Communication

A communication major can take you down a variety of career paths from public relations and journalism to social media management and public speaking.

Why Study Communication at Valpo?

No matter your dream job, a degree in communication will provide an excellent foundation in effective verbal, written, and visual communication found valuable in various careers. You will learn how to use a wide variety of communication outlets, determine your target audience, analyze the context, and create messages with the appropriate meaning for your communication goals. In addition, communication majors are encouraged to get involved with the diverse media outlets run through the department, including the campus newspaper, radio station, television station, and yearbook.

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About Our Communication Degrees

Communication majors strive to master verbal, written, and visual communication skills valued in multiple careers including public relations, journalism, marketing, advertising, sales, and business. Students develop the tools necessary to create messages for diverse audiences and critically analyze media messages.

General Information

Major Requirements

Bachelor of Arts – Communication Major (Minimum 33 Cr.)
CVA 100	Introduction to Media and Visual Arts
CVA 145	Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
CVA 243	Public Speaking
CVA 265	Public Relations Principles
CVA 302	Intellectual Property and Communication Law
CVA 386	Internship
CVA 499	Capstone Senior Project

One of the following concentrations:

General Communication

Take one course from the following options:
CVA 345	Leadership Communication
CVA 366	Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
CVA 315	Intercultural Communication

Take one course from the following options:
CVA 244	Persuasion and Advocacy
CVA 361	Advanced Journalism and Conflict Resolution
CVA 472	Screenwriting

Six additional CVA credits:
Any CVA courses
ENGL 311	New Literacies, Technology, and Cultures, Of Writing	3 Cr.
ENGL 342	Grammar, Style, and Editing	3 Cr.
ENGL 431	Advanced Writing and Rhetoric	3 Cr.

Journalism

CVA 160	Media Storytelling
CVA 230	Graphic Design
CVA 261	Foundations of Journalism
CVA 361	Advanced Journalism (satisfies WID)

Public Relations

CVA 261

Foundations of Journalism

Take one course from the following options:
CVA 345	Leadership Communication
CVA 366	Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
CVA 315	Intercultural Communication

Take one course from the following options (satisfies WID
CVA 244	Persuasion and Advocacy
CVA 361	Advanced Journalism
CVA 472	Screenwriting

3 additional CVA credits from the following options
CVA 290	Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
CVA 362	Communication Cases and Campaigns
CVA 364	Public Relations Writing
CVA 365	Corporate Advocacy and Activist Communication
CVA 390	Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
CVA 401	Social Media
CVA 90	Topics in Communication and Visual Arts

Minor Information

Degree Requirements (Minimum 15 Cr.)

A communication minor provides students with a wide variety of skill sets valuable in practically any profession, including public speaking, written communication, visual communication, and rhetorical responsibility.

From the Communication Major, take 3 credits from the 100-level, 6 credits from the 200-level, and 6 credits from 300-level or higher.

Suggested Courses:

145: Interpersonal and Small Group Comm
215: Career and Professional Development
243: Public Speaking
244: Persuasion and Advocacy
251: Studio Television Production
261: Foundations of Journalism
265: Public Relations Principles
290: Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
302: Intellectual Property and Comm Law
311: Organizational Communication
315: Intercultural Communication
345: Leadership Comm
361: Advanced Journalism
362: Communication Cases and Campaigns
364: Public Relations Writing
365: Corporate Advocacy and Activist Comm
366: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
390: Topics in Communication and Visual Arts
401: Social Media
465: Race, Class & Gender in Media
490: Topics in Communication and Visual Arts

Communication and Visual Arts

Program Rankings & Highlights

The CVA department faculty have relationships with local professionals and organizations for possible internships

The career opportunities for Communication majors are diverse. It will prepare graduates for a variety of careers.

Experts & Mentors

Professors at Valpo help students develop their knowledge, their career plans, and their curiosity.

Communication and visual arts

Meet Our Faculty

CVA’s faculty create a supportive and challenging environment for students — identifying the strengths of their work, while also encouraging constant improvement. This environment helps students take creative risks as they develop their unique perspectives.

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