Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Communication

(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

The business communication major is a cooperative program offered through the Arthur McGonigal Department of Business Administration and Accounting, and the Department of Communication. This joint venture includes a variety of courses in accounting, computer science, business administration, interpersonal and media communication, and electives in related areas, such as economics. The business communication major fosters a spirit of diversity and selection, encouraging students to pursue knowledge
in more specialized yet still related areas in the world of business, where excellent communication skills are critical. This major builds on the Thiel Integrative Requirement, a set of core courses that provide a liberal arts foundation for all Thiel students pursuing a bachelor of arts degree. The business communication major helps prepare students for a variety of jobs in business, including employment in the media. It also helps prepare students for graduate study in media communication and other areas.

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

• possess the basic business and communication skills necessary for success in their personal and professional lives.
• be able to identify important business issues and identify information relevant to resolving them.
• develop competency in problem solving and decision making applicable in a variety of business situations.
• understand basic business management functions.
• be introduced to cost/benefit analysis; understand that every decision has financial, environmental, and managerial costs and benefits.
• develop interpersonal skills and learn to be a valuable member of a team.
• develop competency in computer-aided search and research techniques necessary to obtain relevant data.
• develop competency in data analysis techniques, including use of spreadsheets, databases and word processors.
• be prepared for employment as a business professional or admission into a business-related graduate or professional program.
• possess effective communication skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for postbaccalaureate
and/or graduate study in business and/or business communication related areas.
• be a critical business media and communication producer and consumer.
• be prepared for employment in entry-level and/or management positions requiring business communication-related theoretical knowledge and/or technical skills.
• be aware of ethical issues concerning today’s media and communication in the business world.

Major Requirements