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Communication Arts Degrees

Whatever the future holds, the ability to communicate clearly and get your message across is key to any successful venture. If you have a love for clear, responsible communication and a desire to explore career options ranging from education to business to social media, you should begin with an education in communication. Begin your communication studies with a bachelor’s in communication arts at University of the Cumberlands with a communication arts major.

At UC, our communication arts program stresses the diversity of human communication. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication or a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts, required courses for minors and full degree programs provide a foundation in most of the key areas of communication research today, while elective options let you focus on specific areas, such as mass communication or rhetoric. Classes are small enough, around 15 students, to really get to know your classmates and your teachers. With a communication degree, you’ll also have a chance to earn credit, as well as career-building skills, through practical experience in forensics, broadcasting practicum, or professional internships. We also offer opportunities to stretch your wings with a digital media studio, radio station, campus newspaper, and a nationally recognized speech and debate team.

MISSION AND GOALS

The mission of the communication arts program is to provide students from all disciplines with the opportunity and training to improve their verbal and written communication skills. A Communication Arts major (or minor) should gain an appreciation of cultural heritage, become effective and ethically responsible communicators, and often obtain positions in a number of communications-related fields such as broadcasting, journalism, education, and business.

A bachelor's degree in Communication Arts stresses the diversity of human communication. The goal for the  communication major is to learn to become an effective and ethically responsible communicator who can design, express, interpret and evaluate functional messages in a variety of contexts, including personal, social, political, religious and organizational settings.

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WHAT IS COMMUNICATIONS ARTS?

Communication arts encompasses all forms of communication of information, including writing, reading, speaking, listening, drawing and illustrating, and more. Effective communication is at the core of all human interaction, making it an integral aspect of a functioning society.

University of the Cumberlands Communication Arts program allows students to choose from four concentrations areas to expand their focus on key subject matter and career opportunities. Concentrations include Advertising and Public Relations; Journalism; Integrated Communication and Theatre. 

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Bachelor of Science with a Major in Communication Arts

Core Classes (30 Credits) 

Concentration Area (12 credits from one of the following areas)

Advertising and Public Relations

Journalism

Integrated Communication

Theatre (On-Campus Only)

COMM Majors cannot minor in Communication Arts, Journalism, or Strategic Communication regardless of emphasis.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication Arts. 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level. 

Minor in Communication Arts 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN COMMUNICATION ARTS -21 semester hours as follows:: 

Plus 9 additional hours of electives from any COMM course (9 hours) 

Minor in Journalism 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN JOURNALISM -21 semester hours as follows:

Minor in Strategic Communication 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION-21 semester hours as follows:

Plus 6 additional hours of electives from any COMM course (6 hours)

Associate in Mass Communication Arts 

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ASSOCIATES IN MASS COMMUNICATION ARTS -18 semester hours as follows:: 

Associate in Communication Arts 

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ASSOCIATES IN COMMUNICATION ARTS -18 semester hours as follows:: 

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COMMUNICATION ARTS JOBS

From our minors in communication arts, journalism, and strategic communication to our associate degrees in mass communications and communication arts and up to our bachelor’s degree in communication, our programs will give you the tools you need to prepare for a number of communication careers.

WRITER1

A bachelor’s degree in Communications Arts from University of the Cumberlands can prepare you for a number of communication career fields and platforms, from broadcast journalism to storytelling. If you’re thinking about a career writing articles, books or scripts, the growth rate for writers and authors is 9 percent with a median wage of $69,510 annually.

Maybe your bachelor’s is just the first step … many graduates of the fine arts program go on to pursue additional certifications or degrees to explore careers in graphic design, advertising or even art therapy.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST2

Maybe you want to help craft the story the public will eventually learn about through their favorite media. Public relations specialists average $62,800 annually. And they’re in demand – a projected 11 percent growth rate over the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR3

Another direction you can take is in teaching – training the next generation of writers as a college or university instructor. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

"11 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Public Relations Specialists by 20302

From broadcast journalism to corporate marketing, a BA or BS in communication arts will prepare you for a number of career options, including:

  • Mass Media Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Content Creator
  • Announcer – Radio, Television, and Public Address
  • Communication Teacher (with secondary school certification)
  • Writer/Author/Blogger/Journalist
  • Reporter or Correspondent
  • Editor
  • Public Relations Specialist

1Writers and Authors
2Public Relations Specialists
3Postsecondary Teacher

More About Communication in the Arts 

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Faculty 

Knowing the faculty that you get to work with from day to day. Learn more about Communication in the Arts Faculty. 

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Clearly communicate your desire for a brighter future – come to UC for your communication arts degree! Call 877.713.8767  or simply fill out the form on this page for more information. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!

Admissions Office

Contact Us

Phone:  606.539.4240
Toll-Free:  877.713.8767
Fax:  606.539.4303
Email:  admissions@ucumberlands.edu

Visit Us In Person

6178 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769

Career Path

A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world.  Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.