Communication (B.A./B.S.)
Communication is one of the fastest growing majors in the College of Arts and Letters. Our emphasis areas within the program produce creative, culturally aware, highly effective, communicators. Our student-centered approach is a synthesis of theoretical and applied learning providing a dynamic, conceptual grounding for lifelong learning and career flexibility.
Communication (B.A./B.S.)
Description
What is Communication at ODU like?
Communication is one of the fastest growing majors in the College of Arts and Letters. Our emphasis areas within the program produce creative, culturally aware, highly effective, communicators. Our student-centered approach is a synthesis of theoretical and applied learning providing a dynamic, conceptual grounding for lifelong learning and career flexibility.
Program Highlights
What makes Communication at ODU unique?
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Our program offers diverse courses that give students research and insight in the following areas: Communication Studies: Relating Across the Life Span, Professional Communication, Strategic Communication, Media Studies and Cinema and TV Production
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.
Producers
$90,770
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
$52,630
MEDIAN SALARY
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
Training and Development Specialists
$64,700
MEDIAN SALARY
Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
Community Health Workers
$42,340
MEDIAN SALARY
Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. May provide information on available resources, provide social support and informal counseling, advocate for individuals and community health needs, and provide services such as first aid and blood pressure screening. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network), Various News and Radio Stations (to be more specific and local: WVEC Channel 13, WTKR Channel 3), Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, Meridian Group (advertising, public relations, and digital marketing firm), 2 year and 4-year higher education institutions, US Military, NASA
Courses
What are some courses offered in Communication at ODU?
COMM 315W:
Communication Between the Sexes
An overview of communication theory and research examining verbal and nonverbal communication between men and women. Topics include communication differences as a function of gender, theories that seek to explain these differences, and prescriptions for change: the hope of androgyny. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: Junior standing, COMM 200S, and a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, or permission of the instructor.
COMM 382:
Reporting News for Television and Digital Media
This course focuses on writing for television news and producing online news reports. Students will strengthen their journalistic skills and learn the importance of writing clearly for a viewing audience while working under newsroom deadlines. By the end of the course, students should feel confident in producing accurate, detailed reports for television news and online news sites. Prerequisites: ENGL 110C and ENGL 211C.
COMM 308W:
Public Relations Writing
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic elements of public relations writing. Through an examination of scholarly texts, case studies and media coverage of public relations scenarios, students will develop an understanding of the crucial role that writing plays in effective public relations. Students will also be required to complete several writing assignments that relate to actual public relations scenarios. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: COMM 303 or permission of the instructor.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Communication at ODU?
Students entering the BA,BS program in Communication should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
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
Scholarships
The Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Endowed Scholarship Fund acknowledges excellence in spoken and written communications using the English language. The recipient must be a rising junior or senior with a declared major in English or Communications with a 3.50 grade point average and recommended by the department chair and dean.
The Bruce T. and Sarah Bishop Endowed Scholarship was established to assist a full-time student in the College of Arts and Letters who has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, demonstrates financial need, and demonstrates evidence of involvement in student activities. (FAFSA) The Linda H. and Edward Bradley Endowed Scholarship was established to assist an undergraduate student in the College of Arts and Letters with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who is eligible for the Federal Pell grant. (FAFSA)
The College of Arts and Letters General Scholarship was established to assist a full-time student in the College of Arts and Letters.
The Drewry Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2004 by William B. Drewry to be given to a declared undergraduate majoring in the College of Arts and Letters. The recipient must be academically average with a grade point average between 2.8 and 3.0. Preference will be given to a student with financial aid. (FAFSA)
The R.K.T. “Kit” Larson Scholarship is made possible by an endowment established in memory of Mr. Larson by his friends and colleagues of The Virginian-Pilot newspaper. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior with financial need who is enrolled full-time and works on a school, community or University publication. Recipient must be a resident of a Virginia or North Carolina city or county served by The Virginian-Pilot. (FAFSA)
The Memorial and Recognition Scholarship Fund is an endowed scholarship that will be awarded to a student with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 and is able to demonstrate involvement in community service.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
Chief Departmental Advisor
Name:
Carla Harrell
Location:
3002 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3837
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.
Related Programs
What other options does ODU have?
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.
Welcome to the Monarch Nation! Orientation will be hosted on-campus. Events include course selection and registration, an overview of resources and a preview of campus life.