Communication (BA/BS) Program Overview

“It’s often said, ‘Communication is power.’ With effective communication, you have the power to help, heal, influence, lead, and solve countless problems in the world today,” said Dr. Cynthia Bascom, Chair, Department of Communication.

Sharing information honestly and conveying inspirational ideas with clarity has become more important than ever. As a communications major at Bluefield University, you’ll learn to skillfully craft messages that matter. From writing and reporting to digital strategy and public relations, our courses provide tools and hands-on training for journalism or marketing. With access to our innovative Mac Lab and practical experience at The Rampage, our student-run newspaper, you’ll connect with others in the field.

The communication degree, with its three concentrations and Christian worldview in digital marketing, modern media, or sports communication, prepares you to become an ethical decision-maker. Caring faculty guide you to find your voice, while professional internships at a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations refine your expertise. Pursue your communication degree and reach global audiences with purpose and authority.

Available Concentrations


Digital Marketing Concentration

For consumers, it’s a digital world. That’s why there is an increased demand for digital marketing experts. These specialists are skilled in social media, search engine optimization, copywriting, analytics, email marketing, website content design, blogging, and mobile marketing. Career paths include social media manager, copywriter, digital analyst, and digital marketing project manager.

Modern Media Concentration

Modern media needs ethical thinkers and expert communicators. They may tell stories as a news reporter, promote products and services for a corporation, or coordinate publicity for a non-profit organization using traditional and new media. Students learn to work across all different platforms of media as writers, reporters, editors, web and publication designers, or publicists.

Sports Communication Concentration

Communication is an integral part of the sports world. The sports communication concentration prepares expert communicators equipped to succeed as sports reporters and writers, sports promoters, and sports information directors. Students focus on the methods and techniques for communicating about sports through both traditional and new media.


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS)
General Education (52 Credits)
General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors. Students seeking a BA degree must complete 6 credit hours of intermediate language studies.

  • Bluefield Core (9 Credits)
  • Composition (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • History (6 Credits)
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Math (3 Credits)
  • Science (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)
Major Requirements (39 Credits)

  • Mass Communication
  • Media Writing
  • Introduction to Media Management
  • (Choose One)
    • Principles of Digital Marketing
    • Introduction to Sports Communication
  • Publishing with InDesign
  • Media & Society
  • Public Relations I
  • (Choose One)
    • Advertising & Promotions
    • Public Relations II
  • Media Law
  • Media Ethics
  • Seminar in Communication
  • Senior Project
  • Internship
Concentration (15 Credits)

Choose your Concentration (3 Available)


  • Concentration – Digital Marketing
    • Intermediate Media Management   
    • Advanced Media Management                
    • Digital Media Strategy                             
    • User Experience Web Design               
    • Video Storytelling
    • Digital Marketing Data Analysis
  • Concentration – Modern Media
    • Modern English Grammar    
    • Journalism  
    • Intermediate Media Management  
    • Advanced Media Management
    • (Choose 1)
      • Video Storytelling
      • Photography
  • Concentration – Sports Communication
    • Sports Reporting across the Media
    • Sport Marketing
    • Sports Information
    • (Choose 1)
      • User Experience Web Design
      • Intermediate Media Management
      • Advanced Media Management
    • (Choose 1)
      • Video Storytelling
      • Photography 
Electives (14 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Public Relations Specialist
Editor
Marketing Coordinator
Journalist
Product Marketing Manager

Request Information

Visit Our Campus

Apply Today

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

This form requires credentials in order to request information.