PROGRAM TYPE
On Campus

DEGREES
BA

Contact

Travis Maruska

Associate Professor
School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
(508) 849-3338

Communications | BA

Program Overview

The discipline of communications is an examination of the various processes of human communications and their application to human behavior. The major in Communications Studies requires all students to take a comprehensive introductory course that is designed to give students a general survey of the discipline of communications by integrating social and cultural diversity.

In addition, three other courses are mandatory, along with a senior seminar and an internship. A minimum of 39 credits is required for the major, 15 of which must be at the 300 level or above. The courses provide students with an overview of the theoretical and practical applications of the various fields of Communications Studies, which encompass four types of communication: written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual.

In this age of global citizenship, the major is designed to cultivate students’ communication skills in the arenas of their personal, professional, and civic life, preparing them for careers such as Media, Law, Journalism, Business, Marketing, Advertising, Social and Human Services, Education, and Government and Politics.

Public Relations Track

    • Perfect for communicators, writers, and public speakers.
    • Help guide companies through culturally sensitive decisions.
    • Turn your social media and communication skills into a career.
    • A great alternative to a traditional marketing degree.

Large and small businesses, government agencies, community nonprofits, academic institutions, and just about any successful organization must create and maintain a positive image with the general public. A public relations representative is at the heart of this. Whether speaking with reporters, overseeing a brand or logo design, or drawing followers on social media, a public relations representative is a great communicator on paper and in person.

The Public Relations Track in the Communications Major requires all students to take the following four elective courses in addition to their core courses: Strategic Public Communications, Public Communications Tactics, Crisis Communications, and Public Speaking.

In this age of global citizenship, the major is designed to cultivate students’ communication skills in the arenas of their personal, professional, and civic life, preparing them for careers such as Media, Law, Journalism, Business, Marketing, Advertising, Social and Human Services, Education, and Government and Politics.

Job growth - PR & Fundraising Managers

Job growth - PR, Advertising & Marketing

$118,000+
Public Relations
Managers

Curriculum Highlights

Course Of Study

Career Opportunity

  • Digital Marketing Analyst
  • Public Relations Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Media Analyst
  • Corporate Communications Analyst

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and describe the major communication theories and practices across the field of human communication and apply them to a variety of settings including small businesses, major corporations, and non-profits.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of human communication and how it has evolved through various media.
  • Apply ethical standards and judgment to the field of human communication, including the ability to manage conflict, listen attentively and objectively, and facilitate large and small groups.
  • Apply research methods and locate and utilize primary academic sources relative to human communication.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.

Meet Our Faculty

Christine Keating

Lecturer
School of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Travis Maruska

Associate Professor
School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
(508) 849-3338