Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Bachelor of ArtsRoanoke College
Communication is in high demand among college students today, both for its roots in speech and journalism and for its role in the technological revolution. Both in the classroom and through hands-on work outside the classroom, students study the communication process and how it contributes to the development of information and meaning, human relationships, and culture. In addition to critical thinking courses like research methodology and rhetorical theory, the major encompasses such dynamic areas of study as interpersonal communication and journalism.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Take a liberal arts approach to the dynamic and varied discipline of Communications. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Useful choices for transfer credit: any communications courses. Transferring some foreign language courses will help students finish that college requirement faster.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students have room to double major with other interests ranging from Business to Psychology to Theatre. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Our students work in mass media, public communications, and organizational communications. |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Roanoke College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Courses completed as part of an associate's degree or general education certificate will be evaluated by our Registrar at admission, and appropriate transfer credits will be awarded. Nearly all general education requirements can be completed with transfer credits. Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Transferrable courses from an accredited college or university taken as dual enrollment while in high school will apply to general education, major, and graduation requirements. Up to three additional World Language courses can satisfy the language requirement. UCGS and Passport courses will all transfer. |
Credit for Prior Learning | In general, Roanoke does not offer credit for prior learning outside of higher education coursework. Military training transcripted by an accredited institution of higher education is accepted. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Roanoke has about 2000 students, mostly undergraduates. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, with a real commitment to teaching and supporting students. Expect close personal interactions with faculty and staff members who get to know you. Active athletic and recreational opportunities are part of the college as are a wide range of student clubs and activities. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. VCCS transfer students may choose a catalog from the two years prior to their first term of attendance if desired. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year for freshmen is determined by first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Expected transfer students should notify the admissions office as soon as possible, so we can provide advice on courses which will transfer. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Marymount University | Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Communication, Technology & Culture Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Communication Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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27-3011.00 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
25-1122.00 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
13-1131.00 | Fundraisers | Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs. | Business and Financial Operations Occupations |
11-2033.00 | Fundraising Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations. | Management Occupations |
27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
11-2032.00 | Public Relations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Management Occupations |
27-3031.00 | Public Relations Specialists | Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete
