At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The Communications minor provides with an introduction to the tools needed to function as a professional communicator, as well as a basic understanding of communication processes and theory. Students seeking careers in fields such as public administration, business, criminal justice, law, information technology, and the medical, social and behavioral professions will find this minor provides instruction in a valuable additional knowledge and skill area important in today's information society. The minor emphasizes the liberal arts core of the Communications program and will equip students with well-developed language and analytical skills.
What is Communications?
Communications is an academic discipline that deals with the creation and distribution of mass communication messages through media such as books, newspapers, television, radio, film, video games, and the Internet. Mass communications use writing, speech, photographs, video, and interactive content to give information or influence the audience. Communications also concerns the study of how we communicate in different ways with diverse audiences through marketing, advertising, public relations, corporate communications, digital journalism, film and other media.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNICATIONS
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want the experience, knowledge, and skills you need to become a versatile media practitioner.
- You are interested in a career in journalism, media, public relations, advertising, or marketing.
- You would like to gain practical experience and build a portfolio of work in a state-of-art production facility.
Entrance to Minor
Students must apply for entrance to the minor after achieving fifth semester classification.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
The Mass Media and Society  | ||
| Media and Democracy | ||
| The Art of the Cinema | ||
| The Nature of Media | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits from COMM 100-300 level courses | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits from COMM 400-level courses | 6 | |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Altoona
Kevin M. Moist
Associate Professor of Communications
Cypress Building 101D
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5779
kmm104@psu.edu
Career Paths
The minor emphasizes the liberal arts core of the Communications program and will equip students with well-developed language and analytical skills.
Contact
Altoona
DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Cypress Building 101D, 3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5779
kmm104@psu.edu
https://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/communications