The Communication major (36 units) is for students interested in pursuing a career in either print or broadcast media or in the field of public relations. Students complete a communications curriculum requirement and select either the Journalism or Public Relations Track. Each student completes an internship to gain "hands-on" experience to complement classroom learning.

Students in the Journalism Track will learn to:

1. Develop story ideas;
2. Gather pertinent information from the appropriate sources;
3. Synthesize that information and prepare it for print and broadcast media;
4. Use professional journalistic standards and the Judeo-Christian ethic as the basis for effective, accurate and objective treatment of information;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the social responsibilities of a free press; and
6. Demonstrate a full range of writing and editing skills and apply them in both print and broadcast media.

Students in the Public Relations Track will learn to:

1. Research and develop communication strategies;
2. Create and evaluate persuasive strategies;
3. Use professional public relations standards and the Judeo-Christian ethic as the basis for effective, accurate and objective treatment of information;
4. Prepare and disseminate those messages in a variety of media; and
5. Develop and manage communication campaigns, programs and organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of study. Students in this program must complete 48 hours of Core General Education courses, 30-36 hours within their chosen major, 30 hours of Biblical and Theological Studies courses, and 3 hours of Christian or Community service. Each student, in consultation with his/her advisor, must declare a major no later than the end of the sophomore year. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 30 units of study at Patten University.