Communication Degrees Online

Graduates with a major in communications are expected to 1) demonstrate an understanding of how various media shape modern life, emphasizing the relationship between Christian faith and life; 2) demonstrate the ability to think and write clearly and effectively in their area of expertise (broadcasting, digital media studies, film studies, journalism, and public relations 3) demonstrate a practical knowledge of their area of expertise; 4) demonstrate knowledge of current research in their field of expertise; 5) demonstrate skill in computer applications relating to their area of expertise.

The major in communications may be a B.A. program that requires completion of a foreign language through the intermediate level. The student may elect the B.S. degree that requires CIS 275 and, in the journalism and public relations emphases, MATH 213.

In addition to the 15 hours of core courses, a student must complete 24 hours in one of the following emphases: broadcasting, digital media studies, film studies, interpersonal and public communication, journalism, or public relations.

Accreditation Information :
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Bellarmine strives to enroll a freshman class with diverse talents and backgrounds. We expect entering freshmen to be academically prepared to succeed at Bellarmine as demonstrated by their admission test scores, high-school grades and high school curriculum. Students who possess a 21 ACT or a 990 SAT, have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in a college prep curriculum, and are ranked in the top 50% of their class are generally admitted.

The minimum high school requirements for admission are as follows:
Four (4) units of English
Three (3) units of Math, including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
Three (3) units of social sciences and history
Two (2) units of natural sciences with labs.
Two (2) units of foreign language

Each application is reviewed individually. Bellarmine also considers trends in grades, difficulty of curriculum, extracurricular activities, lead

Scholarship Designations

Ruter Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $3,000 to $7,000 per year.

Mood Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $7,001 to $12,000 per year.

Cody Scholar designation will be given to students who are awarded scholarships in the range of $12,001 to $19,000 per year.

Step One: Academic Base Award $3,000 To $8,000

To establish your base award, select one of the six below for which you meet the requirements. Students must establish an Academic Base Award. If a student does not meet the guidelines listed in this category, s/he cannot receive scholarships from the bonus award sections.$3,000 3.5 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.3 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$4,000 3.6 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.4 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$5,000 3.7 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.5 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$6,000 3.8 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.6 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$7,000 3.9 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.7 gpa at a 4 year college or university
$8,000 4.0 gpa at a two-year college or a 3.8 gpa at a 4 year college or university

$_____ This is your Academic Base Award ($3,000 - $8,000)

Step Two: High School Bonus Award $2,000 To $3,000
Add the corresponding amount below to your Academic Base Award. If you do not meet the guidelines for an Academic Base Award, you cannot receive a High School Bonus Award. $2,000 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Top 10% H.S. class (if high school did not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.6 gpa on a 4.0 scale in academic work)/1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$2,500 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Top 5% of H.S. class (if high school did not rank, have the equivalent of a 3.8 gpa on a 4.0 scale in academic work)/ 1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$3,000 18 Secondary School Academic Units/Ranked #1 or #2 of H.S. class/1150 SAT (critical reading (verbal) & math combination) or 26 ACT
$_____ This is your High School Bonus Award ($2,000 - $3,000)

Step Three: Distinction Bonus Award $0 To $8,000

You must first meet the guidelines for an Academic Base Award before you can receive a Distinction Bonus Award. The admission staff will use the following criteria to evaluate each candidate in this category: evidence of leadership & community service, quality of the application essay, quality of essays written for SAT and/or ACT, and an official personal interview. Personal interview must be conducted no later than April 15, for fall enrollment and November 15, for spring enrollment. For more information about scheduling a personal interview call the Southwestern University Office of Admission at (800) 252-3166. Keep in mind that each element is weighed in comparison to other students in our applicant pool.$2,000 $2,000 National Achievement Semifinalist or National Hispanic Scholar
$1,000 4 to 6 International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) classes
$2,000 7 or more International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) classes
$0 - $1,000 Leadership & Service, Essay(s), and Personal Interview
$3,000 Phi Theta Kappa Recognition Award
$_____ This is your Distinction Bonus Award ($0 - $8,000)

Step Four: Total Amount In Merit Scholarship Program

Enter the sum of your Academic Base, High School Bonus and Distinction Bonus Awards. All academic scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains a minimum grade point average as specified in the award letter. When demonstrated financial need is greater than the academic scholarship value, the scholarship will become part of the overall need-based award.$_____ This is your total per year ($3,000 - $19,000)

Other Scholarships, Grants & Programs
Fine Arts Scholarships And Performance Grants Up To $12,000

Students are eligible for awards in vocal and instrumental music, theatre and art. Awards are renewable. Auditions or portfolio reviews are required. Contact Southwestern University’s Sarofim School of Fine Arts at 512-863-1504 or visit www.southwestern.edu for specific audition/portfolio dates and requirements.
Beneficiary Grants $6,000

As a United Methodist-related institution, Southwestern University has restricted funds to assist dependents of United Methodist clergy. Contact the Office of Admission for application information.
Preministerial Grants $1,000

Southwestern offers scholarships to students interested in a career in full-time ministry. Contact the Office of Admission for application information.
National Hispanic Institute Recognition $2,000

Southwestern has funds to support students who have participated in one or all of the following NHI programs: Young Leaders Conference (YLC); Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ); or Collegiate World Series (CWS). Interested students must cite participation in a resume or in admission application materials.
National Merit Scholar Recognition $2,000

Southwestern sponsors merit awards for named scholars in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students must name Southwestern as their first choice university by contacting the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Core Comminucation Requirements: 30 units for both Public Relations/Advertising and Theory emphases:
COMM 104, 226, 244, 285, 288, 328, 344, 485, 490

Required Cognate: Math 251 Introduction to Statistics (4), or BUAD 341 for COMM 490

Public Relations and Advertising
69 units total (27 units upper division) including the core curriculum; the remaining 39 units include the following specified 20 units from Communication and 19 units from Art:
COMM 215, 237, 238, 315, and 338 or 339
ARTS 194B, 194C, 248, 255, 344, 345
Required Cognate: ARTS 115, prerequisite for ARTS 116 and ARTS 248
Recommended: COMM 494 (4), Internship (4)

Theory
62 units total (28 units upper division) including the core curriculum; the remaining 32 units include the following 20 specified Communication units and 12 Communication units (4 units must be upper division) that a student chooses in consultation with advisor: COMM 202, 264B, 365, 487A, 488

MINOR IN COMMUNICATION

32 units (16 upper division), including
COMM 202 Social Rhetoric (4)
COMM 226 Mass Media in Society (4)
COMM 244 Interpersonal Communication (4)
COMM 288 Communication Theory I (4)
COMM 285/485 Communication Colloquium (Four years of residence requires 1 unit of 285 and 1 unit of 485)