Communication

Getting Started

General Notes

• A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
• Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
• Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
• Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
• Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
• A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).

Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation. Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.

To get started, visit our undergraduate admissions page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Program Overview

Curriculum: General Education

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, Digital Media Marketing majors must complete 51 credits in the major.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

• SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
• COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
• THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
• PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)

Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

• Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
  • Lab Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Math (Other than MAT 100)
• Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
  • History or Political Science
  • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3
• Culture & Language (9 credits)
  • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101) (MET IN MAJOR)
  • World Language – 2 courses in sequence (6 credits)
• Creative Expressions (6 credits)
  • Literature (ENG)
  • Art, Music, or Theatre (Art MET IN MAJOR)

Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

• Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level) (3 credits)
• Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level) (3 credits)

Curriculum: Paths of Knowledge

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines. 

Curriculum: Major Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media, students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits, including 48 credits in the major. All Alvernia students must also complete the liberal arts core and community service hours to qualify for graduation. Communication and Digital Media majors must achieve a 2.5 GPA in all major requirements, successfully complete a Microsoft Excel course (CIS 105 or CIS 115), and contribute to one of the university publications for one or more semesters.

Required Courses

• COM 103 - Fundamentals of Speech -or- COM 223 Speech for Virtual Communities
• COM 112 - MS Excel (1 cr.)
• COM 122 - Mass Media Theory and Application
• COM 131 - Writing for the Media
• COM 260 - Digital Storytelling
• COM 420 - Law and Ethics of Mass Communication
• COM 481 - Internship

In addition to required courses, Communication and Digital Media majors must complete 9 credits of English electives, 6 credits of Communication electives, and one of six tracks:

• Film, Culture and the Creative Arts
  • COM 250 - Interpretation of Film
  • COM 351 - Scriptwriting/Playwriting
  • COM 353 - Film Studies
  • COM 360 - Writers Workshop
  • Related Electives - Any two 3-credit ART, MUS or THR courses
     
• Journalism
  • COM 213 - Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 234 - Intercultural Communication
  • COM 330 - News and Feature Writing
  • COM 432 - Newspaper Production (course may be counted only once as fulfilling track requirement)
  • Related Electives - Any two 3-credit HIS or POS courses
     
• Media Design and Production
  • COM 332 - Multimedia Creation - Publications
  • COM 342 - Social Media Marketing
  • COM 362 - Multimedia Creation - Videos
  • COM 432 - Newspaper Production (course may be counted only once as fulfilling track requirement)
  • Related Electives - Any two 3-credit ART courses
     
• Public Relations and Advertising
  • COM 213 - Interpersonal Communications
  • COM 220 - Event Planning
  • COM 240 - Public Relations
  • COM 340 - Advertising Workshop
  • COM 342 - Multimedia Design and Editing
  • PSY 101 - Introductory Psychology
     
• Sports Media
  • COM 220 - Event Planning
  • COM 232 - Athletic Communications (1 cr. repeatable)
  • COM 240 - Public Relations
  • COM 251 - Broadcasting & Electronic Media
  • COM 332 - Multimedia Creation - Publications
  • COM 362 - Multimedia Creation - Videos
  • Related Electives - Choose two of the following:
    • BUS 207 - Marketing Principles
    • BUS 309 - Advertising and Promotion
    • SM XXX - Any Sport Management course
       
• Strategic Communications
  • COM 213 - Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 234 - Intercultural Communication
  • COM 344 - Writing for the Workplace
  • COM 422 - Social Impact of Mass Media
  • Related Electives - Any two 3-credit BUS or PSY courses

Communication Minors

To minor in Communication, students must complete 18 credits in Communication and/or a maximum of 8 credits in English.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Alvernia's Communication and Digital Media program is located within the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne in the heart of downtown Reading. The state-of-the-art facility allows Alvernia students to expand multimedia content creation, including YouTube videos and podcasts. New studio and lab spaces enable student to learn how to use the latest technologies to prepare for the needs of the 21st-century marketplace. Students also can get hands-on experience at a television station located in CollegeTowne. Berks Community Television (BCTV), one of the country's oldest, consistently active cable access managers, offers students the opportunity to take classes, intern, volunteer or produce content.

Partnerships with non-profit organizations including Opportunity House, 18th Ward Business Alliance, Safe Berks, and the United Way, as well as newly developed partnerships with both non-profit and for-profit organizations are available for student participation.

Accreditation Statements

• Alvernia University's Digital Media Marketing program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Television, Radio and Online Media
• News Networks, Newspapers and Magazines
• Social Media
• Sports and Entertainment
• Film and Theater
• Public Relations
• Marketing and Advertising
• Speech writing
• Law, Government and Politics
• Business and Trade Organizations
• Nonprofit and Social Services Organizations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in communication and digital media are expected to grow steadily, increasing 4% by 2028. The average salary for the communications industry is between $71,940 and $154,470.

Opportunities for Majors

The Washington Center Experience

Alvernia students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

The Alvernian

Alvernia's college newspaper provides information and entertainment to the community, covering issues on campus and in the local communities. The Alvernian provides an open forum for ideas and opinions through editorials, letters-to-the-editor, news stories, features, interviews and reviews and gives Alvernia students the opportunity to gain practical journalistic experience. Contact Dr. Ryan Lange for information at ryan.lange@alvernia.edu or 610-568-1557.

Wolfpack Media Club

Wolfpack Media is the club for the Communication and Digital Marketing Department. It is open to all students who have an interest in this field. This club creates opportunities for students to experience the world of communications as it relates to career goals through events, informational sessions and further activities. Students explore and learn about relevant topics such as podcasting, filmmaking, and social media marketing. They also have the opportunity to network and develop leadership skills.

The Wolf's Howl

The Wolf’s Howl publishes information and projects from the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Alvernia's Communication and Digital Media Department. Its content ranges from light-hearted to intellectual.

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Alvernia’s Communication and Digital Media program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Department Chair Jodi Radosh at 484-254-2111 or jodi.radosh@alvernia.edu. To see a list of lecturers in the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership, click here.