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Grand Canyon University‛s Bachelor of Arts in Communication develops leaders in the fields of communication and media. A communication degree is a values-based liberal arts foundation that focuses on how to take information and convert it to a compelling message that is helpful to a particular audience. If you possess strong verbal and writing skills, this program may be ideal.
Effective communication is the cornerstone in all business situations. Students receiving a communication degree may be suited for a variety of career opportunities. Traditionally, students graduating with a communication degree have been interested in media-related jobs including journalism roles in newspaper or magazines, on-air talent on television or radio, working in a public relations firm, or writing roles within a marketing department. Students today are also finding a communication degree helpful when pursuing a career in digital media including blogging, creating a social media network, or working for a non-profit or special interest group.
After understanding the practice of communication as it relates to influencing attitude and behavior change, students will develop their own voice in their writing and storytelling, critical components to effective communication. The bachelor‛s degree in communications also included a study of ethical thinking, the principles of public relations, and how to promote positive communication across cultural differences.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| COM-126 | Communications and the Media | This course is a study of media history and theory with an emphasis on the implications and impact of mass messages on meaning, culture, and society. | 4 |
| COM-151 | History and Criticism of Visual Media | This course presents the history of visual art and its connection and influence on modern media. Students gain an artistic vocabulary by becoming familiar with many kinds of visual art, developing their skills in visual analysis, increasing their understanding of aesthetic theory, and applying that understanding in presentations. Prerequisite: COM 126. | 4 |
| COM-231 | Persuasive Theory | This course is a study of the theory and practice of communication as it relates to influencing attitude and behavioral change. The course begins by presenting a historical overview of persuasive theory from its classical beginnings and progresses to analyzing persuasive strategies and their use by contemporary practitioners. Examples for analysis are taken from advertising, public relations, religion, sales, politics, and propaganda. | 4 |
| PHI-305 | Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts | This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. | 4 |
| COM-302 | Writing for the Media | This course is a study of the content, styles, and formats of media writing, with an emphasis on the differences in writing across diverse media modalities. | 4 |
| COM-311 | Principles of Public Relations | This course presents an overview of the theory and practice of public relations, media relations, promotion, research, and campaigns, as well as an application of theory, through problem solving and case study. | 4 |
| COM-315 | Intercultural Communications | This course creates an awareness of the skills necessary to promote positive communication and relationships across cultural differences. Students explore verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors. Other cultures are explored through an examination of demographics, family structure, religion, politics, education, social life, art, and literature. | 4 |
| COM-321 | Public Relations Writing and Design | This course is a study of planning, producing, and evaluating written public relations messages for and from a variety of media, including print, broadcast, and the Web. Student writing assignments include news releases, newsletters, public service announcements, coverage memos, position papers, background papers, reports, and proposals. | 4 |
| COM-331 | Visual Media and Storytelling | This course focuses on the elements that make up almost all storytelling. Students are encouraged to discover and develop their unique voices as writers and storytellers, while understanding the critical importance of working as part of a creative team. This course emphasizes the use of traditional storytelling, classic mythology, and the ways in which these devices apply to contemporary media. | 4 |
| COM-435 | Consumer Communications and Behavior | This course provides an integrated marketing communications perspective for today‛s changing world as well as a behavioral science approach that studies distinct buyer strategies and decision-making processes of purchase by consumers. Topics include external and internal influences on today‛s buyers, purchase and postpurchase processes, customer satisfaction, customer commitment, branding and positioning, creative strategies, media strategies, distribution strategies, and integrated marketing communications. | 4 |
| COM-445 | Communication Issues and Critical Thinking | This course provides a capstone, or practicum, for the communications student that facilitates the practical application of historical and modern communications styles across modalities in language that is industry-specific. The course emphasizes the ethical and social responsibility of communications in real-world situations. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 44 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 44 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 36 - 42 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.