Communication

Program Statement

Students explore the fundamentals of human communication in theory and practice, analyze the historical and contemporary role of mass media and emerging new media in an increasingly diverse society, and develop communication skills while completing the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in communication.

Program Information

• This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete their baccalaureate program to pursue a career in communication including public relations, social media, journalism, film, politics and more.
• Students are required to take 20 courses for a total of 61-62 credits. Courses include communication and foundational disciplines such as history, math, science, and behavioral and social sciences.
• The program includes four core communication courses in which students gain marketable and transferable skills from professors who engage them in project-based learning providing tangible examples from industry and international experience.
• Students also take a required internship or practicum course where they gain practical experience through field-based learning in the community or on campus with the student newspaper or television news program.
• Through courses and co-curricular activities, students have access to a professional TV studio and podcast.
• Based on advising and assessment of individual needs and direction, students select three communication-related elective courses.
• Students should follow the recommended course sequence and meet with their Communication faculty advisor to discuss transfer and career goals, progress, courses and opportunities as needed throughout the semester.

After Bristol

• Qualified Communication students transfer to four-year schools and may choose from among a variety of careers to pursue that are related to the communication field.
• Bristol participates in the statewide MassTransfer program and has developed many program-to-program transfer articulation agreements which guarantee admission and credit transfer. For a complete listing of eligible MassTransfer programs, current Bristol articulation agreements, and to complete an A2B Program Search, visit the Transfer Services website to review which credits will be transferred and applied to your degree. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Explain fundamental theoretical concepts related to human communication.
2. Apply fundamental theoretical concepts to specific contexts to facilitate effective communication.
3. Identify key figures and events related to the development of major mass media and emerging new media.
4. Explain the potential effects of media on an increasingly diverse society.
5. Demonstrate oral, written, and mediated communication skills.
6. Explain ethical issues related to interpersonal, intercultural, group, organizational, and public communication in order to create strategies to help address some of those issues.
7. Research a communication-related career that matches their skill set and/or interests in this rapidly-changing field to develop a career plan.