Communication Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides skill development on a foundation of social science theory and research. This major focuses on human communication processes in dyadic, small group, organizational, mediated and public settings. It is a 30-credit-hour degree program with the opportunity to add a second major in another field of interest. Depending on which concentration you choose, you may be able to complete the degree online.
Students specialize in one of three concentrations:
- Communication Studies (online or in person)
- Public Relations (in person only)
- Sport Communication (in person only)
How Do I Know If This Major Is Right for Me?
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication focuses on understanding how people use both verbal and nonverbal messages to create meaning across various contexts, cultures and media. With 75 percent of our daily lives spent communicating, this program emphasizes essential skills for personal satisfaction, academic success and employment. If you’re intrigued by effective communication, storytelling and media this program might be a great fit for you!
Curriculum
Core Courses in this Major Include:
- Human Communication
- Foundations of Health Communication
- Communication Theory and Research
- Strategic Messaging
- Conflict, Mediation and Negotiation
- Risk and Crisis Communication
Students pursuing a B.A. in Communication must choose an area of concentration (communication studies, public relations or sport communication) and a minor.
Learn more about the communication curriculum by reviewing the following resources:
Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship was created to enhance the undergraduate academic experience for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in a major within the College of Arts & Sciences. It is a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 that can be "stacked" on top of other awarded AU academic scholarships. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in unique academic communities with a focus on career coaching and preparation.
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
The demand for communication skills is high, and job opportunities continue to expand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the next ten years (2023-2033), the job growth for fundraising specialists is 6 percent, for public relations specialists is 6 percent and for event planners is 7 percent. Over the same period of time, management positions in communication, including public relations, fundraising and promotions, are expected to grow 7 percent, which is faster than average compared with other job categories. The median pay for related occupations includes:
- Public Relations Specialist: $66,750
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers: $156,580
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers: $130,780
- Public Relations Specialist: $66,750
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides many of the basic “soft skills” employers desire:
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Media literacy
- Storytelling
- Adaptability
- Ethical awareness
- Research and analysis
- Public speaking
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Intercultural competence
- Crisis communication
Graduates get hired into careers across a wide array of sectors:
- Communication directors
- Brand strategists
- Directors of development
- Public relations managers
- Conflict specialists
- Directors of public affairs
- Media relations managers
- Social media managers
- Program facilitators
- Advocacy specialists
- Community liaisons
- Fundraising specialists
- Event planners
“The public relations program at Ashland has paved my way to amazing internships and on-campus leadership opportunities where I can practice skills learned in the classroom.”
- Cassandra Burnham, Public Relations and Strategic Communication Major