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Communication, B.A.

Messages matter, and the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at Â鶹´«Ã½ teaches students to design, deliver and analyze messages so students can influence, connect and inform. In a world where information is plentiful, technology changes rapidly and globalization connects cultures, studying communication gives students the flexibility to adapt and the skills to succeed in their academic, professional and personal lives.

The Department of Communication at Â鶹´«Ã½ integrates the study of human communication, media and strategic communication in innovative ways to prepare students for careers in journalism and media; advertising; public relations; and corporate, government and nonprofit settings. Students develop skills to be culturally competent and ethically responsible communicators in their fields. At SLU, communication students learn to create, engage and think critically.

Create

Students develop writing, speaking and digital production skills that prepare them for professional success. Studies consistently show that employers value these skills in the workplace.

Engage

Students are given opportunities to participate in service learning opportunities as part of their coursework experiences. They explore ways that communication contributes to the greater good and learn to use communication principles to promote social justice.

Think Critically

Students learn about communication theories and research tools. They develop critical skills for analysis and application of theory to practice, and they hone their ability to gather and analyze data in professional contexts.

Curriculum Overview

Our multimedia resources offer students the opportunity to explore the latest communication technologies. Faculty members help students become lifelong learners of technology, able to adapt to inevitable change and think critically about the social implications of technological changes.

Program highlights include:

  • Small class sizes and close connections to faculty along with many professional development opportunities
  • An emphasis on the role communication plays in promoting social justice
  • International campus connections with the communication program on our Madrid campus

Across concentrations, students develop strong oral, written and digital communication skills. Students in the program choose one of three concentrations:

Communication Studies

In the communication studies concentration, students study human interaction in interpersonal, organizational and public contexts. They develop skills for communicating effectively within and across cultures in a diverse society and functioning effectively in informal and formal leadership roles in various settings. These skills include working in teams, solving problems, managing conflict, engaging in advocacy and developing relationships.

Integrated Strategic Communication

In the integrated strategic communication concentration, students develop a portfolio showcasing their skills in content creation, campaign research and strategic planning, and print and digital design. Coursework in this concentration helps develop students' critical thinking so they can understand and evaluate all aspects of the campaign process and make decisions based on the strategic needs of an organization, corporation or agency. Students leave the program with campaign creation and implementation expertise for local, regional and national clients.

Journalism and Media Studies

In the journalism and media studies concentration, students develop essential skills to succeed in a constantly evolving media landscape. Courses in this concentration teach students to evaluate and adapt to changes in media and expose them to a wide range of technologies, theoretical perspectives, ethical decision-making principles and storytelling skills across media platforms.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

In addition to internships, students participate in several activities and media organizations outside the classroom, such as:

  • KSLU radio, The University News, OneWorld and Her Campus
  • The Strategic Communication Club

Depending upon the classes they take, students also have opportunities to work with community organizations to develop solutions for communication-based problems, create social media plans, develop integrated communication campaigns, engage in strategic planning and create a variety of print and digital materials for community organizations.Ìý

Careers

More than 90% of graduates from the undergraduate program begin a career in their chosen field. SLU students majoring in communication have successful careers in advertising or public relations agencies, large corporations, nonprofits, small businesses and media organizations.

Some of the positions they hold include:

  • Agency account executive
  • Broadcast news reporter
  • Community relations specialist
  • Content data analyst
  • Content development specialist/strategist
  • Copywriter/editor
  • Corporate giving director
  • Corporate responsibility manager
  • Creative director
  • Digital marketing coordinator
  • Event coordinator
  • Graphic designer
  • Human resources specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Magazine writer
  • Market researcher
  • Media relations specialist
  • Multimedia producer
  • Multiplatform journalist
  • Online content creator
  • Public information officer
  • School district communication liaison
  • Social media coordinator/strategist
  • Television producer
  • Video editor

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Â鶹´«Ã½ also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Â鶹´«Ã½ undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test.Ìý

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit mustÌýsubmit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Â鶹´«Ã½. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Â鶹´«Ã½
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken post-secondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Â鶹´«Ã½ education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Â鶹´«Ã½ makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

  1. Graduates will be able to create oral, written and digital messages relevant to the audience, purpose and context.
  2. Graduates will be able toÌýapply communication theory.
  3. Graduates will be able toÌýengage in communication research.
  4. Graduates will be able toÌýcritically analyze messages.
  5. Graduates will be able toÌýdemonstrate cultural communication competence.
  6. Graduates will be able toÌýapply ethical communication principles and practices.
  7. Graduates will be able toÌýrecognize and address systemic injustice and inequity in pursuit of a just society.

Communication students must complete a minimum total of 39 creditsÌýfor the major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1000Human Communication and Culture3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1200Public Speaking3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2400Media and Society3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2800Communication Research3
Concentrations
Select one of the following Concentrations or the Madrid-Only Option:27
General Electives47-50
Total Credits121

Communication Studies Concentration

Writing Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2120Message Design3
Foundations Requirements9
Select three courses (9 credits) with the 'CMM Studies Explorations' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3000
Interpersonal Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3200
Organizational Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3300
Intercultural Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4070
Social Justice Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4300
Gender and Communication
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2510
Video Production and Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2550
Photojournalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3530
Documentary Production
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3560
Publication Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100
Multiplatform Journalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4810
Digital Storytelling
Communication Inquiry Requirement3
Select one course (3 credits) with the 'CMM Studies Comm Inquiry' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4820
Community-based Inquiry
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4830
Investigating Complexities in Health Communication: Collaborative Research in Action
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two additional courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Integrated Strategic Communication

Writing Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2100Journalism: News Writing3
Advanced Writing Elective
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3610Writing for Public Relations3
´Ç°ùÌý°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3710 Copywriting
Foundations Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3500Integrated Strategic Communication Principles3
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2510
Video Production and Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2550
Photojournalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3530
Documentary Production
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3560
Publication Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100
Multiplatform Journalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4810
Digital Storytelling
Advanced Research Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4700Applied Research and Campaign Planning3
Practicum Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4600Integrated Communications Campaigns3
´Ç°ùÌý°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4720 NSAC Advertising Competition
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two additional courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Journalism and Media Studies Concentration

Writing Requirement
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2100Journalism: News Writing3
Advanced Writing Elective3
Select one course (3 credits) with the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3110
Feature Writing
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100
Multiplatform Journalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4150
Advanced Reporting for Social Justice
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4160
Editing
Foundations Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM JAMS Foundations' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3440
Media Ethics
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3840
Analysis of Popular Culture
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4350
Stereotyping and Bias in the Mass Media
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4420
Free Expression: Law and Practice
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4490
Race, Media and Technology
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2510
Video Production and Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2550
Photojournalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3530
Documentary Production
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3560
Publication Design
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100
Multiplatform Journalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4810
Digital Storytelling
Advanced JAMS Elective
Select one additional course (3 credits) with either the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute OR the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute. 3
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Madrid-Only Option

Writing for Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2100Journalism: News Writing3
Foundation Courses
Select four courses out of these three foundation sections12
Mass Media & Representation
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1400
Film Criticism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3060
Political Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3460
International Cinema
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3840
Analysis of Popular Culture
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4460
Global Media
Theories: Discourse, Relating & Community
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2000
Communication Theory
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3000
Interpersonal Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3300
Intercultural Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4050
Theories of Persuasion
Production: Journalism & Visual Communication
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2550
Photojournalism
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3110
Feature Writing
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100
Multiplatform Journalism
Communication Elective Courses9
Select three courses (9 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Advanced Research
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4800Introduction to the Ethnography of Communication3
Total Credits27
Ìý

Continuation Standards

After completing 18 credits in the major, a student must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major. Failure to meet this standard will result in the student being placed on probation. If the student's GPA in the major does not reach 2.00 after two additional semesters, the department may dismiss the student from the program.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
  • Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Â鶹´«Ã½ or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Â鶹´«Ã½ or an approved study-abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Communication Studies Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
COREÌý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Course 3
ÌýCredits16
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2120 Message Design 3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2800 Communication Research 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Communication Production Course 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
CMM Studies Comm Inquiry Course 3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits121

Integrated Strategic Communication Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
COREÌý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits16
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2800 Communication Research 3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2100 Journalism: News Writing 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3500 Integrated Strategic Communication Principles 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
Communication Production Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3610
or °ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3710
Writing for Public Relations
or Copywriting
3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4700 Applied Research and Campaign Planning 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4600
or °ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4720
Integrated Communications Campaigns
or NSAC Advertising Competition
3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits121

Journalism and Media Studies ConcentrationÌý

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
COREÌý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits16
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Two
Fall
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2800 Communication Research 3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2100 Journalism: News Writing 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Year Three
Fall
Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Course 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
Spring
Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Year Four
Fall
Journalism and Media Studies Advanced Writing Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
ÌýCredits15
Spring
Advanced Journalism and Media Studies Elective Course 3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
ÌýCredits15
ÌýTotal Credits121

Attributed Courses

Communication Studies Inquiry Courses

°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4820Community-based Inquiry3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4830Investigating Complexities in Health Communication: Collaborative Research in Action3

Communication Studies Explorations Courses

°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3000Interpersonal Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3060Political Communication3
CMMÌý3090Health Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3200Organizational Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3300Intercultural Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3840Analysis of Popular Culture3
CMMÌý4000Family Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4050Theories of Persuasion3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4070Social Justice Communication3
CMMÌý4200Leadership and Teams3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4300Gender and Communication3
CMMÌý4310Dialogue Facilitation: Communication Strategies to Support Social Justice3
CMMÌý4320Communicating Across Racial Divisions3
CMMÌý4430Culture, Technology and Communication3

Communication Production Courses

CMMÌý1500Introduction to Digital Media Production3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2510Video Production and Design3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý2550Photojournalism3
CMMÌý3120Media Scriptwriting3
CMMÌý3510Studio Production3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3530Documentary Production3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3560Publication Design3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100Multiplatform Journalism3
CMMÌý4500Digital Portfolios and Professional Practice3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4810Digital Storytelling3

Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Courses

CMMÌý3420Literary Journalism3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3440Media Ethics3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3840Analysis of Popular Culture3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4350Stereotyping and Bias in the Mass Media3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4420Free Expression: Law and Practice3
CMMÌý4430Culture, Technology and Communication3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4460Global Media3
CMMÌý4470Media and Politics3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4490Race, Media and Technology3

Journalism and Media Studies Advanced Writing Courses

°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý3110Feature Writing3
CMMÌý3120Media Scriptwriting3
CMMÌý3130Editorial and Opinion Writing3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4100Multiplatform Journalism3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4150Advanced Reporting for Social Justice3
°ä²Ñ²ÑÌý4160Editing3

Advanced Journalism and Media Studies Elective Courses

Select one additional course (3 credits) with either the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute or the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute.

An international track of the communication major is offered at SLU's campus in Madrid.

Learn More

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý