Program Overview:
The Communications curriculum encourages students to explore a breadth of learning experiences that emphasize both personal and professional development. To achieve standards of academic excellence, Communications students are expected to fully engage in the theories and practices that prepare them for the always-evolving opportunities in the Communications field.
The curriculum requires students to build a broad knowledge base while they also explore their individual interests by pursuing knowledge and skill in one of three concentrations, Journalism, PR & Advertising, Film & New Media.
Program Contacts
To email the Department Chair,
Dr. Karen McGrath, Communications Department
Program Webpage:
Communications, BA
Program Requirements:
Major in Communications (49-51 credits)
Please note that not all courses are offered each semester, therefore students should plan accordingly with their advisors and pay special attention to prerequisites.
I. Communications Core (25 credits)
Required Courses:
II. Concentration (Students choose to complete one of the three concentrations):
A. Journalism Concentration (24 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 7 credits
Mid level – 9 credits minimum selected from:
Upper level – 8 credits selected from:
B. Public Relations and Advertising Concentration (25 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 6 credits
| COM 205 | Contemporary Advertising | 3 |
| | or | |
| BUS 253 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| COM 227 | Public Relations History and Practice | 3 |
Mid level – 12 credits minimum selected from:
Upper level – 7 credits
C. Film and New Media Concentration (26 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 6 credits
Mid level – 2 courses at 200-level, 2 courses at 300-level selected from:
Upper level – 7 credits minimum selected from:
III. Optional Courses
Students complete additional courses to a total of 50 credits in COM. Students may choose from any COM course or those listed below when they are available.
Study Outside the Major
The department strongly recommends students pursue 12 credits in one discipline outside Communications.
Internship/Field Experiences/Service:
Required Course
Students have the opportunity for hands-on experience in producing TV and radio programs, newspapers, magazines, web and multimedia productions, as well as academic papers and projects across these concentrations. Most students complete internships in Print and Broadcast Journalism, TV and Radio Production, Public Relations, Advertising, Government Communications and other related fields.
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Courses
Through the Capstone courses in each concentration students conceptualize and craft scripts, TV programs, public service campaigns and a variety of media projects.
Professional Accreditation:
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
The College of Saint Rose Communications graduates have found employment in regional media outlets and have contributed to the networks of Communications professionals across the nation and around the world. Communications majors deciding to continue their education through graduate study have had particular success in the fields of Journalism, Broadcasting, Education and Law.
Minors:
MINOR IN COMMUNICATIONS Students may choose either an Expertise Minor or the General Minor.
Complete minors listing
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of Freshman applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete an application as early as November. The Admissions Team will return a decision on complete applications within just three weeks. The College awards academic scholarships at the same time.
What Makes an Application Complete
- Online or Paper application (fee waived for online applicants!)
- Official High School Transcripts
- Official Transcripts for any College Level Courses
- SAT or ACT scores (See Test Optional FAQ's)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Counselor or Teacher
- Essay or Graded Paper
- Applicants may also apply via the Common Application Online.
- Art applicants are required to complete a portfolio review.
Admissions contact information (telephone number, admissions web pages)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
See Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section for more information.
The Bottom Line
The total cost of The College of Saint Rose (including tuition, fees, room and board) is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast, and we still award more than $25 million in Saint Rose scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Take a look at our bottom line, and view a cost comparison with a four-year public institution.
More about Financial Aid
Financial Aid is defined as any grant, scholarship, loan, or employment opportunity given with the express purpose of assisting you with education-related expenses to make you education affordable. Financial Aid is awarded on the basis of student need and the availability of funds.
The Admission and Financial Aid teams have designed a Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid to help prospective students and families get to the bottom line and find that The College of Saint Rose is one of the lowest of any private college in the Northeast--while maintaining powerful academic opportunities.
Find Out More: