Communications, B.A. (University College)

Program Description

Not all options are available at every campus. Contact the campus you are interested in attending to determine which options are offered.

With the rapid development of digital technologies over the last decade, the field of communications has seen unprecedented growth and convergence of medium in media both technologically and structurally. The communications degree program addresses strongly articulated employer requirements for the workplace through an integrated program model. The degree provides the basic theoretical foundations of the discipline, allows for appropriate branching outside the traditional curriculum, and permits a drawing from appropriate courses in the disciplines of information sciences and technology, communications, arts and sciences, English, and business.

The degree in communications provides two options for students who wish to develop their written and verbal skills in an effort to gain professional employment in fields such as public relations, publishing, speech writing, video and multimedia, production, and/or journalism.

Corporate Communications Option

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington

In extending traditional organizational communication, strategic communication, and public relations to the digital age, this option prepares students to compete in a global society. The program is also effective as preparation for e-commerce.

Digital Journalism Option

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, New Kensington

In today's workplace, journalism graduates are required to regularly engage rapidly converging media in their work. This option offers graduates a competitive advantage by complementing traditional options (newspaper, magazine, radio, TV) with convergent course work designed to prepare students for professional journalism in the digital age.

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.

You Might Like This Program If...

You are a strong writer, critical thinker, and creative person. This is a dynamic field that has an impact on the world.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
have third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Program Requirements
Requirement	Credits
General Education	45
Electives	0-11
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements	24
Requirements for the Major	55-64

3-16 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 0-6 credits of GS; 0-6 credits of GH; 0-4 credits GQ courses.

0-12 credits for the Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in Electives if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)

Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Knowledge Domains

Arts (GA): 6 credits
Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
Humanities (GH): 6 credits
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits

Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)

Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

United States Cultures: 3 credits
International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

B.A. Degree Requirements

Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)

Other Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 160	Basic News Writing Skills	1
COMM 270	Introduction to Multimedia Production	3
COMM 494	Research Project Courses	3
COMM 495	Internship	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credtis from Foundations of Mass Media and Society:		3
COMM 100N/AMST 106N	The Mass Media and Society
COMM 110	Media and Democracy
Select 3 credits from Foundations in Media Writing (May double count for writing across the curriculum requirement):		3
COMM 230W	Writing for Media
COMM 260W	News Writing and Reporting
Select 3 credits from Foundations in Communication Theory (May double count with general education credits):		3
CAS 301	Rhetorical Theory
CAS 303	Communication Theory
Select 3 credits from the following in Communications Research Methods/Theory (May not double count with option additional courses requirement):		3
CAS 204	Communication Research Methods
CAS 471	Intercultural Communication Theory and Research
COMM 304	Mass Communication Research
COMM 428D	Research & Analytics
Select 3 credits from Mass Communications Ethics and Public Policy:		3
COMM 403	Law of Mass Communications
COMM 430	Mass Media and Politics
COMM 458	Media Law and Ethics
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option		30-31

Requirements for the Option

Corporate Communications Option (30-31 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 252	Business and Professional Communication	3
Additional Courses ¹
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select one of the following tracks:		12-13
PR/Marketing Track
COMM 370	Public Relations
COMM 471	Public Relations Media and Methods
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
or ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
CC 200	Introduction to Corporate Communication
or MKTG 220	Introduction to Selling Techniques
or MKTG 301	Principles of Marketing
Strategic Communication Track
COMM 428A	Principles of Strategic Communications
COMM 428C	Strategic Communications in a Global Environment
COMM 428E	Social Media Strategies
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
Select 15 credits of the following (at least 3 credits must be at the 400 level):		15
CAS 203	Interpersonal Communication
CAS 206	Mediation and Communication
CAS 222N/AYFCE 211N/CIVCM 211N	Foundations: Civic and Community Engagement
CAS 271N	Intercultural Communication
CAS 301	Rhetorical Theory
CAS 303	Communication Theory
CAS 352	Organizational Communication
CAS 404	Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
CAS 426W	Communication Ethics
CC 200	Introduction to Corporate Communication
CC 401	Internal Communication
CC 402	External Communication
CC 404	Risk and Crisis in Corporate Communication
CC 405	Strategic Speaking
CC 406	Social Media in Corporate Communication
COMM 1	Newspaper Practicum ²
COMM 2	Newspaper Editorial Staff ²
COMM 3	Radio Practicum ²
COMM 118	Introduction to Media Effects
COMM/WMNST 205	Gender, Diversity and the Media
COMM 215	Basic Photography for Communications
COMM 222N	Social Justice and the Image
COMM 241	Graphic Design for Communications
COMM 251	The Nature of Media
COMM 282	Television Field Production
COMM/SOC 290N	Cinema and Globalization
COMM 292	Introduction to Media & Politics
COMM 297	Special Topics ³
COMM 299	Foreign Studies ⁴
COMM 305	Introduction to Critical Studies of Media
COMM 320	Introduction to Advertising
COMM 370	Public Relations
COMM 407A	Media and Government
COMM 407B	Perspectives on American Journalism
COMM 407C	Media and World Politics
COMM/STS 408	Cultural Foundations of Communications
COMM 409	News Media Ethics
COMM 410	International Mass Communications
COMM 411	Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
COMM 412	Sports, Media and Society
COMM 413W	The Mass Media and the Public
COMM 428A	Principles of Strategic Communications
COMM 428C	Strategic Communications in a Global Environment
COMM 428D	Research & Analytics
COMM 428E	Social Media Strategies
COMM 462	Feature Writing
COMM 468	Graphic Applications in Print Communications
COMM 471	Public Relations Media and Methods
COMM 473	Public Relations Campaigns
COMM 476	Sports Writing
COMM 478	Sports Information
COMM 495A	Internship ⁵
COMM 496	Independent Studies
ENGL 420	Writing for the Web
MKTG 301	Principles of Marketing

¹

Some courses in this category have prerequisites that are not required in the program. Credits applied may not double count with any other major or option requirements. Courses from selected tracks (PR/MARKETING TRACK OR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION TRACK) may not double count in this category. Courses may double count toward IL and US requirements.

²

Only 3 credits combined maximum or COMM 1, COMM 2, COMM 3 may apply.

³

Only 3 credits maximum of COMM 297 may apply.

⁴

Only 3 additional credits maximum of COMM 299 may apply.

⁵

Only 3 additional credits of COMM 495A may apply.

Digital Journalism Option (30 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Beaver, New Kensington

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 460W	Reporting Methods	3
Additional Courses ¹
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits in Professional Practices (May not double count with any other major or option requirements.):		9
COMM 215	Basic Photography for Communications
COMM 241	Graphic Design for Communications
COMM 269	Photojournalism
COMM 282	Television Field Production
COMM 297	Special Topics
COMM 462	Feature Writing
COMM 468	Graphic Applications in Print Communications
COMM 470A	Convergent Media News Service: Newspaper Production
ENGL 420	Writing for the Web
Select 18 credits from the following (at least 3 credits must be at the 400 level):		18
CAS 203	Interpersonal Communication
CAS 222N/AYFCE 211N/CIVCM 211N	Foundations: Civic and Community Engagement
CAS 271N	Intercultural Communication
CAS 301	Rhetorical Theory
CAS 303	Communication Theory
CAS 404	Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
COMM 1	Newspaper Practicum ²
COMM 2	Newspaper Editorial Staff ²
COMM 3	Radio Practicum ²
COMM 118	Introduction to Media Effects
COMM/WMNST 205	Gender, Diversity and the Media
COMM 215	Basic Photography for Communications
COMM 222N	Social Justice and the Image
COMM 241	Graphic Design for Communications
COMM 251	The Nature of Media
COMM 269	Photojournalism
COMM 282	Television Field Production
COMM 292	Introduction to Media & Politics
COMM 297	Special Topics ³
COMM 299	Foreign Studies ⁴
COMM 305	Introduction to Critical Studies of Media
COMM 370	Public Relations
COMM/STS 408	Cultural Foundations of Communications
COMM 409	News Media Ethics
COMM 410	International Mass Communications
COMM 411	Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
COMM 412	Sports, Media and Society
COMM 413W	The Mass Media and the Public
COMM 428A	Principles of Strategic Communications
COMM 428C	Strategic Communications in a Global Environment
COMM 428D	Research & Analytics
COMM 428E	Social Media Strategies
COMM 462	Feature Writing
COMM 464W	Editorial, Opinion and Commentary Writing
COMM 467	News Editing and Evaluation
COMM 468	Graphic Applications in Print Communications
COMM 470A	Convergent Media News Service: Newspaper Production
COMM 470B	Convergent Media News Service: TV
COMM 470C	Convergent Media News Service: Radio and Online Publications
COMM 471	Public Relations Media and Methods
COMM 476	Sports Writing
COMM 478	Sports Information
COMM 495A	Internship ⁴
COMM 496	Independent Studies
ENGL 420	Writing for the Web

¹

Some courses in this category have prerequisites that are not required in the program. Credits applied may not double count with any other major or option requirements. Courses may double count toward IL and US requirements.

²

Only 6 credits combined maximum or COMM 1, COMM 2, COMM 3 may apply.

³

Only 6 credits maximum of COMM 297 may apply.

⁴

Only 3 credits maximum of COMM 299 or COMM 495A may apply.

Program Learning Objectives

Effective oral, written, and visual communication skills.
1. Students will be able to write and deliver an effective speech.
2. Students will be able to write an effective press release.
3. Students will be able to create an effective visual communication (website, photography, graphics).
Knowledge of and facility with current professional standards and practices.
1. Students will be able to create effective materials as part of their internships, consistent with professional standards and practices.
Facility with communications theory and research methods as a foundation of critical thinking.
1. Students will demonstrate understanding of communication theory by writing an in depth paper on a selected theory.
2. Students will be able to design and execute an original research project.
Knowledge of the roles communications systems and professionals play in shaping local, national, and global communities.
1. Students will demonstrate understanding of intercultural communication by writing a paper on an assigned topic.
2. Students will work effectively with diverse colleagues as part of their internship.

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

Beaver

John Chapin
Program Coordinator
117 Michael Baker Building
724-773-3877
jrc11@psu.edu

Brandywine

Susan Fredricks
Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1373
smf17@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

Zack Furness
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9153
zackfurness@psu.edu

New Kensington

Allen Larson
Associate Professor
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6731
arl13@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2020-21 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Beaver Campus

Corporate Communications Option: Communications, B.A. at Beaver Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*†	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^‡	3	CAS 100A^{* †}	3
PSYCH 100 (or Social and Behavioral Sciences)^*†	3	STAT 100 (or GQ)^‡	3
World Language level 1	4	World Language level 2	4
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GH)	3
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		15.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	CAS 252^*	3
World Language level 3	4	COMM 282 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Major Course)^*	3
General Education Course (GQ)^‡	3	COMM 1	1
COMM 260W^*	3	PHIL 103 (or General Education Course)^*†	3
CAS 301 or 303^*†	3	STAT 200 (or General Education Course (GQ))^{‡ †}	3-4
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		14.5-15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ENGL 202	3	COMM 428C or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3
COMM 428A^*	3	BA Other Cultures	3
COMM 2^*	2	General Education Course	3
ENGL 420 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	Free Elective	3
General Education Course	3	COMM 409 or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3
	14		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 428D^*	3	COMM 494^*	3
Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course^*	3	COMM 495^*	3-6
General Education Course	3	COMM 428E^*	3
BA Requirement	3	COMM 403	3
Social or Behavioral Science (GS)^*†	3	BA Requirement	3
	15		15-18
Total Credits 121-125

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Journalism Option: Communications, B.A. at Beaver Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^*	3	CAS 100A^‡	3
PSYCH 100 (or General Education Course)^{* †}	3	STAT 100 (or GQ)^‡	3
World Language level 1	4	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
General Education Course	3	World Language Course level 2	4
		General Education Course (GH)	3
	16		15.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	COMM 460W (or Journalism Option Additional Major Course)^*	3
World Language level 1	4	COMM 282 (or Journalism Option Additional Major Course)^*	3
STAT 200 (or GQ)^‡	3-4	COMM 1^*	1
CAS 301 or 303^*†	3	PHIL 103 (or General Education Course)^*	3
COMM 260W^*	3	STAT 200 (or General Education (GQ))^‡	4
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16-17		15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ENGL 420^*	3	COMM 409^*	3
COMM 403^*	3	Digital Journalism Option	3
COMM 462^*	3	BA Other Cultures	3
COMM 428A (or Digital Journalism Option)^*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	COMM 460W	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 494^*	3	COMM 495	3-6
General Education Course	3	COMM 428E (Digital Journalism Option)	3
Digital Journalism Option	3	COMM 403	3
Social or Behavioral Science^*	3	BA Requirement	3
BA Requirement	3	BA Requirement	3
	15		15-18
Total Credits 123-127

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Brandywine Campus

Corporate Communication Option: Communications, B.A. at Brandywine Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*†	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^‡	3	CAS 100A^{* †}	3
PSYCH 100 (or Social and Behavioral Sciences)^*†	3	AMST 105 (or General Education Course)^*†	3
World Language - Elementary	6	World Language - Intermediate	6
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
		General Education Course (GQ)^‡	3
	18		17.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	CAS 252^*	3
General Education Course (GQ)^‡	3	COMM 282 or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majror Course)^*	3
COMM 260W^*	3	COMM 1	1
CAS 301^*†	3	PHIL 103 (or General Education Course)^*†	3
STAT 200 (or General Education Course (GQ))^‡†	3-4	ENGL 202 (A or B recommended)	3
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	15-16		14.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MKTG 301W^*	3	COMM 471 or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3
COMM 370^*	3	BA Other Cultures	3
COMM 2^*	2	General Education Course	3
COMM 205 or ENGL 420 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	CAS 204^*	3
General Education Course	3	COMM 409 or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3
	14		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 494^*	3	COMM 495^*	3-6
CAS 404 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course (if needed) or General Education Course or Free Elective^*	3
General Education Course	3	BA Requirement	3
BA Requirement	3	BA Requirement	3
ECON 102 or 104 (or Any Social or Behavioral Science (GS))^*†	3	Free Elective	3
CNED 280	1
	16		15-18
Total Credits 125-129

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

¹

MATH 21 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination is a prerequisite for MKTG 301, a course required for the major and in the Academic Plan in a later semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Greater Allegheny Campus

Corporate Communications Option: Communications, B.A. at Greater Allegheny Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*†	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^‡	3	CAS 100A^*†	3
PSYCH 100 (or Social and Behavioral Sciences)^*†	3	World Language Level 2	4
World Language Level 1	4	General Education Course (GH)	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GQ)^‡1	3
PSU 8	1	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	17		15.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D	3
World Language Level 3	4	Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course^*	3
General Education Course	3	STAT 200 (or General Education Course (GQ))^†	4
COMM 260W^*	3	ECON 102 or 104^*†	3
CAS 301 or 303^*†	3	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
		COMM 1 or 3	1
	16		15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MKTG 301^*	3	COMM 471^*	3
COMM 370^*	3	CAS 252^*	3
COMM 1 or 3^*	1	COMM 1 or 3^*	1
Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course^*	3	CAS 204^*	3
General Education Course	3	Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course^*	3
BA Fields Requirement	3	BA Other Cultures	3
	16		16
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 403^*	3	COMM 495^*	3
COMM 494^*	3	Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course* (if needed) or General Education Course or Free Elective	3
Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course^*	3	BA Fields Requirement	3
BA Fields Requirement	3	BA Requirement	3
General Education Course	3	Free Elective	3
	15		15
Total Credits 126

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

¹

MATH 21 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination is a prerequisite for MKTG 301, a course required for the major and in the Academic Plan in a later semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

New Kensington Campus

Journalism Option: Communications, B.A. at New Kensington Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^*	3	CAS 100A^‡	3
PSYCH 100 (or General Education Course)^{* †}	3	General Education Course	3
World Language level 1	4	World Language Course level 2	4
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GQ)^‡	3
	16		14
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	COMM 282 or 292 (or Journalism Option Additional Major Course)^*	3
World Language level 3	4	COMM 1^*	1
General Education Course	3	STAT 200 (or General Education (GQ))^‡	4
CAS 301^*†	3	ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D	3
COMM 260W^*	3	BA Other Cultures	3
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
ENGL 420 (or Journalism Option Additional Major Course)^*	3	COMM 409^*	3
COMM 403^*	3	COMM 470A^*	3
COMM 2^*	2	CAS 204^*	3
COMM 205 (or Journalism Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	COMM 460W	3
	14		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 494^*	3	COMM 495	3
CAS 404 (or Journalism Option Additional Major Course)^*	3	Journalism Option Additional Major Course or General Education Course or Free Elective	3
General Education Course	3	BA Requirement	3
BA Requirement	3	BA Requirement	3
General Education Course	3	Free Elective	3
	15		15
Total Credits 120.5

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Corporate Communications Option: Communications, B.A. at New Kensington Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 100N^*†	3	COMM 160^*	1
ENGL 15 or 30H^‡	3	CAS 100A^{* †}	3
PSYCH 100 (or Social and Behavioral Sciences)^*†	3	World Language level 2	4
World Language level 1	4	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
		General Education Course (GQ)^‡	3
	16		15.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 270^*	3	ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D	3
World Language level 3	4	COMM 282 or 292 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majror Course)^*	3
General Education Course	3	COMM 1	1
COMM 260W^*	3	STAT 200 (or General Education Course (GQ))^{‡ †}	4
CAS 301^*†	3	ECON 102^*†	3
		General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MKTG 301W^*	3	COMM 370^*	3
COMM 2^*	2	CAS 252^*	3
COMM 403^*	3	Corporate Communications Option Additinal Majors Course^*	3
COMM 205 or ENGL 420 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	BA Other Cultures	3
General Education Course	3	CAS 204^*	3
	14		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 494^*	3	COMM 495^*	3
COMM 471^*	3	Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course (if needed) or General Education Course or Free Elective^*	3
CAS 404 (or Corporate Communications Option Additional Majors Course)^*	3	BA Requirement	3
General Education Course	3	BA Requirement	3
BA Requirement	3	Free Elective	3
General Education Course	3
	18		15
Total Credits 125

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.

Career Paths

With the rapid development of digital technologies over the last decade, the field of communications has seen unprecedented growth and convergence in media, both technologically and structurally. The degree in communications provides two options for you to develop written, verbal, and visual skills in an effort to gain professional employment in fields such as social media, public relations, corporate communications, publishing, video and multimedia production, and/or digital journalism.

Careers

Corporate Communications Option: In extending traditional organizational communication, strategic communication, and public relations to the digital age, this option prepares you to compete in a global society. Graduates work in corporate communications, social media, public relations/marketing, sales, non-profit development, and human resources, among other fields.
Digital Journalism Option: In today's workplace, journalism graduates are required to regularly engage rapidly converging media in their work. This option offers graduates a competitive advantage by complementing traditional options (newspaper, magazine, radio, TV) with convergent course work designed to prepare you for professional journalism in the digital age.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Communications students may pursue graduate studies in communications, journalism, media writing, social media, public administration, and business. Related fields include law, integrated marketing, and health communications.

Internships

All Communications majors are required to complete an internship as part of their degree requirements. Students are encouraged to seek internship experiences that will help them pursue their professional and personal goals. Our students have completed internships at hundreds of different sites across Pennsylvania and the region, ranging from local television and radio stations to the corporate offices of Disney, Aflac, Hasbro, UPMC, and Comcast, to name just a few.