Communication is the backbone of 21st century society and the modern economy — the driving force behind community action, societal change and many business endeavors. Whether you are interested in social media, digital communications/marketing, fundraising, human resources or any other field, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, you’ll master the skill employers consistently rank as most important in the workforce: effective communication. This program provides a foundation for success in careers across government, business, nonprofits and beyond.
When employers are asked what they look for in new hires, communication skills top the list every time. The key to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies is flexibility. The curriculum allows students to design an individual, communication-based program of coursework that prepares them for the future. The Communication Studies major provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed across professional industries — from government and business to nonprofits and education. The program's mission is to teach students to communicate effectively, lead responsibly, understand how communication affects identities, communities and cultures, think analytically and reason critically.
The Communication Studies major comprises the following concentrations (both of which are offered in-person or fully online):
Students may apply early to the following master's degree programs and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.
There are many study abroad/away opportunities. For more information contact the Office of Global Education or coordinator of the college's International Study Programs.
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.
First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.
International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score or minimum 48 PTE Academic score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive Program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.
Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.
Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.
Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.
Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the program's Coursework tab.
Graduates of this program will be able to:
The program learning outcomes reflect the university's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, creativity and community outreach and engagement.
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