BA in Communication

Program Overview

The BA in Communication at the University of Hartford emphasizes real-world experience through internships, on-campus organizations, and client campaigns. Students develop effective writing, oral presentation, and research skills, and can choose from three areas of emphasis: Advertising and Public Relations, Communication Studies, or Media Strategies. The program prepares graduates for careers in advertising, public relations, communication studies, and media strategies.

Program Outline

BA in Communication at the University of Hartford:

Degree Overview:

• This program emphasizes creating advertising, public relations, and social media campaigns for real clients while learning to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Students gain real-world experience through internships, on-campus organizations (like the student-run Crested Communications agency), and classroom activities.
• The program focuses on various communication skills: effective writing, strong oral presentations, and communication research.
• A flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning by choosing one of three areas of emphasis:
• Advertising and Public Relations:
focuses on creating impactful campaigns and developing portfolio-level work.
• Communication Studies: enhances skills in group collaboration, leadership, conflict management, persuasion, and adapting to digital communications.
• Media Strategies: provides a solid foundation for careers in the business side of media, covering industry workings and organizational structures.

Outline:

• The program includes a core curriculum of Communication courses alongside specific courses based on the chosen area of emphasis.
• Students complete a total of 39-45 credits, depending on the chosen emphasis.
• Communication Core Courses: Focuses on fundamental communication skills such as writing, oral presentations, and research methods.
• Advertising and Public Relations Emphasis: Explores advertising, public relations, and marketing.
• Requires five core courses, one course each in Communication Analysis and Campaign categories.
• Examples: Communication and Advertising, Introduction to Public Relations, Advertising Copywriting and Layout.
• Communication Studies Emphasis: Focuses on human communication and communication theory.
• Requires three core courses, two courses each in Human Resources and Communication Strategies categories.
• Examples: Persuasion, Small-Group Communication, Capstone in Communication Studies, Business and Professional Communication, Organizational Communication.
• Media Strategies Emphasis: Focuses on the business side of media.
• Requires four core courses and three media strategies electives.
• Examples: Organizational Communication, Introduction to Media: Industries, Content and Audiences, Audience Analysis.
• Communication Minor: Available for students seeking additional communication expertise.
• Requires a total of 18 credits.
• Examples: Communication in the Digital Age, Research Methods in Communication, Communication Theory.

Assessment:

• The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams:
assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Assignments: assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.
• Presentations: assess students' ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
• Projects: assess students' ability to conduct research, analyze data, and solve problems.

Teaching:

• The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
provide students with foundation knowledge and key concepts.
• Discussions: encourage students to interact with each other and explore diverse perspectives.
• Group work: promotes collaboration and teamwork.
• Hands-on activities: provide students with practical experience and real-world applications.
• Guest speakers: offer valuable insights from industry professionals.
• The program boasts accomplished faculty with a strong commitment to student learning and success.

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in communication-related fields, including:
• Advertising and Public Relations:
advertising agencies, public relations firms, marketing departments, social media agencies.
• Communication Studies: corporate training, human resources, sales, corporate and employee communications, management positions.
• Media Strategies: media companies, media agencies, media planning and buying firms, content marketing, journalism.

Other:

• Accelerated MA in Communication
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, agency projects, and real-client campaigns.