Communication, B.A.

Career Outlook

Graduates of Immaculata’s communication program are in high demand for professional communications positions in broadcast and print journalism, digital and social media, advertising and marketing, media and public relations, creative writing, technical writing, theatrical art, and more. What’s more, earning a communication degree from Immaculata develops lifelong skills that facilitate effective collaboration, leadership, and information sharing within all types of professional settings.

Entry-level and advanced positions include:

• communications specialist
• writer/journalist
• social media content provider
• communications or marketing director
• reputation manager
• advertising executive
• technical writer
• copy writer
• digital content creator
• and more

Program Delivery

All courses in the program are offered in various formats, including face-to-face and online.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree requires 126 credits that you can finish in eight semesters. Classes are held during the day and evening.

As a communication major you will develop theoretical and practical skills, participate in two valuable internships, and interact with professionals in the field.

Two tracks Available:

• Public Relations and Journalism strengthens your professional writing skills to prepare you for careers focused on reporting, managing company messages, representing an organization professionally, and handling crises.
• Digital Communication combines traditional communication classes with emerging technologies, social networking, and online media outlets. This track includes two sub-tracks, broadcast media or graphic design.

Honor Society

Several national honor societies recognize the achievements of communication majors. Immaculata offers Alpha Psi Omega (the national honorary dramatic fraternity: IU chapter of Iota Nu); Sigma Tau Delta (international collegiate honor society for students of English: IU chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma); Lambda Pi Eta (national honor society for communication students)

Program Costs

Tuition per credit is $465.
Various types of financing options are available to assist students. For further information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 484-323-3028, or email finaid@immaculata.edu.

Degree Options

Immaculata also offers an associate degree (63 credits) in communication. Additionally, students can add communications as a minor to complement other undergraduate programs.

Curriculum

MAJOR COURSES – 51 credits for Concentration in Digital Communication: Media or Design; 45 credits for Concentration in Public Relations and Journalism

• Advanced Composition
• Communication Theory
• Media Ethics and Law
• Field Experience in Communication
• 200 or 300 Level Literature Course
• 200 or 300 Level Literature Course

Concentration in Digital Communication: Design

• Writing for the Web
• Media Elective
• Multimedia
• Social Computing
• Web Design, Living Digital World, or Interactive Digital Media
• Communication Seminar and Field Experience or Senior Seminar
• Design Electives – 15 credits

Concentration in Digital Communication: Media

• Writing for the Web
• Media Elective ( COM 226 or 227 or 228)
• Multimedia
• Social Computing
• Web Design, Living Digital World, or Interactive Digital Media
• Communication Seminar and Field Experience or Senior Seminar
• Media Electives – 15 credits

Concentration in Public Relations and Journalism

• Intro to Public Relations
• Public Speaking or Business and Professional Speaking
• Media Relations
• Issues in Public Relations
• Crisis Communication
• Community, Government, and Global Relations
• Communication Seminar and Field Experience
• Media Elective
• PR and Journalism Elective

ELECTIVES – 39 credits for Concentration in Digital Communication: Media or Design; 45 credits for Concentration in Public Relations and Journalism

LIBERAL ARTS CORE – 36 credits

• Composition (Writing) 6 credits
• Natural & Physical World (Lab Science) 3 credits
• Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics) 3 credits
• Human Creativity (Art, Literature, Music) 3 credits
• Social Consciousness (Sociology, Psychology, Economics) 3 credits
• Historical Consciousness (History) 3 credits
• Global Society (Foreign Language/Culture) 3 credits
• Pursuit of Faith (Religion, Theology) 6 credits
• Pursuit of Wisdom (Philosophy) 6 credits

TOTAL – 126 credits

You can apply to Immaculata’s adult professional programs in four simple steps. If you have questions, please contact us via admiss@immaculata.edu or by phone at 484-323-3060.