Communication, B.A.

Messages matter, and the Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree program at Saint Louis University teaches students to design, deliver and analyze messages so students can influence, connect and inform. In a world where information is plentiful and complex, technology changes rapidly and globalization connects cultures, studying communication gives students the flexibility to adapt and the skills to succeed in their academic, professional and personal lives.

The Department of Communication at Saint Louis University integrates the study of human communication, media and strategic communication in innovative ways to prepare students for careers in journalism and media; advertising; public relations; and corporate, government and nonprofit settings. Students develop skills to be culturally competent and ethically responsible communicators in their fields. At SLU, communication students learn to create, engage and think critically.

Create

  • Students develop writing, speaking and digital production skills that prepare them for professional success. Studies consistently show that employers value these skills in the workplace.

Engage

  • Students are given opportunities to participate in service endeavors as part of their coursework experiences. They explore ways that communication contributes to the greater good and learn to use communication principles to promote social justice.

Think Critically

  • Students learn about communication theories and research tools. They develop critical skills for analysis and application of theory to practice, and they hone their ability to gather and analyze data in professional contexts.

Curriculum Overview

Our multimedia resources offer students the opportunity to explore the latest communication technologies. Faculty members help students become lifelong learners of technology, able to adapt to inevitable change and think critically about the social implications of technological changes.

Program highlights include:

  • Small class sizes and close connections to faculty along with many professional development opportunities
  • An emphasis on the role communication plays in promoting social justice
  • International campus connections with the communication program on our Madrid campus

Across concentrations, students develop strong oral, written and digital communication skills. Students choose from one of three different concentrations:

Communication Studies

In the communication studies concentration, students study human interaction in interpersonal, organizational and public contexts. They develop skills for communicating effectively within and across cultures in a diverse society and functioning effectively in informal and formal leadership roles in various settings. These skills include working in teams, solving problems, managing conflict, engaging in advocacy and developing relationships.

Integrated Strategic Communication

In the integrated strategic communication concentration, students develop a portfolio showcasing their skills in content creation, campaign research and strategic planning, and print and digital design. Coursework in this concentration helps develop students' critical thinking so they can understand and evaluate all aspects of the campaign process and make decisions based on the strategic needs of an organization, corporation or agency. Students leave the program with campaign creation and implementation expertise for local, regional and national clients.

Journalism and Media Studies

In the journalism and media studies concentration, students develop essential skills to succeed in a constantly evolving media landscape. Courses in this concentration teach students to evaluate and adapt to changes in media and expose them to a wide range of technologies, theoretical perspectives, ethical decision-making principles and storytelling skills across media platforms.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

In addition to internships, students participate in several activities and media organizations outside the classroom, such as:

  • KSLU radio, The University News, OneWorld and Her Campus
  • Strategic Communication Club

Depending upon the classes that they take, students also have opportunities to work with community organizations to develop solutions for communication-based problems, create social media plans, develop integrated communication campaigns, engage in strategic planning and create a variety of print and digital materials for community organizations. 

Careers

More than 90% of graduates from the undergraduate program begin a career in their chosen field. SLU students majoring in communication continue to have a variety of successful careers in advertising or public relations agencies, large corporations, nonprofits, small businesses and media organizations.

Some of the positions they hold include:

  • Agency account executive
  • Broadcast news reporter
  • Community relations specialist
  • Content data analyst
  • Content development specialist/strategist
  • Copywriter/editor
  • Corporate giving director
  • Corporate responsibility manager
  • Creative director
  • Digital marketing coordinator
  • Event coordinator
  • Graphic designer
  • Human resources specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Magazine writer
  • Market researcher
  • Media relations specialist
  • Multiplatform journalist
  • Online content creator
  • Public information officer
  • School district communication liaison
  • Social media coordinator/strategist
  • Television producer
  • Youth development facilitator with Peace Corps

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $52,260

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2022, 99% of first-time freshmen and 90% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $445 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by December 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. Graduates will be able to create oral, written and digital messages relevant to the audience, purpose and context.
  2. Graduates will be able to apply communication theory.
  3. Graduates will be able to engage in communication research.
  4. Graduates will be able to critically analyze messages.
  5. Graduates will be able to demonstrate cultural communication competence.
  6. Graduates will be able to apply ethical communication principles and practices.
  7. Graduates will be able to recognize and address systemic injustice and inequity in pursuit of a just society.

Communication students must complete a minimum total of 39 credits for the major.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Major Requirements
CMM 1000Human Communication and Culture3
CMM 1200Public Speaking3
CMM 2400Media and Society3
CMM 2800Communication Research3
Concentrations
Select one of the following Concentrations or the Madrid-Only Option:27
General Electives47-50
Total Credits121

Communication Studies Concentration

Writing Requirement
CMM 2120Message Design3
Foundations Requirements9
Select three courses (9 credits) with the 'CMM Studies Explorations' attribute, such as:
Interpersonal Communication
Organizational Communication
Intercultural Communication
Social Justice Communication
Gender and Communication
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
Video Production and Design
Photojournalism
Documentary Production
Publication Design
Multiplatform Journalism
Digital Storytelling
Communication Inquiry Requirement3
Select one course (3 credits) with the 'CMM Studies Comm Inquiry' attribute, such as:
Community-based Inquiry
Investigating Complexities in Health Communication: Collaborative Research in Action
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two additional courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Integrated Strategic Communication

Writing Requirement
CMM 2100Journalism: News Writing3
Advanced Writing Elective
CMM 3610Writing for Public Relations3
or CMM 3710 Copywriting
Foundations Requirement
CMM 3500Integrated Strategic Communication Principles3
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
Video Production and Design
Photojournalism
Documentary Production
Publication Design
Multiplatform Journalism
Digital Storytelling
Advanced Research Requirement
CMM 4700Applied Research and Campaign Planning3
Practicum Requirement
CMM 4600Integrated Communications Campaigns3
or CMM 4720 NSAC Advertising Competition
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two additional courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Journalism and Media Studies Concentration

Writing Requirement
CMM 2100Journalism: News Writing3
Advanced Writing Elective3
Select one course (3 credits) with the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute, such as:
Feature Writing
Media Scriptwriting
Multiplatform Journalism
Editing
Foundations Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM JAMS Foundations' attribute, such as:
Media Ethics
Analysis of Popular Culture
Stereotyping and Bias in the Mass Media
Theory of Free Expression
Production Requirement6
Select two courses (6 credits) with the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute, such as:
Video Production and Design
Photojournalism
Documentary Production
Publication Design
Multiplatform Journalism
Digital Storytelling
Advanced JAMS Elective
Select one additional course (3 credits) with either the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute OR the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute. 3
Communication Elective Courses6
Select two courses (6 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Total Credits27

Madrid-Only Option

Writing for Communication
CMM 2100Journalism: News Writing3
Foundation Courses
Select four courses out of these three foundation sections12
Mass Media & Representation
Film Criticism
Political Communication
International Cinema
Analysis of Popular Culture
Global Media
Theories: Discourse, Relating & Community
Communication Theory
Interpersonal Communication
Intercultural Communication
Theories of Persuasion
Production: Journalism & Visual Communication
Photojournalism
Feature Writing
Multiplatform Journalism
Communication Elective Courses9
Select three courses (9 credits) with a CMM subject code, as long as they have not been used to meet other major requirements.
Advanced Research
CMM 4800Introduction to the Ethnography of Communication3
Total Credits27
 

Continuation Standards

After completing 18 credits in the major, a student must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the major. Failure to meet this standard will result in the student being placed on probation. If the student's GPA in the major does not reach 2.00 after two additional semesters, the department may dismiss the student from the program.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
  • Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
  • Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
  • Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
  • Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
  • Complete department-/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
  • Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
  • Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Communication Studies Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CMM 1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Course 3
 Credits16
Spring
CMM 1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CMM 2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
CMM 2120 Message Design 3
CMM 2800 Communication Research 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Communication Production Course 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
Communication Studies Explorations Course 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Spring
CMM Studies Comm Inquiry Course 3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits121

Integrated Strategic Communication Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CMM 1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits16
Spring
CMM 1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CMM 2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
CMM 2800 Communication Research 3
CMM 2100 Journalism: News Writing 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
CMM 3500 Integrated Strategic Communication Principles 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
Communication Production Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
CMM 3610
Writing for Public Relations
or Copywriting
3
CMM 4700 Applied Research and Campaign Planning 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
CMM 4600
Integrated Communications Campaigns
or NSAC Advertising Competition
3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits121

Journalism and Media Studies Concentration 

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
CMM 1000 Human Communication and Culture 3
CORE 1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 3
CORE 1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits16
Spring
CMM 1200 Public Speaking 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Year Two
Fall
CMM 2400 Media and Society 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
CMM 2800 Communication Research 3
CMM 2100 Journalism: News Writing 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Year Three
Fall
Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Course 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
Spring
Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 6
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
Journalism and Media Studies Advanced Writing Course 3
Communication Elective or Internship 3
Communication Production Course 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
 Credits15
Spring
Advanced Journalism and Media Studies Elective Course 3
Communication Elective 3
University Undergraduate Core Courses 6
Minor/2nd Major/Elective Courses 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits121

Communication Studies Explorations Courses

CMM 3000Interpersonal Communication3
CMM 3060Political Communication3
CMM 3090Health Communication3
CMM 3200Organizational Communication3
CMM 3300Intercultural Communication3
CMM 3840Analysis of Popular Culture3
CMM 4000Family Communication3
CMM 4050Theories of Persuasion3
CMM 4070Social Justice Communication3
CMM 4200Leadership and Teams3
CMM 4300Gender and Communication3
CMM 4310Dialogue Facilitation: Communication Strategies to Support Social Justice3
CMM 4320Communicating Across Racial Divisions3
CMM 4430Culture, Technology and Communication3

Communication Production Courses

CMM 1500Introduction to Digital Media Production3
CMM 2510Video Production and Design3
CMM 2550Photojournalism3
CMM 3120Media Scriptwriting3
CMM 3510Studio Production3
CMM 3530Documentary Production3
CMM 3560Publication Design3
CMM 4100Multiplatform Journalism3
CMM 4500Digital Portfolios and Professional Practice3
CMM 4810Digital Storytelling3

Journalism and Media Studies Foundations Courses

CMM 3420Literary Journalism3
CMM 3440Media Ethics3
CMM 3840Analysis of Popular Culture3
CMM 4350Stereotyping and Bias in the Mass Media3
CMM 4420Theory of Free Expression3
CMM 4430Culture, Technology and Communication3
CMM 4460Global Media3
CMM 4470Media and Politics3

Journalism and Media Studies Advanced Writing Courses

CMM 3110Feature Writing3
CMM 3120Media Scriptwriting3
CMM 3130Editorial and Opinion Writing3
CMM 4100Multiplatform Journalism3
CMM 4160Editing3

Advanced Journalism and Media Studies Elective Courses

Select one additional course (3 credits) with either the 'CMM JAMS Advanced Writing' attribute or the 'CMM Production Course Req' attribute.

An international track of the communication major is offered at SLU's campus in Madrid.

Learn More

2+SLU programs are formal  transfer agreements for students seeking an associate degree at a partner institution.