BA/BS in Communication and Media Studies

The communication major teaches students to write, speak and persuade with purpose, combining theory with practical work. The curriculum is organized around concentrations, including journalism, where students study how news organizations operate and learn multimedia reporting, and public relations, which centers on planning and managing the relationship between organizations and their audiences. Hands-on opportunities are close at hand. The university runs its own TV studio, campus radio and student paper, and students may pursue internships in the local area or in Washington, D.C. The page also notes that applicants to the university are not asked for an essay, standardized test scores or recommendation letters, apart from certain special program admissions, and it describes a small-school environment with accessible faculty. The major is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences at Westfield State University. Prospective students can request information, plan a campus visit or apply through the program page.