BA in Communications

Area of Study Overview

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The Bachelor of Arts BA degree program in Communications prepares adults for career change, advancement or graduate education, while providing personal enrichment. The program explores the various aspects of creating, transmitting and analyzing messages which flow among individuals, groups, organizations and societies. Students may focus on communications courses relating to oral communications and/or mass media communications. Students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in Communications.

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 18 credits must be upper level 300 level or above within the area of study.

Note 1: Courses in speech needed to prepare students for college-level studies CANNOT be accepted toward Thomas Edison State University degree requirements.

Note 2: Courses in "Speaking English" for foreign students or students with disabilities may be free electives or remedial courses developmental. Course descriptions will need to be reviewed. If course is remedial developmental, it CANNOT be accepted toward Thomas Edison State University degree requirements.

Note 3: Degree candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications are advised to take COM-209: Public Speaking in order to satisfy the General Education Oral Communications requirement.

Credit Distribution

Courses in the Area of Study are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas. For TESU course options, please contact an Advisor.

I. General Education Requirements (60 Credits)

II. Area of Study (33 Credits)

A. Required Courses (9 Credits)

COM-100Communication Theory

3

COM-120Introduction to Mass Communications I

3

COM-121Introduction to Mass Communications II

3

B. Communications Electives* (21 Credits)

COM-265Communication in the Digital Age

3

MAN-373Managerial Communications

3

MAN-376Leadership Communication

3

COM-209Public Speaking

3

ENG-201Technical Writing

3

COM-210Public Relations Thought and Practice

3

Other communications courses may be appropriate for this area of study. For additional course options, please contact an Advisor.

C. Capstone

LIB-495Liberal Arts Capstone

3

III. Electives (27 Credits)

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

Total Credit Hours: 120

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Communications program will be able to:

  • apply communication concepts and theories to real world problems and issues within one or more communication industries;
  • create messages adapted for the audience, context, and purpose;
  • critically analyze media messages;
  • demonstrate communication technologies and techniques;
  • apply ethical communication principles and practices; and
  • synthesize research within the communications field using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.