Professional Communication (Communication, B.S.)
Communication is one of the fastest growing majors in the College of Arts and Letters. Our emphasis area of Professional Communication within the Bachelor of program produces creative, culturally aware, highly effective, communicators well suited for the organizational environment. Our student-centered approach is a synthesis of theoretical and applied learning providing a dynamic, conceptual grounding for lifelong learning and career flexibility.
Professional Communication (Communication, B.S.)
Description
What is Professional Communication at ODU like?
Communication is one of the fastest growing majors in the College of Arts and Letters. Our emphasis area of Professional Communication within the Bachelor of program produces creative, culturally aware, highly effective, communicators well suited for the organizational environment. 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 Professional Communication at ODU unique?
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Our program offers diverse courses that give students interdisciplinary insight and coverage of Communication, Management and Organizational Psychology studies for application in the professional corporate context.
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.
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.
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.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
$71,450
MEDIAN SALARY
Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Chief Executives
$196,050
MEDIAN SALARY
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
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, US Military.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Professional Communication at ODU?
COMM 305:
Professional Communication
An examination of both the theory and practice of communication in the professional setting. Content includes communication theory, as well as the roles of interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass media communication as related to the workplace. A student receiving credit for COMM 305 cannot receive credit toward the Communication major for COMM 200S. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
COMM 351:
Interpersonal Communication in Organizations
Focuses on communication theory, research, and applications of a variety of forms of communication in organizational relationships. Topics include superior-subordinate communication, interviewing, and presentations with an emphasis on a diversity of perspectives and types of organizations. Prerequisites: Junior standing and COMM 200S or permission of the instructor.
COMM 421:
Communication and Conflict Management
Focus on theory and research of communication processes in conflict episodes across social and personal relational contexts. Applications of communication approaches to conflict management emphasized. Prerequisites: Junior standing and COMM 200S or permission of the instructor.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Professional Communication at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Professional 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.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Fran Hassencahl
Location:
3008 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3835
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.
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