Communication, B.A.

The Communication major at Maryville University prepares students for a variety of careers in media.  To offer students both a strong foundation in the field of media studies and specialized training in an area of interest, the major includes a Communication Core and two concentrations: Applied Media Studies and Strategic Communication.  The curriculum in both concentrations addresses the increasingly significant part technologies play in today’s communication.  Digital media courses in our state-of-the-art computer laboratory give students the skills to create media messages using the latest technology.  The foundation for the major is the Communication Core, in which students develop strong written and visual communication skills and a critical understanding of media.

The Applied Media Studies concentration prepares students to be media generalists who have strong theoretical and practical communication skills.  This concentration leads to positions such as media producer, new media specialist, communications manager, writer, editor, strategist, publicist, and journalist.  Its dual focus on the practical and the theoretical prepares students to adapt to innovations in 21st century media technology.

The Strategic Communication concentration prepares students to work in public relations firms, advertising agencies, and companies that have their own internal public relations or advertising departments.  This concentration leads to positions such as public relations representative, media relations manager, advertising copywriter, and creative director.  Students develop skills in coordinating the functions of advertising, marketing, and public relations.

The Communication major requires that, of the 128 total credit hours needed for a student to graduate from Maryville, 51 must come from the General Education curriculum and 48 from a combination of core courses required for all majors, required courses in each track, area of emphasis classes, and electives.  For students majoring in Communication, a minor is strongly recommended.