Communication (B.A./B.S.) and Lifespan & Digital Communication (M.A.)
The linked bachelor's/master's degree in lifespan and digital communication is administered by the Communication and Theatre Arts Department. The purpose of this option is to allow exceptional majors in communication to count up to 6 hours of 500-level graduate coursework towards both the B.A. or B.S. in communication and, if accepted, the M.A. in lifespan and digital communication. Students in the linked program must earn a minimum of 156 credit hours (120 for the undergraduate degree and 36 for the graduate degree).
Communication (B.A./B.S.) and Lifespan & Digital Communication (M.A.)
Description
What is Communication, Lifespan & Digital Communication at ODU like?
The linked bachelor's/master's degree in lifespan and digital communication is administered by the Communication and Theatre Arts Department. The purpose of this option is to allow exceptional majors in communication to count up to 6 hours of 500-level graduate coursework towards both the B.A. or B.S. in communication and, if accepted, the M.A. in lifespan and digital communication. Students in the linked program must earn a minimum of 156 credit hours (120 for the undergraduate degree and 36 for the graduate degree).
Program Highlights
What makes Communication, Lifespan & Digital Communication at ODU unique?
-
Study with award-winning, nationally- known communication faculty members
-
Learn to research by working directly with actively publishing scholars as well as working professionals
-
Present your papers at professional conferences internationally, nationally, and regionally
-
Get to know communication’s graduate faculty and graduate students during weekly dinners
-
Have fun with graduate faculty and graduate students during program outings while you build professional communication networks
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Communication and Lifespan and Digital Communication
Degree Level:
Linked
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
B.A. & M.A. or B.S. & M.A.
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Public Relations Specialists
$67,990
MEDIAN SALARY
Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
$83,320
MEDIAN SALARY
Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
$127,690
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
$123,880
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
Experient, PRR Marketing Consulting, Virginia Department of Veterans Services [Education, Job Transition, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, University Career Center, ODU Career Development Services.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Communication, Lifespan & Digital Communication at ODU?
COMM 523:
Nonviolent Communication and Peace
Perspectives on nonviolent communication and peace are covered from the micro level |e.g., individual beliefs and worldviews) to interpersonal relationships |e.g., conflict management), groups |e.g., tribes, gangs), organizational systems |e.g., businesses, governments), and macro or global level |e.g., political relationships between nations).
COMM 573:
Television and Society
The role of television in the cultural, psychological, and economic life of America. The structure and design of television programs; and the history and function of television in reinforcing or altering public perceptions of ideas, events, and people. Major critical approaches are employed in examining television's social impact and global reach.
COMM 624:
Positive Communication Across the Lifespan
This course examines communication theories and research in light of the theories and research of positive psychology. Topics include: strengths-based communication theorizing, communication and happiness, positive communication functions, creative communication, and positive communication outcomes (health, wellness, peace, hope). Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Communication, Lifespan & Digital Communication at ODU?
Students entering the BA+MA,BS+MA program in Communication, Lifespan & Digital Communication should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Admission to the Linked Program
Junior status, undergraduate average of at least 3.25 in Communication and a 3.0 overall; two letters of recommendation from faculty members; a 500-word essay that outlines the applicant's professional and personal goals in pursuing this degree, while explaining the relationship of these aforementioned goals to the Lifespan and Digital Communication degree program.
Admission to the MA Program
Must earn a B or better in the 500-level course(s) taken during linked undergraduate studies. In addition to meeting all general University requirements for undergraduate degree completion, an applicant must have an undergraduate average of at least 3.25 in Communication; at least a 3.0 overall; and submit GRE scores in average ranges, for example: Verbal 152 – 158, Quantitative 153 – 158, and Writing 4.0, in order to be accepted to continue into the MA program.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 374
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,039
Active Duty Military Rate
Per Credit:
$ 250
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 407
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Graduate Assistantships
Competitive graduate assistantships (Teaching, Research, and Program Support) are available after admitted to the MA degree.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
-
Visit Campus Tour your future campus -
University Life Experience our community -
College Website See what we have to offer -
Department Website Explore our academics
Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Gary Beck
Location:
3020 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-5168
Undergraduate Admissions
Location:
1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-3255
Email:
admissions@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Transfer
I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
Get an inside look into your major of interest when you speak to professors and current students at our monthly First Friday events.
Explore our beautiful campus and its community! Join us for our Spring Open House events in February and March.