The communications major supports the following goal of Milligan College:
Graduates with a major in communications are expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how various media shape modern life, emphasizing the relationship between Christian faith and life;
- Demonstrate the ability to think, speak, and write clearly and effectively in their area of expertise (digital media studies, film studies, interpersonal and public communication, multimedia journalism, and public relations and advertising)
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of their area of expertise;
- Demonstrate knowledge of current research in their field of expertise;
- Demonstrate skill in computer applications relating to their area of expertise.
Communications major - B.A. or B.S.
Required core courses (16 hrs)
In addition to the 16 hours of Communications core courses, a student must complete hours in one of the following emphases:
Digital Media Studies emphasis
Required courses for Digital Media Studies emphasis (23 hrs)
Total number of hours required for a Communications major with an emphasis in Digital Media Studies: 39
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Film Studies emphasis
Required courses for Film Studies emphasis (23 hrs)
Total number of hours required for a Communications major with an emphasis in Film Studies: 39
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Interpersonal and Public Communications emphasis
Required courses for Interpersonal and Public Communication emphasis (23 hrs)
Total number of hours required for a Communications major with an emphasis in Interpersonal and Public Communications: 39
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Multimedia Journalism emphasis
Required Courses for Multimedia Journalism emphasis (23 hrs)
Practicum: 2 hours from either of the following (students may repeat these courses over multiple semesters):
Reporting/Writing Electives (Choose one)
Multimedia Electives (Choose One)
Total number of hours required for a Communications major with an emphasis in Multimedia Journalism: 39
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Public Relations and Advertising emphasis
Required courses for Public Relations and Advertising emphasis (23 hrs)
COMM 491 Internship (3 hrs) or 3 hrs from the following:
COMM electives: additional 5 hours selected with approval of adviser
Total number of hours required for a Communications major with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising: 39
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To earn a bachelor’s degree, a student must complete 128 semester hours in courses with course numbers at the 100 level or above. In addition to courses in the major (and minor, if applicable), students must complete the requirements for a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree as described on Pages 39-43 of the 2012-13 catalog. The B.A. degree requires foreign language through the intermediate level.
Senior Major Exam
In lieu of a senior major exam, all Communications majors must successfully complete COMM 432 Communications Law and Ethics.
Communications minor
Required courses in the minor:
Total number of required hours: 18
A Digital Media Studies minor (see Page 82), Film Studies minor (see Page 99), Graphic Design minor (see page 104), Multimedia Journalism minor (see Page 115), Public Relations and Advertising minor (see Page 133 and a Photography minor (see Page 125) are also available.
Additional Opportunities
Washington Journalism Center (WJC)
A cooperative program with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Washington Journalism Center is an advanced, experiential semester in Washington, D.C. Students engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on reporting. The 16-credit-hour program is designed to cultivate professional news skills and encourage students to think through the implications of being a Christian working in the news media. Students are encouraged to apply to attend during their sophomore or junior year.
Los Angeles Film Studies Program (LAFSP)
This semester-long, 16-credit hour program sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities allows students to study filmmaking in Los Angeles while doing internships at businesses in the entertainment industry. It is recommended that the LAFSP be taken during the first semester of the senior year.
Contemporary Music Center (CMC)
The Contemporary Music Center, located in Nashville, TN, is a semester-long, 16-credit hour interdisciplinary off-campus study program that provides a community for young musicians and aspiring music executives to plumb the depths of their creative souls and test the waters of a career in popular music. Designed as an artists’ community, the program seeks to develop artists and music executives with a Christ-centered vision for music content, production, and delivery. The mission of the CMC is to prepare students academically and creatively for potential careers in the music industry.
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