Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Communication

(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

Media communication includes many forms of communication intended to reach a variety of audiences via different media, ranging from radio, television and motion pictures, to newspapers, magazines and the Internet. The media communication major offers a variety of theory and skills classes to help prepare students to enter the “real world” of media communication. The blending of theory and hands-on skills is inherent to the courses offered in the media communication major. Media communication students are therefore encouraged to take courses in communication studies, business, sciences and the liberal, fine and performing arts to broaden their knowledge bases and backgrounds.

A student who graduates from Thiel College with a major in media communication will:

• possess the basic communication skills necessary for success in their personal and professional lives.
• possess effective communication skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for post-baccalaureate and/or graduate study in media and/or communication related areas.
• be a critical communication producer and consumer
• learn to use sound, visual and/or written data effectively to create messages delivered over a distance by either traditional print or electronic systems.
• be prepared for employment in entry-level and/or management positions requiring media communication-related theoretical knowledge and/or technical skills
• be aware of ethical issues concerning today’s media.
• be prepared for admission into a discipline-related graduate or professional program.

Major Requirements

COMM 181	Public Speaking	3 CH
COMM 235	Announcing	3 CH
COMM 280	Survey of Mass Communication	3 CH
COMM 345	Media Ethics	3 CH
COMM 455	Media Law and Regulation	3 CH
COMM 470	Senior Seminar	3 CH
COMM 480	Internship	3 CH
Communication electives		18 CH
		TOTAL 42 CH

Minor Requirements

COMM 181	Public Speaking	3 CH
COMM 280	Survey of Mass Communication	3 CH
COMM 282	Writing for Mass Media	3 CH
COMM 455	Media Law and Regulation	3 CH
Communication electives		12 CH
		TOTAL 24 CH
Note: In communication courses a C minus or better is required in order for a course to count towards the major or minor. Recommendation: It is recommended that students majoring in communication studies take an internship and become involved with extracurricular activities in forensics, theatre and student media.