B.A. Communication
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Gain Industry-Driven Skills for Careers in Digital Media, Journalism, and Strategic Communication
Communication is an essential skill used across all fields and in all areas of life. It's also an expanding profession, ranging from traditional to new media, that has become increasingly digital. Nova Southeastern University’s B.A. in Communication program will help you become a more confident and skilled writer, speaker, editor, and content producer.
As a communication major, you'll learn how to write and communicate persuasively in formats that inspire you. Choose an in-depth track in digital media production, strategic communication, or journalism. You can even choose to minor in one of the other concentrations to further prepare for a career in the field. Engage in classroom projects as well as professional opportunities and internships that showcase your talent and skills. You’ll enhance your degree in communication by participating in the student newspaper, student literary and arts magazine, and the NSU television and radio station. Then, you’ll gain professional experience as an intern in local or national media outlets, international companies, or organizations.
Why Should You Major in Communication at NSU?
- Student-run newspaper: The Current.
- Student-run radio station: Radio X 88.5 FM.
- Student-run television: Sharks United Television.
- Student-run literary & art journal: Digressions.
- NSU Write from the Start Writing and Communication Center (WCC) is an innovative workspace where students, consultants, and faculty come together, in-person and online, to talk about writing and communication.
- NSU is home to a Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
- Special topics course partnering with Hoffman’s Chocolates.
- Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association’s official honor society for undergraduate communication students.
- Communications internship program with the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.
- Year-round workshops and events to learn, share and improve writing and communication skills.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
The communication major offers students a comprehensive education in an essential skill used across all fields and in all areas of life. As a communication major, you’ll engage in classroom projects as well as professional opportunities that showcase your talent and skills in one of our three concentrations: digital media production, strategic communication, or journalism.
Core Courses
- Communication Practicum A
- Communication Practicum B
- Mass Media
- Intercultural Communication
- Communication Theory
- Media Regulation
- Persuasion
- Internship in Communication
- Public Speaking or Public Speaking Honors
- Fundamentals of Human Communication
Digital Media Production Concentration
Select 24 credits from the following courses (9 credits must be at the 3000/4000 level).
- Graphic Design I
- Graphic Design II
- Introduction to Video Editing
- Introduction to Field Video Production
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Audio/Radio Production
- Advanced Video Editing
- Advanced Field Video Production
- Web, Mobile, and Interactive Design for Communication
- Special Topics in Communication
Journalism Concentration
Select 24 credits from the following courses (9 credits must be at the 3000/4000 level).
- Digital Photography
- Introduction to Print Journalism
- Introduction to Broadcast Journalism
- Introduction to Field Video Production
- Multimedia Writing
- Advanced Field Video Production
- Sports Reporting and Writing
- Feature Writing
- Special Topics in Communication
Strategic Communication Concentration
Select 24 credits from the following courses (9 credits must be at the 3000/4000 level).
- Public Relations Writing
- Principles of Advertising
- Principles of Public Relations
- Organizational Communication
- Strategic Visual Communication
- Feature Writing
- Public Relations Campaigns
- Social Media Theory and Practice
- Special Topics in Communication
- Speech Communication for the Professions
Experiential Learning/Internships
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of hands-on opportunities to gain real-world experience. NSU’s partnership between the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts and the Office of Student Media provides NSU students with opportunities to get hands-on in a variety of student-run media operations, both in and beyond the classroom.
NSU’s Write from the Start Writing and Communication Center (WCC) is an innovative workspace where students, consultants, and faculty come together to talk about writing and communication. The WCC offers year-round workshops, events, and resources where all can learn, share and improve their writing and communication skills. Past events have included weekly write-ins, Wikipedia Edit-a-thons, and writing-focused podcasts.
Additionally, NSU students enjoy exclusive internships at companies and organizations like Zimmerman Advertising, Broward County Parks, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Arts4All Florida, Pro Media, The Gab Group, Black Swan Events Inc, Havas Media Group, NSU’s Division of Public Relations, Marketing and Creative Services, NSU’s Department of Communication, Media and the Arts within the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, City of Weston and Modart gallery.
Career Opportunities
Pursue a Career in Broadcasting, Film, or Journalism
Every business and organization in the world values strong communicators. As a communication major, you’ll gain the NSU edge on the job market. NSU offers opportunities to practice your skills through participation in on-campus media outlets, practicums, and exclusive internships. Your communication degree will help you excel in an array of industries including radio and television broadcasting, film, journalism, new media, public relations, advertising, social media, education, law, and event promotions.
Average Starting Salary
Salaries you can earn with a B.A. in Communication vary widely because of the many career offerings associated with this degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these were the average annual salaries for these roles in 2019:
- Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators – $59,810
- Editors – $61,370
- Public Relations Specialists – $61,150
Shark Destinations
NSU Communication alumni go on to enjoy exciting and rewarding careers. You’ll find some of our graduates at companies like Zimmerman Advertising, CBS News, the Miami Dolphins, Lifestyle Magazine Group, OZ, and the City of Weston. They hold positions such as communications specialist, producer, social media coordinator, editor, and OnPoint traffic coordinator. *
*Data provided by NSU’s Office of Career Development