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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication

Communicate in a connected world.

There is a great need for great communicators in every corner of the world. Every industry. Every sector. No matter your passion, the ability to communicate effectively and powerfully can enable you to contribute and make an impact.

At William Woods University, communication majors find their niche in one of four concentrations: Digital Production, Leadership, Media Journalism, Sports Communications and Public Relations. Graduates have gone to pursue careers in broadcast, corporate communications, organizational promotions, and management. They are employed at television networks, non-profit organizations, professional sports teams, advertising agencies, and the list goes on.

Special opportunities

  • Join our team at the campus radio station, 94.9 FM The Pulse, where students can be live DJs, produce content, play music, and assist in managing the different aspects of the station
  • Get involved in a variety of student organizations on campus, including the Forensic (Speech and Debate) Team, Reel Fanatics Film Club, Served up Crispy Improvisation Team, and Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society
  • Write, produce, direct, act, and more in your own film. Then watch it at our annual film festival in the Fulton movie theatre
  • Use our alumni network and various connections to gain real-world internship experience

Our Communications degree at Work

Pursue an exciting career as a/an:

  • Radio news director, radio talk show host, disc jockey
  • Editor, journalist, publisher, proofreader
  • Television reporter, producer, news anchor, media editor, digital content producer, broadcasting production supervisor
  • Copywriter, advertising executive, public relations coordinator
  • Publicist
  • News Anchor
  • Media Editor
  • Digital Content Producer
  • Media Buyer
  • Production Assistant
  • Special Effects Artist
  • Colorist
  • Director, cinematographer
  • Lighting Supervisor
  • Sports Marketer or publicist
  • Company Spokesperson
  • Community Outreach Director
  • Lobbyist
  • Political Analyst
  • Social Media Manager
  • Communication Trainer
  • Quality Inspector
  • Activities Director
  • Human Resources Manager
  • And more

Students majoring in communication have many opportunities to pursue Master's degrees in Communication, Organizational Communication, Rhetoric & Critical/Cultural Studies, Mass (Media) Communication, Film Studies, and Leadership Communication, among others.

Recent Employers

Our students are highly sought after by distinguished employers across the country, including:

Communications Employer Logos

Other employers of our recent alumni include:

  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort
  • WSMV Channel 4
  • KRCG TV Channel 13
  • Zimmer Radio Group
  • Clear Vision Development Group
  • CN Video Production
  • Focus Pointe Global
  • True Media Advertising
  • The Callaway Bank
  • Y107 FM
  • Studio City KC

Alumni Perspectives

Graduating from William Woods University with a degree in communications, I was excited and confident that I was prepared to enter the workforce. From the classroom to my sorority, I left WWU having had the experience of a lifetime. The internships, hands-on class projects and a flourishing campus community at WWU, encompassed with a liberal arts base, helped me develop the skills I use every day in my job and personal life.

— Emily Hall, communication graduate, legislative manager for the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA)

My job would not be possible without the education I received at The Woods. Through one-on-one teaching and small classes, I was able to develop in-depth skills, work methods and relationships that I incorporated into my internship, then as an employee with a St. Louis production company and, later, into starting and running my own business.

— Stephen Boulware, communication graduate, field producer/videographer for REC, which films big game hunts all over the world

Requirements/Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Communication degree at William Woods University consists of 122 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 18 core major credits, 12 required electives, and a 21-hour concentration in Digital Filmmaking, Leadership, Media Journalism or Public Relations.

Courses you may take

COM 101 - Intro To Speech Communication -C - 3.00

Designed to introduce the student to the area of oral communication with exercise covering the various phases.

COM 110 - Writing for Multimedia - 3.00

In this class skills-based immersion into journalism, students will learn the foundations of journalism by reporting and writing the news using multiple platforms, including print, broadcast and the internet.

COM 150 - Visual Communication & Design - 3.00

An introduction to the creation and design of communication materials. Students will produce a variety of digital content designed for an audience.

COM 190 - Media & Mass Communication - 3.00

An introduction to the field of mass communication, its influence, and its ubiquity. Students will study the industries and history of print, broadcast, and digital media.

COM 221 - Contemporary Media Ethics -E - 3.00

Contemporary Media Ethics explores the following aspects of media decision-making: news, persuasion in advertising, persuasion and public relations, and entertainment. Student participation is required.

COM 231 - Commercial Video Production - 3.00

Students will gain an intermediate level of understanding in contemporary film and video production techniques and styles while creating content suited for advertising, marketing, and production house content.

COM 270 - Persuasive Campaigns -T - 3.00

This class teaches students how to identify, evaluate, and critique the persuasive qualities of political campaigns, advertising campaigns, religious campaigns, activist campaigns, health campaigns, sports campaigns, and social movement campaigns. Students will learn how persuasive campaigns work to impact people on a variety of levels while using different mediums—verbal, digital, nonverbal, and visual—to communicate their messages to achieve consensus and create change.

COM 316 - Small Group Leadership - 3.00

Small Group Communication is designed to increase students' understanding of group dynamics, particularly in decision-making task groups. Traditional topics such as role negotiation, leadership, and decision processes will be explored, emphasizing the need for balance between socio-emotional and task dimensions.

COM 320 - Communication Theory - 3.00

This course will introduce students to the structure, importance, and practical use of communication theory as it relates to their personal, professional, and social lives. Students will discover how theory can help them better understand, investigate, and critically answer questions about the nature of communication in today’s interconnected world. We will examine theories from a variety of communication contexts, including but not limited to intercultural, organizational, public, mass media, and interpersonal. This course is geared towards all undergraduate students who are interested in how theory and research can help them become more skilled communicators.

COM 330 - Freedom of Expression - 3.00

This course examines the theoretical and historical foundations of how we think about freedom of expression and its relationship to democratic culture. We will discuss landmark speech controversy cases and analyze how freedom of expression has been influenced through digital technology. We will explore the degree to which censorship has both historical and contemporary relevance within our society and consider how these systems of thought are communicated to public audiences. We will cover current freedom of expression topics including but not limited to social media, corporate power, free speech on campus, and free speech in politics.

COM 337 - Web & Social Media Campaigns - 3.00

Students will examine and develop online media campaigns, discovering success through audience engagement and interaction. Students will also produce a variety of content for publication through digital platforms, including websites and across social media.

COM 499 - Senior Seminar - 3.00

This senior-level capstone course focuses on all aspects of professional journalism. Students will be assigned a variety of projects similar to those assigned in professional media outlets. In addition, students will prepare for the job market by perfecting portfolios, tapes, and other application materials. Prerequisite:COM330

Curriculum

Admissions Information

Learn more about undergraduate admissions requirements, deadlines, tuition and financial aid available to you.

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