Communication, B.A.

The field of communication is dynamic and innovative. Communication is a flexible and practical major that prepares students for a variety of careers. The Alvernia University Communication and Digital Media Department offers a major in Communication, which includes the opportunity to focus the students’ interest based on one or more of six offered tracks of specialization: strategic communication; film culture, and creative arts; journalism; media design and production; public relations and advertising; and sports media.

The Alvernia University communication program includes a broad spectrum of courses encompassing podcasting, video production, professional speech, cinema studies, plus technical and creative writing for content creation and media applications. Communication majors pursue careers in social media marketing, public relations, event management, publishing, broadcasting, and corporate communication. Courses are structured to strengthen problem-solving abilities, to increase media technology proficiency, and to develop writing skills for professional and personal use. The program also focuses on enhancing critical thinking, verbal communication, clear organization, and concise expression of ideas. Students are encouraged to develop practical experience in media-related fields through internships and fellowships with national and regional businesses, non-profit companies and agencies, and television and radio stations.

Communication faculty members have professional experience in television reporting, multimedia development, communication research, content creation and creative writing.

Communication and Literature courses may be selected to fulfill the liberal arts core requirements. Seniors may not register for 100 level communication or Literature courses without the permission of the Department Chair

Major: 39-48 credits

Communication majors must achieve a 2.5 GPA in all major requirements. Any student earning less than a 2.5 GPA in any required communication course will be placed on probationary status. Transfer students must earn at least a C in their first three required communication courses at Alvernia University. Transfer students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but may be placed on probationary status depending on their transcripts.

Communication majors must successfully complete the department’s professional and career training module that includes career and internship preparation, the high performer development series, Excel training, digital publishing with a University-sponsored publication, and a professional web-based portfolio. External certifications are subject to chair approval. COM 481 may be substituted with COM 480 with the permission of both the major advisor and the department chair.