Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Communication (BA)

Bachelor of Art
Marymount 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
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Marymount University within your first year via College Connect
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
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

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.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

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.
Requirements
Required Credits
Communication (BA)
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
75 credits can be transferred from a 2-year school, up to 84 total credits can be transferred.
Communication (B.A.)
120
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
75 credits can be transferred from a 2-year school, up to 84 total credits can be transferred.
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 84 credits may be applied to this program.
Liberal Arts Core
43
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Liberal Arts Core courses can also apply to the major where applicable
Written Communication
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Mathematics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Fine and Performing Arts
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
History
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Humanities
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural Science lab
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Sciences
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Science
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Theological Inquiry
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Introduction to Philosophy
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Depth in Faith and Reason
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Communication Major
45
Communication Core
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Digital Media
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Senior Requirements
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Electives/Specialization
21
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete 21 credits of major electives or declare a Sports Communication Specialization
Earn 21 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Electives
32
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete additional electives or add a secondary program to reach 120 credits
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
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...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Marymount University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
marymount.edu/transfer
Transfer Students - Apply Here
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
245
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
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
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Randolph-Macon CollegeCommunication Studies (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Communication StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeCommunication, Technology & Culture Major - BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Northern Virginia Community CollegeLiberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A.AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication)AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Mass Communications - General Broadcast ConcentrationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeProfessional Writing Major - BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Creative, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Creative (online), Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Strategic, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Journalism/Broadcast, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Journalism/Digital, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Media Production, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Public Relations, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMass Communications with concentration in Public Relations (online), Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1122.00Communications Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
27-3041.00EditorsPlan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3023.00News Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsNarrate 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
27-3043.05Poets, Lyricists and Creative WritersCreate original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
11-2032.00Public Relations ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.Management Occupations
27-3043.00Writers and AuthorsOriginate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3011.00Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc JockeysSpeak 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
13-1131.00FundraisersOrganize 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
11-2033.00Fundraising ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.Management Occupations
27-3031.00Public Relations SpecialistsPromote 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
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Communication (BA) at Marymount University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $19,635 Per Semester $157,080 $0 $157,080 Standard tuition applies to undergraduate students enrolled in 12-18 credits. Part-time tuition is $1,230 per credit.
Fees
Student Government Activity Fee $100 Per Semester $800 0 $800
Student Health and Well-Being Fee $50 Per Semester $400 0 $400
Technology Fee $22 Per Credit $2,640 0 $2,640 up to a maximum of $275 per semester for full-time enrollment
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include International Student Services Fee ($45/semester), new-student fees, housing, parking, and program or course-specific fees.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.