Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Catalog Year 2025-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for COMMUNICATION

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• Virginia Community College students (VCCS) graduating from transfer-oriented degree programs with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale are guaranteed admission (https://www.vccs.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VCCS_HU_GAA-FINAL-0714.pdf).

• A GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college-level work is recommended for all students seeking to transfer to Hollins University.

• This policy applies for all undergraduate majors. All students declare a major after they arrive at Hollins.

• Program Specific Benefits: You will be guaranteed a seat in COMM 3xx and COMM 3yy -- both required in your first semester of your junior year (fall semester enrollment).

• Program Specific Benefits: You will receive a faculty advisor from day one.

Important Links & Dates

• Hollins University Transfer Information: https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/transfer-students/

• Register Intent to Transfer: Hollins does not require that you register intent to transfer.

• Admission Application: Preferred admission deadlines: February 1 for fall term or November 15 for spring term matriculation; apply at https://admissions.hollins.edu/apply/

• Financial Aid: https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/undergraduate-financial-aid-schola...

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Apply at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• 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. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college within your first year and your transfer counselor (transfer@hollins.edu) at Hollins University if you have questions regarding your transfer pathway. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The Hollins communication studies degree is both broad and deep. Students learn about communication processes in a wide variety of contexts. They get to know professors in small, relaxed classes, and professors get to know students and their interests. Course projects and activities are designed with those interests in mind.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Fulfills all Hollins general education requirements. Courses listed above satisfy Hollins major requirements.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Dual enrollment courses may count toward general education requirements. Completion of an Associate Degree through dual enrollment does not automatically satisfy all general education requirements at Hollins, but all dual enrollment courses will be considered on an individual basis. Students who have not completed college credits after completing their high school degree must take Core 101: First-year Foundations and Core 102: Conflict and Collaboration at Hollins.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning, including CLEP examinations and AP and IB test scores will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for Hollins credit. Visit www.transfervirginia.org "Check All My Credits" to see how your prior learning will earn credit.

• Catalog Year: Transfer students follow the requirements in the catalog year that they first enter Hollins but may elect to move to a later catalog if they wish.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Known for its creative and highly engaged student body, Hollins University prides itself on its nationally-recognized and award-winning undergraduate and graduate academic programs, its deeply committed alumnae/i network, its extraordinarily beautiful campus surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its unique ability to ensure that each of its students has the opportunity to design a transformational college experience. Hollins is a small, close-knit community with fewer than 1,000 students, focused on holistic support for each student. The average class size is 12, and only women are admitted as undergraduate students. On-campus housing is guaranteed for undergraduates, and a scholarship of at least $20,000 is guaranteed for transfer students. A $2,000 scholarship is available for Phi Theta Kappa members. Top majors for transfer students include business, psychology and biology but all programs welcome transfer students. Hollins offers a 5-year Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program and offers a renowned English and creative writing program. We are a small community with big outcomes for students; more than 90% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org - Transfer Partners

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 Hollins University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Students graduating in the major have multiple options for career outcomes post-graduation. Because the department offers a broad range of classes covering human communication and media, career paths for graduates can be found in marketing, public relations, media, corporate communication, and the non-profit sector.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Hollins communication studies majors can immerse themselves in a variety of topics, including: media law and policy, argumentation and advocacy, organizational communication, global communication, writing for print media, and writing for broadcast media.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• 89% of applicants applying for the fall 2022 cohort were admitted to Hollins University.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org and https://www.hollins.edu/admission-aid/transfer-students/

Do More With Your Degree!

• 90% of recent graduates were employed, in graduate school, or engaged in service within six months of graduation.

• Consider a minor or certificate that complements your major and extends your learning. See the complete list of offerings at www.hollins.edu/majors-and-minors

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All Hollins students, other than Horizon students, complete two half-semester physical activity classes not for credit. Varsity athletes may count a sport for one of these requirements.

• Hollins courses are primarily taught on campus during the traditional work day.

• Students majoring in communication are required to take at least one internship during their time at Hollins. The internship opportunities vary, including remote, in-person, or competitive industry positions. The internship gives students an opportunity to explore multiple different career paths in the communication industry.