Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Catalog Year 2025-2026

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.

• Transfer-oriented associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S), and Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) as university-parallel transfer degrees. This includes all AS and AA&S in General Studies offered at VCCS colleges.

• Earn a transfer associate degree under Marymount University GAA with VCCS.

• Students must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA for credits earned at the degree-granting institution. Repeated courses are not factored into the GPA. All courses, including those taken at other institutions, are factored into the cumulative GPA.

• Students must have upheld standards of student conduct. VCCS students who do not meet these terms may still apply and be considered for admission, although admissions are not guaranteed. Marymount University reserves the right to deny admission or enrollment to students who have been academically dismissed or suspended or to those convicted because of a felony.

• Students need to earn a C or better in each community college course to receive Marymount University credit.

• You will receive an academic advisor from day one.

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal and click College Connect to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to Marymount University.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://marymount.smartcatalogiq.com/2019-2020/catalogs/undergraduate-ca...

• Admission Application: https://marymount.edu/admissions/transfer-students/admissions-transfer-a...

• Financial Aid: https://marymount.edu/admissions/financial-aid/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: 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, and complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Marymount University within your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Students should work with their academic advisors to determine their best path to completing their desired bachelor's degree.

• Once deposited, students will receive a custom evaluation and pathway recommendations from the registrar's office.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the Core Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements except for a required Inquiry into Theology course. Students will need to complete all other University, college, and departmental requirements in order to obtain the baccalaureate degree from MU.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Dual Enrollment students seeking admission to MU with credits from DE will be reviewed for degree pathways by their assigned academic advisor once they have deposited. They are considered the same as any student with a transfer-oriented associate degree.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credits are reviewed and a decision is granted from the Registrar.

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at MU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• The highest ranked private research university in Virginia by USNWR

• One of the top 500 universities ranked by Forbes (based on career earnings and low debt at graduation)

• Located in the beautiful city of Arlington, Marymount University's campus community is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life, and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the dynamic hub of Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., is in our backyard! We are six miles from downtown DC and we have a metro stop on our campus

• The University offers its nearly 4,000 students a wide array of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through its Colleges of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology; Health and Education; and Sciences and Humanities.

• Transfer students have the option of choosing to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 69% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 22 Division III intercollegiate varsity programs - Men's and Women's teams and 30+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university at www.TransferVirginia.org

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?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• The College of Sciences and Humanities at Marymount offers a wealth of respected degree paths that can lead you to a world of career and entrepreneurial opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This learning community is dedicated to academic power and quality, grounded in and guided by the Catholic educational commitment to service to others, global engagement, and ethical, socially responsible leadership.

• Our communications program is oriented towards modern applications of the field, especially public relations, social media production, and podcasting.

• This learning community is 100 percent linked to the real world, with inspiring faculty who have been there and done that (with great success)---plus, Marymount offers unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning through internships, service learning, study abroad, and community engagement. Small classes enrich your learning and engage your participation.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, usually about 65% of transfer applicants are accepted to Marymount University, and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from the Virginia Community College System.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for communication and public relations specialists from 2022-2032---faster than average for all jobs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). That's about 27,100 openings every year, showing strong demand and excellent opportunities.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. All students also must fulfill Liberal Arts Core and University requirements, and some of these courses also satisfy those requirements. Some coursework also fulfills teaching licensure requirements as specified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.