A University in Motion. Apply now!
Degrees and Certificates
Communication
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Good Communicators Make a Difference
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Of all the fields of study you might consider, communication is primary; it’s key to everything we do, especially jobs. Good communication to the oil that allows a machine to operate. Solid communicators find a platform to speak from and a voice to be heard. They have the ability to become a valued asset in a variety of contexts—from the smallest nonprofit to a multinational corporation, from a community newspaper to a large cable network.
Communication graduates are trained to think deeply about how communication processes relate to many of today’s important issues, making them essential in an ever-connected world. They understand the importance of bringing people together across cultures—with care and respect for others’ beliefs.
Good communicators make a difference in the world and in their communities.
AUM’s bachelor’s degree in Communication is an excellent career foundation in your quest to serve, to earn, to collaborate, and to be recognized for your accomplishments. Our graduates find careers in broadcasting, journalism, public relations, online communication, church marketing, multimedia production, documentary filmmaking, politics, business, advertising and many other fields.
You can choose from three concentrations. In the Communication Studies track, you’ll learn about media law and ethics, media writing and researching, and the purposes, functions and effects of the mass media on individuals, institutions, culture and social structure. The Journalism track allows you to dive deeper to develop your writing and editing skills, along with learning digital video production and multimedia journalism. The Public Relations track helps you understand PR programs and planning, along with developing your writing, editing news and social media, and research.
Employers want to hire talent with excellent communication skills, so the job outlook for communication majors is bright.
The other emphasis available in this degree program is Theatre.
Get Your Degree
The Know How
What you will know with a Communication degree from AUM
We Encourage You To Think
You will be challenged to develop your critical thinking skills by supportive faculty who will guide your examination, critique, and application of communication and media.
We Prepare You To Be The Leader
Learn to be inquisitive, question authority, and uncover the missing facts essential to accurate, persuasive, and ethical communication.
We Give You A Positive Framework For Serving
Learn how to serve the public interest by delivering fully contextualized factual information that people need to promote inclusivity in professional, social, and democratic fellowship.
We Set The Bar For Ethics
We encourage students to pursue internships and job opportunities while in school.
Points of Pride
Soaring Warhawks
Customize Your Concentration
We Have the Answers
Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth
Check out our Career Discovery Board on this page to begin exploring your options. Contact us by phone or email so we can get you the answers you need.
The Communication and Theatre faculty have numerous contacts and relationships in the media and business worlds, and you’ll benefit from this network when seeking internships.
Beyond the university core requirements, all three tracks—Journalism, Public Relations, and Communication Studies—require courses in writing, broadcasting, ethics and other subjects. In addition, you’ll take several courses specific to your concentration.
With a communication degree, you will be ready to undertake a variety of career choices. AUM’s Career Development Center helps you jumpstart your job search and use your network to expand your career options.
Degree Options
Is a Communication Degree right for me?
With this bachelor’s degree as your educational foundation, you have many career possibilities.
| Career/Job Title | Entry-level Education | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree | 11% (Faster than average) | $62,810 |
| Event Planner | Bachelor’s degree (plus certification) | 18% (Much faster than average) | $51,560 |
| Public Relations/Fundraising Manager | Bachelor’s degree | 13% (Faster than average) | $118,430 |
| Writer/Copywriter | Bachelor’s degree | 9% (As fast as average) | $67,120 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist | Bachelor’s degree | 6% (As fast as average) | $49,300 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn More
In-Class
Quick Facts
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
At AUM’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, you will have powerful learning experiences, working side by side with professors who have real-world experience.
Our academic departments include Communication and Theatre, Criminal Justice, Economics, English and Philosophy, Fine Arts, History and World Cultures, Political Science and Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, and Army ROTC. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.
Official Name of the Communication Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Communication
Modality
This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.
Communication
Required Courses
To complete this degree concentration, you will need to complete courses in the university core, communication, and electives. Contact the Department of Communication and Theatre for a current listing of courses required to complete this program.
The course listings below are only a few of the classes thisdegree requires. For a full review of this program in detail, please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor.
| Course Number | Course Name | What you will know… |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 2100 | Media and Culture | Know the purposes, functions and effects of the mass media on individuals, institutions, culture and social structure. |
| COMM 2212 | Public Speaking | Know how to write and deliver speeches and presentations for a variety of occasions and situations. Develop skills confidence in oral communication to apply to interviewing and broadcasting. |
| COMM 2703 | Media Writing | I Know how to write punchy, accurate, and accessible stories in a variety of forms. Learn how to use and apply Associated Press style. |
| COMM 3800 | Public Relations | Know how to effectively communicate through earned media, programming, and planning with case study exemplars. |
| COMM 4820 | Media Law and Ethics | Know the origins and background of laws governing the mass media and ethical problems of the media. |
