Communications Program

The Major in Communications develops the capabilities of each student by providing a balance between practical experience and theory. Flexible requirements allow the department to accommodate individual backgrounds, needs and interests. Students are encouraged to participate in internship programs to get on-the-job Communications experience.

The revolution in technology has given added importance to the study of Communications. Job titles and employment opportunities are changing so rapidly that the possession of transferable skills involving the creation, analysis, processing, and distribution of information is more important than ever.

In addition to providing training for specialists, the department strives to equip its students with the communication background necessary for their personal endeavors and career pursuits.

Like any Bachelor of Arts or Science program, the Communications program of study requires General Education courses as well as courses in the major. General academic policies and requirements for graduation are as follows.

The student must meet:

1. All curriculum requirements, including General Education requirements, requirements in the major(s) or concentration(s), and, if applicable, requirements in the minor(s).

2. The College Writing Requirement.

3. The College Mathematics Requirement.

4. A minimum of 120 credits, with a minimum of 30 taken at Rhode Island College. Of the 30 credits, a minimum of 15 must be in the major (12 of which must be at the 300 or 400 level).

5. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Along with the General Education requirements, students desiring the Communications Major, may concentrate in the following areas:

Graphic Communications

This concentration focuses on the careers in the printing and publishing profession. Students have the opportunity to learn electronic publishing, digital photo reproduction, color correction, offset printing, and how to prepare and set up electronic portfolios. Included in this concentration are courses in web design and production for maximum usability. Rhode Island College features up-to-date equipment and the latest programs, with great instructors to help you on your way!

Graphic Communications Advising Form.

Graphic Communications Concentration Brochure.

Public and Professional Communications

The Public and Professional Communication Concentration focuses on oral and written communication skills for people interested in management, government, or a profession dealing with people in public and interpersonal settings.

Public and Professional Communications Advising Form.

Public and Professional Communications Concentration Brochure.

Public Relations

The Public Relations Concentration is for students interested in a career in strategic communications: public relations, publicity, advertising, and to some degree, marketing. The focus is on facilitating communications for both an organization and its publics. Using both the theoretical and the applied, an internship is required to provide on-the-job experience.

Public Relations Advising Form.

Click here to download Public Relations Concentration detail.

Speech and Hearing Sciences

The Speech and Hearing Sciences Concentration is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of speech, language and hearing. Our curriculum covers the core courses considered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to be prerequisites for graduate study. While an advanced degree in speech-language pathology or audiology is required by ASHA, our undergraduate program offers students the necessary background for graduate study. Many of our students go on the pursue advanced degrees.

Speech and Hearing Sciences Concentration Advising Form.

Speech and Hearing Sciences Brochure.

Mass Media Communications

The Mass Media Communications Concentration prepares students for careers in radio, television, cable and entertainment industries. Students are encouraged to utilize the multi-media laboratory, and join student-run organizations such as The Anchor, the student newspaper; RICTV; and WXIN RIC Radio. Internships in local media outlets are encouraged.

Mass Media Communications Concentration Advising Form.