Simmons College

The major in communications provides a foundation in the study of written, visual, and electronic media. Areas of specialization, called tracks, allow students to take developmental coursework in one area within the field. This program of study culminates in advanced coursework and capstone experiences like internships, independent study, and Studio Five — the department's student-run, professional communications workplace.

The communications major prepares students to enter the industry to become employed in a great variety of positions dealing with communications-related problems and opportunities that face contemporary businesses and organizations. Typical career paths are in the areas of publishing, print and broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising, video, graphic, Web, and multimedia design and production.

The major permits each student to engage in a combination of courses that derives its coherence from the topic or career area of interest to the student. Each student majoring in communications is required to take 40 semester hours of study in the department of communications.

Step One: The Communications Core

Requirements

The major requires five core courses exploring the areas of media and society, writing and editing, visual communication and the technology currently driving emerging media. A blend of theory and hands-on, practical projects prepares students for further developmental work in one of the department's tracks of study.

• COMM 120 Communications Media
• COMM 121 Visual Communication
• COMM 122 Writing and Editing Across the Media
• COMM 123 Communications Technologies
• COMM 124 Media, Messages, and Society

Students should complete the five core courses by the end of the second year of study in a four-year program. A student should declare her major at the end of the sophomore year. In this recommended sequence, the student would complete the core and then choose a track to declare at this time.

Step Two: Developmental Coursework

The department's academic program offers four tracks of study. They are:

• Integrated Media
• Writing
• Design
• Public Relations/Marketing Communications

The step two developmental coursework has been organized into three required courses, normally taken in sequence. Step two work can begin during the first two years of a student's program and can be taken concurrently with step one, provided the student takes the necessary step one core courses. In some cases, it is highly desirable for the student to begin step two even during the first year. The student should consult with her academic advisor.

Step Three: Required Electives

Students will have a list of courses from which to choose two electives for their track in the communications major. This arrangement allows students optimum flexibility and an opportunity to build competencies across areas of the discipline.

Step Four: Independent Learning Options (Capstone Experiences)
Students majoring in communications have four options to complete the all-College independent learning requirement. Ideally, the student should choose two of the four to complete the independent learning requirement of eight credits. Students may take up to 16 credits of field-based independent learning credits.

• COMM 350 Independent Study
• COMM 370 Internship
• COMM 380 Field Experience
• COMM 390 Studio Five: A Communications Workplace