At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
Beaver, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington
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:
| 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)
| 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 | |
| The Mass Media and Society | ||
| Media and Democracy | ||
| Select 3 credits from Foundations in Media Writing (May double count for writing across the curriculum requirement): | 3 | |
| Writing for Media | ||
| News Writing and Reporting | ||
| Select 3 credits from Foundations in Communication Theory (May double count with general education credits): | 3 | |
| Rhetorical Theory | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following in Communications Research Methods/Theory (May not double count with option additional courses requirement): | 3 | |
| Communication Research Methods | ||
| Intercultural Communication Theory and Research | ||
| Mass Communication Research | ||
| Research & Analytics | ||
| Select 3 credits from Mass Communications Ethics and Public Policy: | 3 | |
| Law of Mass Communications | ||
| Mass Media and Politics | ||
| 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
| 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 | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Public Relations Media and Methods | ||
| Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy | ||
or ECON 104 | Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy | |
| Introduction to Corporate Communication | ||
or MKTG 220 | Introduction to Selling Techniques | |
or MKTG 301 | Principles of Marketing | |
Strategic Communication Track | ||
| Principles of Strategic Communications | ||
| Strategic Communications in a Global Environment | ||
| Social Media Strategies | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Select 15 credits of the following (at least 3 credits must be at the 400 level): | 15 | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mediation and Communication | ||
| Foundations: Civic and Community Engagement | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Rhetorical Theory | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | ||
| Communication Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Corporate Communication | ||
| Internal Communication | ||
| External Communication | ||
| Risk and Crisis in Corporate Communication | ||
| Strategic Speaking | ||
| Social Media in Corporate Communication | ||
| Newspaper Practicum 2 | ||
| Newspaper Editorial Staff 2 | ||
| Radio Practicum 2 | ||
| Introduction to Media Effects | ||
| Gender, Diversity and the Media | ||
| Basic Photography for Communications | ||
| Social Justice and the Image | ||
| Graphic Design for Communications | ||
| The Nature of Media | ||
| Television Field Production | ||
| Cinema and Globalization | ||
| Introduction to Media & Politics | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
| Foreign Studies 4 | ||
| Introduction to Critical Studies of Media | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Media and Government | ||
| Perspectives on American Journalism | ||
| Media and World Politics | ||
| Cultural Foundations of Communications | ||
| News Media Ethics | ||
| International Mass Communications | ||
| Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media | ||
| Sports, Media and Society | ||
| The Mass Media and the Public | ||
| Principles of Strategic Communications | ||
| Strategic Communications in a Global Environment | ||
| Research & Analytics | ||
| Social Media Strategies | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Graphic Applications in Print Communications | ||
| Public Relations Media and Methods | ||
| Public Relations Campaigns | ||
| Sports Writing | ||
| Sports Information | ||
| Internship 5 | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Writing for the Web | ||
| 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
| 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 | |
| Basic Photography for Communications | ||
| Graphic Design for Communications | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Television Field Production | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Graphic Applications in Print Communications | ||
| Convergent Media News Service: Newspaper Production | ||
| Writing for the Web | ||
| Select 18 credits from the following (at least 3 credits must be at the 400 level): | 18 | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Foundations: Civic and Community Engagement | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Rhetorical Theory | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | ||
| Newspaper Practicum 2 | ||
| Newspaper Editorial Staff 2 | ||
| Radio Practicum 2 | ||
| Introduction to Media Effects | ||
| Gender, Diversity and the Media | ||
| Basic Photography for Communications | ||
| Social Justice and the Image | ||
| Graphic Design for Communications | ||
| The Nature of Media | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Television Field Production | ||
| Introduction to Media & Politics | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
| Foreign Studies 4 | ||
| Introduction to Critical Studies of Media | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Cultural Foundations of Communications | ||
| News Media Ethics | ||
| International Mass Communications | ||
| Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media | ||
| Sports, Media and Society | ||
| The Mass Media and the Public | ||
| Principles of Strategic Communications | ||
| Strategic Communications in a Global Environment | ||
| Research & Analytics | ||
| Social Media Strategies | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Editorial, Opinion and Commentary Writing | ||
| News Editing and Evaluation | ||
| Graphic Applications in Print Communications | ||
| Convergent Media News Service: Newspaper Production | ||
| Convergent Media News Service: TV | ||
| Convergent Media News Service: Radio and Online Publications | ||
| Public Relations Media and Methods | ||
| Sports Writing | ||
| Sports Information | ||
| Internship 4 | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| 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 |
Program Learning Objectives
- Effective oral, written, and visual communication skills.
- Students will be able to write and deliver an effective speech.
- Students will be able to write an effective press release.
- Students will be able to create an effective visual communication (website, photography, graphics).
- Knowledge of and facility with current professional standards and practices.
- 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.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of communication theory by writing an in depth paper on a selected theory.
- 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.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of intercultural communication by writing a paper on an assigned topic.
- 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
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 ENGL 30‡ | 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
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 100* | COMM 160* | 1 | |
| ENGL 15 or ENGL 30* | 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 | ||
| 13 | 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 120-124 | |||
| * | 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
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 ENGL 30‡ | 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
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 ENGL 30‡ | 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
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 ENGL 30* | 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
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 ENGL 30‡ | 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.
Professional Resources
Contact
Beaver
117 Michael Baker Building
724-773-3877
jrc11@psu.edu
https://beaver.psu.edu/academics/degrees/communications
Brandywine
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1373
smf17@psu.edu
https://brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/communications
Greater Allegheny
COMMUNICATIONS
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9153
zackfurness@psu.edu
https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/communications-ba
New Kensington
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6731
arl13@psu.edu