The B.A. with a major in Communication prepares students for a wide variety of professional careers. Through the study of the theory and practice of communication, students in the Communication major gain expertise in the skills most valued in the 21st-century workplace. Students learn team leadership, decision making, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, presentational skills, persuasion, research, writing, technology, and intercultural communication by examining communication in multiple contexts. With the B.A. in Communication, students are able to select one of four track, which further emphasizes scholarship within the field and prepares them to move directly from the academic to the organizational environment. 

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducts an annual survey, asking employers to identify the top skills they seek in college graduates. Of the top ten skills identified, nine are directly related to courses taught in the B.A. with a major in Communication. Similarly, for over four decades, the Fortune 500 list of most valued skills has been dominated by those taught in the Communication major.

Grade Point Average Requirement for the BFA with a Major in Communication 

Students who declare a major in Communication must earn a grade point average of 2.25 or better in all Core Field of Study courses. Any student who fails to earn a 2.25 or better in Core Field of Study courses will be asked to change majors or will be switched to an undeclared major status.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. The Communication major will demonstrate skill in the use of the materials, technology, and methods of communication and expression necessary to be global citizens.
  2. The Communication major will demonstrate understanding of the theories and practices of interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and public communication.
  3. The Communication major will demonstrate skill in the analysis of the communication needs of clients and in the design and implementation of programs to satisfy those needs.

Requirements for the B.A. degree with a Major in Communication

with an Emphasis in General Communication, Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, or Public Relations

Core Curriculum60
Core IMPACTS (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Core Field of Study18
COMM 1110Public Speaking3
or COMM 1100 Human Communication
COMM 1800Communication Technology3
COMM 2100Introduction to Communication Theory3
COMM 2300Interpersonal Communication3
COMM 2500Introduction to Intercultural Communication3
PREL 2000Introduction to Public Relations3
Senior College Curriculum60
Communication Core15
Persuasion and Social Influence
COMM 3111Applied Communication Research3
COMM 3112Data Analytics in Communication3
COMM 3411Visual Communication and Aesthetics3
COMM 3421Social Media Strategies3
Communication Tracks: Select One
General Communication Track
Select 12 hours of 3xxx/4xxx courses
Interpersonal Communication Track
Advanced Interpersonal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
COMM 4310The Darkside of Communication3
COMM 4350Family Communication3
Organizational Communication Track
Organizational Communication
Professional Communication
Crisis Communication and Management
COMM 4531Advanced Intercultural Communication3
Public Relations Track
PREL 3210Strategic Design for Public Relations3
PREL 3220Strategic Writing for Public Relations3
PREL 4200Public Relations Research3
PREL 4220Integrated Communication3
Upper Level Major Electives (select two from)6
Argumentation and Advocacy
Event Planning
Health Communication
Teams, Leadership, and Small Group Communication
Conflict Management
Creativity and Communication Design
Advanced Public Speaking
Listening and Interviewing
Special Topics in Communication
Directed Study in Communication Arts
Communication Arts Study Abroad I
Communication Arts Study Abroad II
Media Law and Ethics
Diversity in Media
Media Criticism
International Media
News Writing
Modern/Classical Foreign Language6
Guided Electives (six credits must be outside field of study)18
Capstone or Internship Experience3
COMM 45500-9
or COMM 4671 Internship in Communication
Total hours required for the degree120