Program Overview:
The Communications curriculum encourages students to explore a breadth of learning experiences that emphasize professional, academic, and personal development. Communications students are expected to fully engage in the theories and practices that prepare them for the Communications field and must earn a C or better in all courses in the major. If a student earns a D or F, the course must be repeated.
The curriculum requires students to build a broad knowledge base while they also explore their individual interests and skills in five concentrations: Journalism, Public Relations & Advertising, Media Arts & Production, Broadcast News, and Critical Media Studies.
Program Contacts:
Dr. Karen McGrath
Chair, Communications Department
Email: mcgrathk@strose.edu
Program Webpage: Communications, BA
Find Us on Social Media:
Instagram: SaintRoseCOM
Twitter: @SaintRoseCOM
Facebook: saintrosecommunications
Program Requirements:
Major in Communications (49-52 credits)
Please check Course Descriptions for all prerequisites needed and when courses are offered. Note that not all courses are offered each semester.
I. Communications Core (25 credits)
Students complete these courses as follows:
II. Choose one concentration:
A. Journalism Concentration (minimum 24 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 7 credits
Mid level – Minimum of 9 credits selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
*For COM 380 Check Applicable Concentrations and Prerequisites: Consult Advisor.
Upper level – 8 credits selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
And ONE of the following:
B. Public Relations & Advertising Concentration (minimum 25-26 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 6 credits
And ONE of the following:
Mid level – Minimum of 11-12 credits selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
| COM 373 | PR & Advert Cpywrtg & Dsgn | 4 |
| | or | |
| COM 374 | Strat PR & Advert Campaigns | 4 |
Then, without repeating the course above, choose at least an additional seven (7) credits from below:
| COM 314 | Creative Copywriting in Advert | 3 |
| COM 373 | PR & Advert Cpywrtg & Dsgn | 4 |
| COM 374 | Strat PR & Advert Campaigns | 4 |
| COM 309 | Documentary Photography | 4 |
| | or | |
| COM 318 | Digital Audio Production | 4 |
| | or | |
| COM 319 | Video for Field & Studio | 4 |
| COM 380 | Topics in Communication | 1 to 4 |
*For COM 380 Check Applicable Concentrations and Prerequisites
Upper level – 8 credits selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
And ONE of the following:
C. Media Arts & Production Concentration (minimum 27 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 6 credits
200 level – 2 courses at 200-level selected from (6 credits):
*Focus of COM 222 course changes; May be repeated with different focus.
300 level - 8 credits minimum selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
For COM 380 Check Applicable Concentrations and Prerequisites: Consult Advisor.
And FOUR credits selected from:
Upper level – 8 credits minimum selected from (CHECK PREREQUISITES):
And ONE of the following:
| COM 482 | Topics:Media Arts & Production | 4 |
| COM 483 | Digital Culture & Communication | 4 |
| COM 484 | Design for Visual Comm | 4 |
D. Broadcast News Concentration (26 credits)
Students complete courses as follows:
Entry level – 7 credits
Mid level - 11 credits
And ONE of the following:
Upper level - 8 credits
And ONE of the following:
E. Critical Media Studies Concentration (25-26 credits)
In consultation with advisor, students complete courses as follows:
Required Courses - 14 credits
Choose one mid-level course from the following - 3-4 credits
Choose one mid-level course from the following - 4 credits
Choose one upper-level course from the following - 4 credits
III. OPTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COURSES
Students who qualify may choose additional COM courses from those listed below.
*COM 380 Check Applicable Concentrations; Credits Vary: Consult Advisor.
*COM 494 Must meet GPA requirements and have completed 90 credits; need Faculty approval PRIOR TO registration
*COM 499 Permission and Approval of Faculty Supervisor PRIOR TO registration for that semester are needed; Paperwork available on the Registrar’s Office Webpage.
Internship/Field Experiences/Service:
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.
Students may complete internships in Journalism, TV & Radio Production, Public Relations, Advertising, Government Communications and other related fields. Students must meet GPA requirements (3.0 or better) and have completed 90 credits to apply.
Optional Course:
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Through the Capstone courses in each concentration students conceptualize and craft scripts, TV programs, public service campaigns and a variety of media projects.
Required Capstone Courses (Based on Concentrations):
Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:
This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of a minimum of 122 overall credits. It should be used along with your Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with your faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide, not a definitive list of courses that must be taken as written. Your faculty advisor will help you make any necessary adjustments during advisement.
Broadcast News
Year 1
Fall (16 credits)
COM 105 (L05)—3
ENG 105 (L01)—4
PHI/REL 102 L06)—3
BUS, ECO, or POL. SC (L10)—3
COM 240, 241, or 242 (Diversity)—3
Spring (14 credits)
COM 221—Journalism I—4
COM 201—Media Literacy—3
Literature (L04)—4
COM 208—Media Ethics—3
Year 2
Fall (15 credits)
COM 225—Interviewing—3
Language (L02)—3
Math (L07)—3
ANT, CJS, PSY, SOC or SW (L11)—3
Information Technology (L08)—3
Spring (15 credits)
COM 217—Multimedia Production—4
COM 331—Journalism II—4
COM 298—COM Theory—3
COM 380—Topics—4
Year 3
Fall (16 credits)
COM 340—Law—3
COM 313—Broadcast News—3
COM 398—Research (WI)—3
History (L03)—3
Laboratory Science (L09)—4
Spring (16 credits)
COM 470—Newsroom—4
COM 319—Video for Field & Studio—4
General Elective—4
Further Disciplinary Study—3
Physical Education (L12)—1
Year 4
Fall (15 credits)
COM 420—TV Journalism Practicum—4
Physical Education (L12)--1
General Electives—10
Spring (15 credits)
General Elective--3
COM 494--Internship--12
Critical Media Studies
Year 1
Fall (16 credits)
COM 105 (L05)—3
ENG 105 (L01)—4
PHI/REL 102 (L06)—3
BUS, ECO, or POL. SC (L10)—3
COM 240, 241, or 242 (Diversity)—3
Spring (14 credits)
COM 221—Journalism I—4
COM 201—Media Literacy—3
Literature (L04)—4
COM 208—Media Ethics—3
Year 2
Fall (16 credits)
COM 217—Multimedia Production—4
COM 207 or 220—3
Math (L07)—3
ANT, CJS, PSY, SOC or SW (L11)—3
Information Technology (L08)—3
Spring (15 credits)
COM 227—Fundamentals of Strategic PR—3
COM 315—Media Criticism —4
Laboratory Science (L09)—4
General Elective—4
Year 3
Fall (15-16 credits)
COM 340—Law—3
COM 298—COM Theory—3
COM 313, 318, or 319—3/4
Language (L02)—3
History (L03)—3
Spring (16-17 credits)
COM electives--6
COM 398—Research (WI)—3
COM 331 or 372 or 373—4
Further Disciplinary Study—3/4
Physical Education (L12)—1
Year 4
Fall (15 credits)
COM 417, 420, 480, 482, or 483—4
Physical Education (L12)—1
General Electives—10
Spring (15 credits)
General Elective--3
COM 494--Internship--12
Media Arts & Production
Year 1
Fall (16 credits)
COM 105 (L05)—3
ENG 105 (L01)—4
PHI/REL 102 (L06)—3
COM 240, 241, or 242—(Diversity)—3
History (L03)—3
Spring (14 credits)
COM 201—Media Literacy—3
COM 207—Film Arts—3
COM 208—Media Ethics—3
ANT, CJS, PSY, SOC or SWK (L11)—3
Physical Education (L12)—2
Year 2
Fall (16 credits)
COM 222—Film Genres—3
Language (L02)—3
Math (L07)—3
COM 298—COM Theory-3
COM 217—Multimedia Production—4
Spring (16 credits)
COM 220—Film History—3
COM 398—Research (WI)—3
COM 318—Digital Audio Production—4
BUS, ECO, POL. SCI (L10)—3
Information Technology (L08)—3
Year 3
Fall (17 credits)
COM 213—Documentary—3
COM 319—Video for Field & Studio—4
COM 340—Law—3
Literature (L04)—4
Further Disciplinary Elective—3
Spring (15/16 credits)
COM 309, 315 or COM 380 or Elective--3
COM 417—Advanced Media Production—4
Laboratory Science (L09)--4
COM 221—Journalism I—4
Year 4
Fall (16 credits)
COM 420—TV Journalism Practicum--4
General Electives—12
Spring (12 credits)
COM 494--Internship--12
Journalism
Year 1
Fall (16 credits)
COM 105 (L05)—3
ENG 105 (L01)—4
PHI/REL 102 (L06)—3
BUS, ECO, or POL. SCI (L10)—3
COM 240, 241, or 242 (Diversity)—3
Spring (14 credits)
COM 221—Journalism I—4
COM 201—Media Literacy—3
Literature (L04)—4
COM 208—Media Ethics—3
Year 2
Fall (15 credits)
COM 225—Interviewing—3
Language (L02)—3
Math (L07)—3
ANT, CJS, PSY, SOC or SW (L11)—3
Information Technology (L08)—3
Spring (15 credits)
COM 217—Multimedia Production—4
COM 331—Advanced Journalism—4
COM 298—COM Theory—3
COM 380—Topics—4
Year 3
Fall (16 credits)
COM 340—Law—3
COM 313—Broadcast News—3
COM 398—Research (WI)—3
History (L03)—3
Laboratory Science (L09)—4
Spring (16 credits)
COM 470—Newsroom—4
COM 319—Video for Field & Studio—4
General Elective—4
Further Disciplinary Study—3
Physical Education (L12)--1
Year 4
Fal (15 credits)
COM 420—TV Journalism Practicum—4
Physical Education (L12)--1
General Electives—10
Spring (15 credits)
Elective—3
COM 494--Internship—12
Public Relations & Advertising
Year 1
Fall (16 credits)
COM 105 (L05)—3
ENG 105 (L01)—4
PHI/REL 102 (L06)—3
BUS 253 (L10)—3
COM 240, 241, or 242 (Diversity)—3
Spring (17 credits)
COM 227—Fundamentals of Strategic PR—3
COM 201—Media Literacy—3
COM 208—Media Ethics--3
ENG (L04)—4
ANT, CJS, PSY, SOC or SW (L11)—3
Physical Education (L12)—1
Year 2
Fall (16 credits)
COM 314—Creative Copywriting in Advertising—3
Language L02)—3
Math (L07)—3
COM 298—COM Theory—3
Information Technology (L08)—3
Physical Education (L12)—1
Spring (17 credits)
COM 217—Multimedia Production—4
COM 398—Research(WI)—3
History (LO3)—3
COM 373 or 374—3
General Elective—3
Year 3
Fall (16 credits)
COM 340—Law—3
COM 318 or 319—4
COM 372 or 374—3
Further Disciplinary Study—3
General Elective—3
Spring (16 credits)
COM 471—Account Management in the Agency—4
COM 373 or 374—4
L09—Science—4
General Elective—4
Year 4
Fall (16 credits)
COM 430—Strategic Crisis Communications—4
General Electives—12
Spring (12 credits)
COM 494--Internship—12
Accelerated Degree Option: Communications BA + MBA:
Students in the B.A. Communications/MBA accelerated course of study are required to take the following undergraduate business courses. These courses provide a strong foundation in business, making it easier for the student to transition to graduate level business courses.
While not required, we encourage students to take the following undergraduate business courses as part of their undergraduate coursework.
Students in this accelerated course of study will use the following course substitutions to complete the undergraduate and graduate degrees at an accelerated pace.
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Course Substitutions
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Undergraduate Course
|
Graduate Course
|
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General Elective
|
ACC 522
|
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General Elective
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MBA 516
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General Elective
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MBA 517
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General Elective
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MBA 555
|
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General Elective
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MBA Elective
|
Requirements for the Master of Business Administration can be found in the current Graduate Catalog.
General Information on Accelerated Degree Options (Bachelor's + Master's):
Eligibility Standards:
High School Students:
- Minimum high school GPA of 92
- Combined SAT of 1100 (out of 1600) OR ACT of 24
- Letter of recommendation specifically for the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program from a high school teacher or counselor
Transfer Students:
- 45 credits completed
- GPA of 3.4 overall or at least a 3.4 GPA in the last 30 credits
- Letter of recommendation from a faculty member from either Saint Rose or the institution from which the student transferred
Current Saint Rose Students:
- 45 credits completed
- Overall GPA of 3.4
- Letter of recommendation from a Saint Rose faculty member
Maintaining Status in Accelerated Programs:
- Overall GPA of 3.4 at the completion of 45 credits
- Overall GPA of 3.0 from the completion of 45 credits to completion of the undergraduate degree
- Students can receive no more than one C in a graduate level course. An earned C must be retaken at the graduate level unless otherwise specified by the program.
- Students cannot receive a failing grade in a graduate level course.
Specific course requirements for Accelerated programs with MBA (Transfer, Current and to Maintain Status):
- A grade of B or higher in financial accounting
- A grade of B or higher in managerial accounting
Losing Eligibility for an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option:
Students who do not maintain the standards outlined for their Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option will lose eligibility for this completion option. If these students are in otherwise good standing with the College, they can continue in their current undergraduate program or move to another undergraduate major. We propose that up to a maximum of 12 graduate credits taken up to that point and completed with a grade of C or higher may be applied to their undergraduate degree. These credits might be applied as either general elective credits or to fulfill a requirement within the undergraduate major, depending on the undergraduate major’s grade requirements. Major grade restrictions would still apply. The student would take the undergraduate courses specified in the course catalog to fulfill all remaining requirements.
Discontinuing an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Options:
Students in good standing may choose to discontinue an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option or withdraw from a dual degree program. These students may then move to another program offered by the college. Up to a maximum of 12 graduate credits taken up to that point and completed with a grade of C or higher would be applied to their undergraduate degree. The student would take the undergraduate courses specified in the course catalog to fulfill all remaining requirements.
Opportunity to apply graduate credits to a future master’s degree at Saint Rose if no longer enrolled in Accelerated Program:
Students who withdraw or are dismissed from the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option may apply to a Saint Rose Master’s Degree program after completion of the Bachelor’s Degree. If accepted to a Saint Rose master’s degree program these students may transfer up to 12 graduate credits earned as part of their Saint Rose Bachelor’s Degree. Specific courses must be approved for transfer by the faculty advisor, and Department Chair/Program Coordinator. Transfer credit is allowed only for courses in which students have received a grade of “B” or better and within the six-year time limit allowed for completion of the Master’s Degree or Certificate of Advanced Study. No more than half of a Certificate of Advanced Study or Master’s Degree can be fulfilled with credits that had been applied to a Saint Rose Bachelor’s Degree.
Reinstatement in Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Options:
Students in good academic standing with the college but previously declared ineligible from their Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option can apply for reinstatement to the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Option after retaking undergraduate courses that resulted in their change of eligibility and/or after earning an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who earned any graduate grade lower than a C or more than one C at the graduate level may not reapply for reinstatement into the Accelerated degree option.
Advising:
Students in this Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Course of Study will have two advisors while they are undergraduates. A faculty member from the student’s undergraduate discipline will serve as the primary advisor while the student is an undergraduate. A faculty member from the graduate program will serve as a secondary advisor. After completing the Bachelor’s Degree the advisor from the graduate program will serve as the student’s sole advisor.
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
Associated Student Clubs:
The Chronicle (Newspaper)
Radio Saint Rose
SRTV (Saint Rose TV)
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, Digital Media, Education and Law.
Professional Membership and Networking:
PRSSA Chapter (Public Relations Student Society of America)—Capital Region PRSA
SPJ Chapter (Society for Professional Journalists)
Women’s Press Club of New York State
Admissions and Financial Aid Information:
The Undergraduate Admissions Office begins review of First-Year applications each fall in late September for the following Fall. Students are encouraged to submit a complete application as early as October. 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 all 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.
- Music applicants are required to complete an audition.
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 award more than $34 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 your 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: