Communication
Bachelor of Arts
Major, Minor
School of Arts and Sciences
4-Year Degree
Overview
Through hands-on, immersive projects, communication students study a wide range of topics, including public relations, graphic design, journalism, and technical writing. You’ll learn theoretical principles that you can transform into practical skills, creating professional-quality work to add to your portfolio. Every project provides another opportunity to approach communication from a new perspective, exploring diverse perspectives as a way to create meaningful connections across cultures. By the time you graduate, you’ll understand how to communicate effectively and confidently.
Who It's For
We like to say that the communication program is ideal for practical people seeking creativity and creative people seeking practicality. Our classes balance theoretical study with hands-on creative challenges, so whether you see yourself investigating stories for the New York Times, consulting clients on SEO strategy, or designing logos for your next big rebrand, you’ll graduate with the skills you need to pursue what you love.
Key Benefits
- Earn credit toward your degree by participating in internships with local, national, and international organizations.
- Work on our campus media team, writing articles and producing podcasts for The Forum.
- Establish your professional brand by creating a robust portfolio of academic and professional work.
- Develop close relationships with your professors who provide individualized mentoring both in and out of the classroom.
“Each year I was in the communication program, I held an internship in a different field. It really helped me understand what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go when I graduated. I don’t think that would have been possible if my professors hadn’t pushed me to go after those experiences. It was great. Not a lot of schools do that.”
About the Program
The communication program offers challenging, hands-on classes taught by faculty with expertise in professional communication, journalism, graphic design, mass media law and ethics, and branding. In class, you’ll learn to communicate in many different ways, studying everything from traditional media to digital communication. You can focus your studies on the area you find most interesting, while exploring your passions through internships and community-engaged learning with real-world clients.
Communication students may consider taking part in Westminster’s student news source, The Forum. Additionally, communication faculty provide tips for helpful student resources and information on internships as well as examples of portfolios Westminster communication students have put together.
What You'll Learn
- Develop writing and editing skills applicable to various communication professions
- Learn basic layout and design principles and use a broad range of industry-standard software applications in applying those principles to the production of quality communication pieces for print and electronic media
- Learn to effectively present skills, interests, accomplishments, and abilities to prospective employers or clients
- Demonstrate appropriate attitudes, skills, and techniques essential for working as a team member and a leader
- Analyze and evaluate the historical, legal, and ethical contexts within which communication professionals operate
Plan of Study
You’ll start by taking introductory-level courses, including Media Writing, Media and Society, and Introduction to Human Communication. As you move through the program, you’ll take classes in Business and Professional Writing, Organizational Communication, Design and User Experience, and Communication Law and Ethics. Throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to customize your experience by choosing an area of concentration, participating in internships, and taking electives ranging from Public Relations Principles to Multimedia Image Production or Advanced Photography. To complete your degree, you’ll participate in a senior portfolio class with the rest of your cohort.
Concentrations
Multimedia
Dive into the world of graphic design, photography, web design, and video production.
Public Relations
Study the principles of public relations, advertising, communication theory and persuasion, and intercultural and global communication.
Professional Writing
Cultivate your writing know-how in classes focused on creative nonfiction, business writing, professional writing, and technical writing.
Liberal Education Courses
You must complete the WCore program or join the Honors College (and complete requirements) to fulfill your liberal education credits.
Sample Courses
Infographics in Popular Media
In this course, you’ll explore the value of using infographics to communicate complex technical information. You’ll investigate the implications of repurposing data visually, and analyze the ethical and practical outcomes of using infographics to sell products, market ideas, and encourage change. Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to design your own infographics too.
Race, Gender, Class, and the Media
This course explores and challenges how issues, individuals, groups, and populations are presented in the media. You’ll analyze the portrayals of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, age, ability, and socioeconomic class in entertainment and news media.
Want to learn more about the Communication program?
A dedicated admissions counselor will reach out to you with personalized information to help with your search for the right program.
Request More InfoCareer Opportunities
Communication is a versatile degree, preparing you for a successful career in just about any field. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in corporate and government communication, public affairs, advertising, public relations, event planning, technical and freelance writing, website design and management, graphic design, nonprofit work, and journalism. Other students have chosen to continue their education in graduate or law school.
Potential Careers
- Social media manager
- Graphic designer
- Marketing manager
- Copywriter
- Public relations specialist
- Content strategist
- Publisher
- Editor
- Brand manager
- Journalist
- SEO specialist
- Event planner
“I want my students to learn that we need to be more intentional about our process, be mindful of what we are doing, and apologize when we are wrong.”
Related Programs
The program can also be taken as a minor, which is a great addition to a degree in political science or marketing.
Tuition and Aid
There's No Better Investment Than You
Westminster College knows you want an education where you matter—a place that will serve as a launchpad for a successful career and a meaningful life. Westminster will work with you individually through every step of the financial aid process. From scholarships to grants and loans, Westminster helps you make it happen.
With the highest percentage of students who complete one or more internships in the state, Westminster students hit the ground running with real-world experience. Plus, 90% of students were either employed or attending graduate school within 5 months of graduating. With a Westminster degree, you don't have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling life.
You’ll be automatically considered for scholarship and grant opportunities.
In addition to general merit scholarships, other scholarship programs are available to support you throughout your time at Westminster.
Check Out ScholarshipsYour tuition, fully paid.
All students should have the ability to explore their passions. Westminster College is proud to cover the cost of tuition for qualifying students through the Westminster Commitment.