Program Overview
The Communication BA program at UMSL offers a customizable degree tailored to students' career aspirations. With a focus on message construction, delivery, and perception, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of communication in various contexts. Students can choose from emphasis areas in interpersonal communication, mass communication, applied visual communication, and strategic communication, preparing them for diverse careers in fields such as public relations, marketing, journalism, and education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Communication BA program offered by the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is a comprehensive and flexible degree that allows students to tailor their education to their individual career aspirations and academic interests. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of how messages are constructed, delivered, and perceived by audiences in various communication contexts. Whether aiming to inform, persuade, or entertain, students in this program learn to leverage research and theory to enhance the effectiveness of their communication strategies and achieve desired outcomes across interpersonal and mass-mediated communication channels. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for creative expression through coursework focused on content creation, its implications, and its significance.
Outline:
Core Requirements (21 Credit Hours)
- COMM 1030: Interpersonal Communication I
- COMM 1050: Introduction to Mass Communication
- COMM 2231: Communication in the Organization
- COMM 2332: Intercultural Communication
- COMM 2235: Professional Communication
- COMM 3330: Research Methods in Communication I
- COMM 4920: Practicum in Applied Communication (or) COMM 4950: Internship in Applied Communication
Emphasis Areas (15 Credit Hours)
Interpersonal Communication
Students select from the following coursework:
- COMM 3234: Relational Communication
- COMM 3533: Small Group Communication
- COMM 4135: Conflict Management
- COMM 4236: Leadership Communication
- COMM 4537: Family Communication
Mass Communication
Students select from the following coursework:
- COMM 3131: Media Effects
- COMM 3434: Media and Society
- COMM 3737: Digital Media and Communication
- COMM 4338: Media Production
- COMM 4439: Media Law and Ethics
Applied Visual Communication
Students select from the following coursework:
- COMM 3636: Visual Communication
- COMM 3838: Photography
- COMM 3939: Graphic Design
- COMM 4646: Web Design and Development
- COMM 4747: Social Media Communication
Strategic Communication
Students select from the following coursework:
- COMM 3030: Public Relations
- COMM 3333: Corporate Communication
- COMM 3737: Crisis Communication
- COMM 4040: Health Communication
Careers:
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UMSL are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths across various industries. With a solid foundation in communication theory, principles, and practices, they are highly sought after by employers in the following fields:
- Public relations and corporate communications
- Marketing and advertising
- Journalism and media
- Non-profit organizations
- Education and training
- Human resources management and consulting Additionally, graduates of this program may opt to further their education by pursuing graduate degrees in communication or related fields.
