Program Details
Communication (BA)
Bachelor of ArtMarymount University
Marymount University's B.A. in communication prepares students for 21st century communication careers. The communication degree program capitalizes on our location next to the nation's capital by connecting students with exciting opportunities to gain real-world experience. Students acquire the skills to create journalistic, persuasive, and strategic communication materials and campaigns for face-to-face, digital, print, and broadcast media. All communication majors complete an internship during their time at Marymount. In addition to practical skills, courses give students a foundation in communication theory, research, and ethics so that they may become responsible and effective communication professionals. Courses in the major hone students' critical, analytic, writing, and presentation skills.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Communication curriculum is grounded in communication theory, research, ethics, and media technology and supports the development of research, writing, public speaking, critical thinking and analysis, and creative practice skills. You will develop the conceptual and practical skills that enable you to develop communication solutions for the contemporary media environment. Communication majors work with faculty and our Center for Career Development to secure an internship that could be on Capitol Hill, at WJLA/ABC7 news, the Smithsonian, and other sites. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
It is recommended that you take the following courses to prepare to transfer to this program: ENG 111 and ENG 112, CST 100, CST 114, CST 201, ENG 121, CST 221.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | The Communication Program offers a specialization in Sports Communication for students pursuing careers in this field. Communication majors can Minor in Journalism or Public Relations. Additionally, the Communication major offers a 3+3 B.A. to J.D. combined degree Program with Catholic University Law School, and a COMM B.A. to Marymount M.B.A. pathway. Majors can also contribute to our student-produced newspaper, The Banner, and utilize our high quality media production facilities and Student Publications Office. Interested students can work with the office of Athletic Communications on campus as commentators for live sporting matches. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The Communication major provides excellent preparation for graduate study in communication and other disciplines, law school, and careers in public relations, corporate and strategic communication, and journalism. Graduates of our program go on to exciting careers and competitive graduate school programs. Our alumni are working as news anchors, social media directors, in media production for professional sports teams, at national government agencies, and more. |
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 Marymount University 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.
Institution Name | Type | Title |
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Northern Virginia Community College | GAA | Guaranteed Transfer Partnership Agreement between Marymount University and Northern Virginia Community College |
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 | Completion of a transfer-oriented associates degree program will fulfill the majority of the university's Liberal Arts Core (general education) requirements but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites for the major. Students will be required to complete a designated theology course at Marymount. Marymount also accepts the UCGS and Passport programs to meet Liberal Arts Core requirements. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Completion of a transfer-oriented associates degree program will fulfill the majority of the university's Liberal Arts Core (general education) requirements but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites for the major. Students will be required to complete a designated theology course at Marymount. Marymount also accepts the UCGS and Passport programs to meet Liberal Arts Core requirements. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Marymount participates in a number of programs that award credit to students for achievement or work experience. See Other Credit-Acquisition Opportunities in our university catalog (https://marymount.edu/catalogs/) for more information. |
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? | At Marymount, we understand that the path to a four-year degree is not always straight. Deciding to transfer is a big decision, and Marymount is here to help. As a transfer-friendly university, we offer transfer visit days and an online database to check which of your credits will transfer. We encourage you to visit campus to learn why more than 250 students transfer to Marymount annually. With transfer merit scholarships and guaranteed housing for transfer strudent, we invite you to connect with our team to learn more about our inclusive community in Arlington, Virginia. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Students apply as a regular transfer applicant |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Randolph-Macon College | Communication Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Communication, Technology & Culture Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
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 |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications - General Broadcast Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Professional Writing Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Creative, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Creative (online), Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Strategic, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Journalism/Broadcast, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Journalism/Digital, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Media Production, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Public Relations, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Mass Communications with concentration in Public Relations (online), Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Online |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
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 |
27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
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 |
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 |
27-3031.00 | 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 |
Cost To Complete
