Communication Studies

The BA in Communication Studies degree curriculum is rich with hands-on experience, from on- and off-campus internships to student-run campus media. Core major courses span foundational communications theory and the history of the field. To support core courses, faculty-led projects and student-selected electives in multiple sub-disciplines allow communications majors at Manhattanville to evolve into informed and engaged citizens ready for a variety of careers.

Requirements for the bachelor’s degree in communication program include:

• 10 courses in core communications studies courses including senior capstone
• Student-selected writing, media production, and communications elective courses
• First Year Program and general education courses
• One credit-bearing internship

Review requirements details for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program.

 

Communication Studies Courses
Courses in the communication studies major and minor programs introduce students to the entirety of the discipline’s perspective and practices, including interpersonal, intercultural, small group, public, and mass communication.

Courses you may take include:

• Introduction to Communication & Media
• Communication & Media Theory
• Public Speaking

Students choose to spend a number of elective course credits in sub-fields of communication studies intersecting with various areas of society and culture such as media writing, multimedia production, business, tech, history, and performance.

You may be excited to choose electives such as:

• Social Media
• Journalism I & II
• Commercial Photography
• Broadcasting & Podcasting
• Theory of Game Design
• Documentary Media
• Sport Communication & Media
• Public Relations
• Advertising

 

Communications Internship and Capstone Project
An integral component of the BA in Communication Studies degree curriculum is meaningful work experience gained through credit-bearing internships and a senior capstone project.

In collaboration with faculty instructors, students in the communications degree program create a tailored portfolio as part of their capstone experience. You’ll learn how to professionally present your accomplishments and provide future employers with examples of real projects you have undertaken, from press releases to composed papers. Throughout the capstone semester, you’ll meet and learn from guest lectures in key career development areas.

Communication studies majors tackle real-world problems in an integrated internship experience. Through working in actual corporate communications settings, discover connections upon which you can build a career. Manhattanville’s Center for Career Development provides resources to assist students in locating internship opportunities that match their career goals.

Explore the Center for Career Development’s student career support resources and learn about student internship opportunities.

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Faculty
Justin Capalbo
Michael Castaldo
Alexis Romero Walker
Steffi Shook

Affiliated Faculty
Jeff Bens

Adjunct Faculty
Cynthia Brosnan

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Practical Career Preparation
With a modern perspective rooted in digital and media studies, Manhattanville’s BA in Communication Studies degree program emphasizes meaningful career preparation in media history, theory, criticism, media law, ethics, and digital production.

Backed by a rich interdisciplinary foundation, student-led projects, and internship experiences, communication studies majors develop skills to carry them throughout the many phases of their careers and develop mentor-mentee relationships with influential faculty and local employers.

Graduates of the communication degree program at Manhattanville have worked as interns or become full-time employees at top companies such as:

• ABC News
• CNN America
• CNBC
• Rolling Stone Magazine
• Nickelodeon
• The Colbert Report
• ABC News Radio
• Sirius XM Radio
• Seventeen Magazine
• Music Choice
• Viacom
• The Creative Group
• The Creators Project

 

Communications Studies Major Career Opportunities
Graduates of the communications studies major program are prepared to successfully navigate our increasingly media-connected world. Depending on their interests and aspirations, students may immerse themselves in entry-level career pursuits or pursue graduate studies in fields such as:

• Advertising
• Social Media
• Public relations
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Film and television
• Radio and podcasting
• Print and online media
• Corporate communications

Well-rounded professionals skilled in communication studies are in high demand across the job market, wielding their public relations and verbal and written communications skills in nearly every industry and sector.

You could craft and execute enticing email marketing campaigns; write, proofread, or strategize written content in print and online media; contribute to live local, national, or international broadcast news; or create and distribute public relations statements for a variety of public or private entities.

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Foster your hobbies and interests through student clubs and activities. Whether the goal is civic engagement, professional networking, creative projects, taking the lead, or just having fun, Manhattanville’s student organizations shape your time here in Purchase, New York.

• Music Industry Club
• Graffiti Literary Magazine
• Intramurals and Recreation
• Manhattanville News Network

Explore a complete list of student clubs, activities, and resources.

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Enhance your choice of a different Manhattanville major with a minor in communication studies to further your technical skills in public relations and advertising tactics and written and verbal communication. Review minor in communication studies requirements.

 

Related Major and Minor Programs
Manhattanville’s extensive programming in fields like digital production, creative writing, and media communication ensures students begin their professional lives with a multidisciplinary, contemporary perspective and a practical toolkit for deftly confronting the communication issues of the future.

Enhance your instruction in any secondary area by choosing a double major or minor in programs such as:

• Business Management (BA, BS, Minor)
• Digital Media Production (BA, Minor)
• English (BA, Minor)
• Political Science (BA, Minor)
• Psychology (BA, Minor)
• Sport Studies (BA, Minor)

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If you are ready to command the attention of any audience and create and deliver messages that influence people and change the world for the better, now is your time to join us at Manhattanville.

Take a peek at Manhattanville admission deadlines and requirements and financial aid opportunities. For any help along the way, contact a member of the Admissions team.

 

Apply to the BA in Communication Studies at Manhattanville University
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree program at Manhattanville University learn the broad strokes of foundational communications principles and tailor their learning to their ideal career path.

Take the next step and visit us in person or virtually and request more information.

Begin your BA in Communication Studies application today.

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