Communication and Media Major, B.A.

The study of Communication at Merrimack provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to human interaction. The Communication and Media major examines verbal and nonverbal messages as they shape and are shaped by relationships, organizations, and media. Our program at Merrimack explores practices, processes, and contexts in which communication occurs. Communication and Media courses provide students with opportunities to examine the theories and research used to develop the discipline as well as the skills and knowledge to meet the complex communication challenges of the 21st century.

According to a national survey of employers, communication is the most important skill sought when hiring and promoting. Our goal is to develop sophisticated producers and consumers of communication who understand how face-to-face and mediated messages influence and shape daily life and public opinion. Students graduating from the program are able to critically analyze oral, written, and visual communication.

Major Requirements

This bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 124 credits. As part of the overall 124 credit minimum, the Communication and Media major requires the completion of a minimum of 38 credits and a minimum of ten (10) courses, as outlined below:

The following core courses are required of all Communication and Media majors:

COM1020 Public Communication

COM2010 Research Inquiry

COM2401 Introduction to Mass Communication

COM2801 Introduction to Applied Communication

COM4900 Senior Seminar

Five (5) additional Communication and Media courses are also required. Two (2) must be praxis courses and three (3) must be theory courses. Praxis courses are typically indicated by a 3000 level course number. For example, COM3422, Introduction to Television Production, would count as a praxis course. Theory courses are typically indicated by a 4000 level course number. For example, COM4510, Persuasion and Social Influence, would count as a theory course.

COM 1020 - Public Communication Credits: 4
COM 2010 - Research Inquiry Credits: 4
COM 2401 - Introduction to Mass Communication
COM 2801 - Introduction to Applied Communication Credits: 4
COM 4900 - Senior Seminar Credits: 4
Five (5) additional COM courses are also required, as follows:
Two (2) Praxis courses and Three (3) Theory courses. Praxis courses are typically indicated by a 3000 level course number. For example, COM 3422 - Introduction to Television Production would count as a Praxis course. Theory courses are typically indicated by a 4000 level course number. For example, COM 4510 - Persuasion and Social Influence would count as a Theory course.