Communication BA

Degree plan

All students are required to complete the General Education Requirements of their campus in fulfillment of their bachelor’s degree requirements.

Major requirements (45 credits)

Required courses (18 credits)

• COMM2204 Introduction to Human Communication
• COMM2102 International Communication
• COMM2861 Mass Communication
• COMM3101 Research Methods
• COMM4001 Communication Internship
• COMM4007 Communication Theory

Communication electives (27 credits)

Note: Three credits in Internship Experience (COMM4002) may be used to fulfill a Major Elective Requirement.

Six credits from the MAJOR may be applied toward General Education Requirements.

Concentrations

Students have the OPTION of completing a concentration within the Communication major. Concentrations require more intensive study and differ from minors in that they require an additional 9 credits of coursework related to the given area of study. Students should see an advisor about communication concentration.

Advertising concentration (18 Credits)

(Metropolitan Campus)

This concentration is for students interested in the dynamic field of advertising. Students will learn how to develop concepts for and create advertisements. They will also learn how to reach consumers through traditional and non-traditional media, including social networks, television, radio, and print. Potential positions include advertising agency account executives, creative directors, ad buyers, as well as communication specialists for a variety of organizations. 

Required (3 Credits)

• COMM2321 Advertising Principles 

Take 15 Credits From:

• COMM3010 21 Advertising and Social Media
• COMM3362 21 Advertising Campaigns
• COMM3348 21 Broadcast Advertising
• COMM33445 21 Advertising Copywriting and Layout
• MKTG2120 Principles of Marketing
• COMM2207 Digital Media Presentations
• COMM2206 Managing Social Media Accounts
• COMM3207 The Business of Influencers
• COMM3444 (cross-listed with MKTG 4344) Public Relations

Human Communication concentration (27 credits)

(Florham Campus)

This concentration is for students who wish to gain a thorough understanding of human communication and the theories that describe and explain it. Recommended for students with an interest in all aspects of human interaction or for students considering an advanced course of study. 

18 credits of Required COMM Electives plus 9 credits of free COMM electives

Required concentration courses (18 credits)

Fundamentals (6 credits)  take both courses

• COMM2002 Small Group Communication
• COMM2003 Interpersonal Communication

Principles (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take one or both of the two classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one or two of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM2006 Nonverbal Communication
• COMM3004 Organizational Communication
• COMM3006 Narrative Communication
• COMM3014 Family Communication

Exploration (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take any of the remaining classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM3005 Social Media, Communication, and Community
• COMM3023 Film and Culture
• COMM3051 Communication and Gender
• COMM3437 Talk at Work

Electives (9 credits)

Note: Three credits in Internship Experience (COMM4002) may be used to fulfill a Major Elective Requirement.

Multimedia Journalism concentration (27 credits)

(Florham Campus)

This concentration is for students interested in pursuing a career in the ever-changing world of journalism. Although journalism still involves the basics of researching and gathering information, today’s journalists have more tools at their disposal for delivering that information to the public: photography, blogs, podcasts, webcasts, and more. Potential positions include: reporter, editor, newscaster, photojournalist, and more. 

18 credits of Required COMM Electives plus 9 credits of free COMM electives

Required concentration courses (18 credits)

Fundamentals (6 credits)  take both courses

• COMM2011 Intro to Journalism
• COMM4444 Multimedia Journalism

Principles (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take one or both of the two classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one or two of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM2214 Intro to Broadcasting
• COMM3012 News Writing
• COMM3016 News Editing

Exploration (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take any of the remaining classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM2012 Introduction to Television and Digital Journalism
• COMM2443 Media Ethics
• COMM3013 Feature Writing
• COMM3060 Television News and Digital Journalism
• COMM3248 Writing for Broadcast
• COMM3341 Radio Management
• COMM3432 Sports Journalism

Electives (9 credits)

Note: Three credits in Internship Experience (COMM4002) may be used to fulfill a Major Elective Requirement.

Public Relations concentration (27 credits)

(Florham Campus)

This concentration is for students interested in pursuing a career in the public relations field. Potential positions include: publicity manager, events planner, press agent, lobbyist, strategic communication manager, and more. 

18 credits of Required COMM Electives plus 9 credits of free COMM electives

Required concentration courses (18 credits)

Fundamentals (6 credits)  take both courses

• COMM2004 Principles of Public Relations
• COMM3035 Public Relations Writing

Principles (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take one or both of the two classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one or two of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM3004 Organizational Communication
• COMM3030 Event Planning
• COMM3244 Public Relations Campaigns
• COMM3248 Writing for Broadcast

Exploration (6 credits) take any two courses

NOTE: Students may take any of the remaining classes not chosen to satisfy the requirements for this section and have them count as one of the three open COMM electives.

• COMM2002 Small Group Communication
• COMM3005 Social Media and Communication
• COMM3006 Narrative Communication
• COMM4480 Crisis Communication

Electives (9 credits)

Note: Three credits in Internship Experience (COMM4002) may be used to fulfill a Major Elective Requirement.

Social Media Concentration (18 Credits)

(Florham and Metropolitan Campus)

 This concentration is for students who are interested in exploring the impact of social media on our society as well as how social platforms are designed and how they can be utilized effectively. Students will explore how social networks’ algorithms and community standards can be crafted to have a positive social impact. They will also learn how to use social networks to build relationships with audiences. The concentration will prepare students to work as social media managers on behalf of brands and organizations as well as for a variety of positions in tech companies.

In addition to 18 credits of required COMM courses plus 9 credits of COMM electives, students in this concentration shall take the following:

Required Concentration Courses (18 credits)

Required (3 credits)

• COMM2205 The Social Impact of Social Media

Take 15 credits from:

• COMM2206 Managing Social Media Accounts
• COMM3204 Managing Social Media Crises
• COMM3208 The Ethics of Social Media
• COMM3207 The Business of Influencers
• COMM4205 The Work-from-Home Revolution
• COMM2207 Digital Media Presentations
• COMM2004 Principles of PR
• COMM3035 Public Relations Writing
• COMM3051 Communication and Gender
• COMM3004 Communicating in Organizations
• COMM3006 The Power of Storytelling

Fall and Spring Course Offerings