Communication Major

COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS

Effective communication can take you far.

Storytelling as a form of communication is a powerful skill - journalists use it to deliver compelling news; marketing specialists use it to shape an organization’s image; and social media strategists use it to engage followers and gain leads. As a communication major, you’ll learn how to be a strong storyteller through non-fiction writing, multimedia, video production, public speaking, and digital and print media. You’ll also learn how to strategically tailor your message to different target audiences. The versatility of a communication degree allows our students to pursue a number of media, writing, multimedia and marketing careers. Many of our students choose to dive deeper into the study of communication through graduate school where they can specialize in mass communication, journalism, communication and technology, and corporate communication.

Fast Facts

Hands-on experience begins as soon as freshman year with access to a campus cable TV station, a FM radio station and a student newspaper
We set our graduates up for success — they take a professional development course along the way to learn how to sell themselves in interviews with potential employers
We have alumni who are business owners, teachers, lawyers, communication managers and ad execs. A communication degree can take you many places — just tell us where you want to go!
We have five different clubs. FIVE. Interested in public relations? Check out PRSSA! Broadcast journalism? Check out NBS! We also have AdPro (advertising), Lambda Pi Eta (national communication honors society) and the Communication Board (communication majors and minors)

Minors

Communication

A Communication minor complements a variety of majors and allows students to further refine their professional and creative skills. The minor includes six courses. (For non-majors only)

COM 101 Communication in Society - 3 credits

COM 102 Interpersonal Communication - 3 credits

Choose one from each of the following sections:

Section I: Theory, Planning and Management

COM 210 Mindful Communication - 3 credits

COM 311- Global Communication - 3 credits

COM 442 - Convergence Management - 3 credits

Section II: Syndication Skills

COM 260 Introduction to Social Media - 3 credits

COM 352 Multimedia Writing - 3 credits

COM 440 Digital Storytelling - 3 credits

One elective from the COM prefix or departmentally approved elective

Social Media and Web

The Social Media and Web minor couples with a student’s chosen major to harness the power of convergence in a network of related coursework and skills by training students in the professional use of emerging technologies and web-based communication. Combined with their major field of study, the Social Media and Web Minor prepares students to be skilled practitioners in the new media landscape. The courses enable students to participate in the virtual forum, cyberspace, using proper protocols informed by communication theory and to adapt as protocols change.

ART 128 Graphic Design Basics (3 credits)

ART 321 Introduction to Website Design (3 credits)

COM 240 Digital Video Production I (3 credits)

COM 260 Intro to Social Media (3 credits)

COM 330 Web and Social Media Strategies (3 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Identify important information relating to the history, laws and ethics of communication and the individuals responsible for shaping the industry.
Explain and apply general theories and research methods used in communication.
Demonstrate proficiency in oral communication in both small and large group settings.
Write clearly and correctly in a style appropriate for the audience and objective.
Develop an understanding of and practice skills in current and emerging communication technologies that are relevant to the student’s area of interest.
Demonstrate accumulated knowledge within professional settings and situations.

LAKER TV

The student-run station features student-produced programming, class projects, coverage of major campus events and information about the Erie community.

STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Students are assigned as editors and writers to deliver a weekly online and print newspaper featuring hard-hitting news, feature stories, sports, editorials, opinion pieces, polls, photography and advertising.

CAREER OUTCOMES

Our grads have been hired by The New York Times, the U.S. Army, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Busch Gardens, JP Morgan, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, iHeartMedia, and Estee Lauder.

Communication Clubs

Communication majors at Mercyhurst have a number of opportunities to get involved with their peers and professors outside of the classroom through clubs and organizations.

AdPro

AdPro is the student chapter of AAF, the American Advertising Federation. Members include majors from several creative and professional fields, including graphic design, communication, marketing, and advertising. The organization often competes in the AAF's National Student Advertising Competition. AdPro also acts as a social organization to promote a better understanding of advertising, encourage professionalism and promote fellowship and free exchange of ideas between members.

Communication Board

Communication Board is a social organization for communication majors and minors. Its goals are to encourage interest in the field of communication, promote professional development and create closer relationships and mutual understanding between communication students as well as faculty. The organization acts as the main event planning committee for department events including a freshman welcome banquet, a Christmas party and the departments annual "Comm Week."

Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta (LPE) is a national communication honor society. Students with at least a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.3 major GPA as well as 60 credit hours completed are encouraged to apply for this prestigious honor society. Members can attend a national convention as well as participate in activities such as mentoring programs, career events and graduate school seminars.

National Broadcasting Society

National Broadcasting Society (NBS) is an organization for students pursuing a career within the electronic media field. Members attend a national convention each year where they meet with professionals from television, radio, film and other electronic media outlets. The organization meets on a weekly basis and provides students with a link to the real world of broadcasting. Members who meet academic requirements may also qualify for NBS's honor society, Alpha Epsilon Rho.

Public Relations Student Society of America

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a student organization that encourages professional development in the field of public relations as well as serving as a great networking tool for students and professionals. Scholarships are available for members and there are several opportunities for members to attend conferences and to meet with other students and professionals in the field.