, arts and sciences, and elective credit at many affordable price points for students during the academic year, break periods, and summer. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied and scholarships are available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go?