Undergraduate

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication

  • Undergraduate
  • BA in Communication
  • The BA in Communication lays the groundwork for crafting messages, understanding audiences, working with modern media technologies, learning key communication theories, honing intercultural skills, and developing critical thinking and creative competencies. Students combine critical thinking and creative skills with writing and audio, visual, and digital communications, enhancing their interpersonal and intercultural competencies and providing a platform for ongoing engagement with today's media-driven world. Students examine the relationship of communication with other humans, with culture, and with society, taking a critical eye to the constant flow of messages that surround us — messages from the news media, other humans (social media and digital communication,) advertising and marketing, governments, and non-profits, and more. To understand contemporary issues in human communication and media, students also develop an understanding of the history of media and the digital landscape and cultural, ethical, and legal considerations for professional practice. The BA in Communication gives students the freedom to explore a variety of communication topics, while teaching the skills necessary to be adept, versatile, and highly employable communicators in an extensive range of careers.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • BA in Communication, Communication Studies
  • The communication studies concentration provides students with the opportunity to study human interpersonal communication from behavioral, humanistic, and scientific perspectives. This includes instruction in the theory and history of communication, the development and application of intercultural and international communication practices, as well as relational, team, and leadership communication competencies in business, education, and social settings. Enhanced competency in written and oral expression is supported through the examination of oral and nonverbal and current technology-based messaging formats.

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  • BA in Communication, Public Relations
  • The public relations track prepares students for careers in a variety of increasingly integrated marketing communications industries. Public relations knowledge and skills apply to virtually all industries and interest areas. Careers in public relations-related fields continue to grow faster than the national average and are listed as a top-8 growth industry by Fortune magazine. Public relations programs help support an organization's business objectives and increase corporate reputation, drive sales and even build a brand. We offer a rigorous public relations curriculum which includes integrated communication planning, digital and social media marketing, strategic multiplatform writing, event promotion, and program development. Our courses and extracurricular opportunities enhance a student's knowledge and skills in effective communication messaging, critical problem-solving, creative idea development, and reputation management. Students intern and secure careers working across a variety of industry sectors including fashion, sports, consumer, healthcare, food, travel, finance, entertainment, corporate, and many more. Our graduates enjoy careers in public relations agencies, corporations, government, nonprofits, hospitals, sports teams, entertainment venues, advertising agencies, record labels, investment firms, media companies, and professional associations.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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    Public Relations Program Overview

  • BA in Film, Television, and Audio
  • The BA in Film, Television, and Audio provides students with the opportunity to pursue a degree that integrates across media (film, television, audio, radio, podcasting, digital streaming).

    With a BA in Film, Television, and Audio, students develop foundational knowledge in media theory and production while choosing a distinctive media focus, specializing in audio/radio, filmmaking, television production, or integrated media. Each specialization is designed to further a student’s specific career path. Students will:

    Develop a distinct creative voice, demonstrating effective use of aesthetics across different media to create stories that will engage, inform, and entertain audiences;

    Become proficient with conceptual, writing, editing, producing, directing, and technical skills to create content for diverse audiences using industry-standard technology and equipment;

    Work collaboratively in a team environment where they show sensitivity to individual differences and diversity;

    Demonstrate an understanding of visual literacy and aesthetics as they critically analyze and interpret media messages;

    Learn business models in the media industry.

    Coursework comes to life through immersive learning opportunities. Students can experience hands-on learning from their first day on campus. Hamilton Hall houses the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio; the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts, WPTV; the Student Film Association, SFA; the Podcasting Club, the Dead Podcasters Society; and the independent student-run news source, The Beacon. Through coursework, co-curricular activities, and industry-relevant internships on and off campus for employment in the media industry, students are prepared for careers as on-air talent or working behind-the-scenes.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • BA in Journalism
  • The journalism BA clearly defines students’ professional identity in journalism while at the same time providing them with knowledge, skills, and experiences that they use for employment in a variety of industries. The major offers coursework in the core skills of journalism, including editing, interviewing, reporting, and writing, as well as teaching in technology and production. Students will learn to create compelling content for social media, digital, print, audio, video, and other emerging platforms. Students can pair this major with a Minor in Broadcast News and Certificates in Podcasting, Sports Journalism, Television Broadcasting, or Audio Broadcasting for valuable specialization and distinction.

    Hamilton Hall is home to the nationally recognized, award-winning campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the nation's oldest and most broad-based journalism advocacy organization. The William Paterson chapter (WPSPJ) is a two-time winner of the Outstanding Campus Chapter Award. WPSPJ regularly hosts professional journalists from major news outlets as guest speakers and organizes newsroom tours across the metropolitan area, including at CBS News, News 12 New Jersey, MLB Network, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and WHYY radio. WPSPJ launched the first-ever podcast from an SPJ campus chapter.

    In partnership with the ReNews Project, an SPJ-funded nonprofit that revitalizes student newspapers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as Hispanic-serving institutions, the university's independent student newspaper, the Beacon, has been revitalized.

    One of the fastest-growing areas in journalism is podcasting, an area the journalism program has embraced with the creation of a state-of-the-art professional podcasting studio. The set up allows students to produce solo podcasts, one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, and live call-in shows. Because of this, journalism professors can develop a full range of podcasting/audio assignments and collaborate with classes, such as audio production, where students with expanded technology skills can collaborate with those newer to the field. 

    Students can also take advantage of opportunities in other media platforms, by collaborating with the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio, the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts, WPTV, Social Media SMART (Social Media Applications, Research, and Teaching) Lab, and newly formed Podcasting Club.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • BA in Communication 100% Online
  • BA in Journalism 100% Online
  • BA in Public Relations 100% Online
  • Minor in Communication
  • Communication minors are available in communication studies, film studies, journalism, media studies, public relations, and visual communication.

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  • Minor in Film Studies
  • Film studies examines cinema from its inception to its contemporary forms, placing films in an historical and cultural context. Students will develop an understanding of cinema as an art form and a language, acquiring critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate films from diverse perspectives.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • Minor in Journalism
  • The Journalism minor offers students perspective into the fast-paced news media industry and the opportunity to develop skills like critical thinking, interviewing, writing, and production. Students can also take advantage of opportunities in campus media such as the student newspaper, the Beacon, the award-winning, student-run radio station, WPSC 88.7FM Brave New Radio, the award-winning, student-run TV studio broadcasts on WPTV, a social media lab, and a newly formed podcasting 

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • Minor in Media Studies
  • Media Studies Minor examines the many forms of media including film, television, radio, journalism, and digital and social media. Students will develop an understanding of the US and international media industry and how media reflects and impacts society through law, policy, and ethical practice.

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  • Minor in Public Relations
  • The public relations minor provides marketable skills and knowledge to benefit any major or discipline area. The PR minor courses focus on integrated marketing communication planning, digital and social media management, strategic multiplatform writing, event promotion, and PR campaign development. Public relations activities support reputation and brand building, advocacy, corporate social responsibility and play a key role in setting and supporting an organization's business objectives.

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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  • Minor in Visual Communication
  • The minor in visual communication enhances visual perception, cultivates independent thinking, and introduces students to the visual arts, specifically in the areas of graphic and interactive design.

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  • Certificate in Audio Broadcasting
  • The Audio Broadcasting Certificate develops newsgathering and interviewing skills and teaches students: to create content that engages, informs and influences audiences; to acquire high quality audio using mobile devices as well as industry-standard technology; to distribute content across audio and digital platforms; and to practice legal and ethical behaviors when creating television video news content. Learn more »

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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    • Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
    • If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

  • Certificate in Podcasting
  • The certificate in Podcasting prepares students to produce, edit, and share engaging podcasts using a range of audio digital content. Students will develop narratives, learn best practices for conducting interviews and storytelling, learn how to write effectively for the podcast medium, and acquire skills for how to engage audiences and distribute their finished content to a mass audience. Working with state-of-the art equipment, students will acquire the technical skills needed to produce substantive audio content. The certificate is designed to serve students in any major looking to deepen their knowledge and practice of the podcasting medium as well as adult learners and professionals who wish to explore podcasting and create their own. Learn more »

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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    » Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
    » If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

  • Certificate in Sport Journalism
  • The Sport Journalism certificate is designed to prepare students from a range of majors to be competitive in the expanding sports media job market. Most of the courses taken in the certificate can also be applied to the Journalism BA degree. But this certificate can add value to a number of other majors such as Sport Management, Exercise Science, English and others. Professionals already working in the sport media industry can use this certificate to develop broadcast news skills to support a career change or advancement. Learn more »

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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    » Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
    » If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

  • Certificate in Television Broadcasting
  • The Television Broadcasting Certificate develops newsgathering and interviewing skills and teaches students: to create content that engages, informs and influences audiences; to acquire high quality audio and video using mobile devices as well as industry-standard technology; and to practice legal and ethical behaviors when creating television video news content. Individuals who complete the certificate will learn the technical skills necessary to obtain (shoot) high quality video in the field and edit that content independently or in collaboration with a reporter. Learn more »

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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    » Current students sign-up here: Declare Certificate
    » If you are not currently enrolled as a student, please apply here.

  • Graduate
  • MA in Professional Communication
  • The master of arts in professional communication program at William Paterson University provides graduates with an edge in the ever-evolving job market. Expand your marketability and communication skills with our comprehensive curriculum that was designed to help master's degree graduates:

    Advance professionally

    Build integrated marketing and communication knowledge

    Develop social media expertise

    Sharpen strategic writing skills

    Strengthen management and leadership abilities

    Pursue new and emerging career paths

    Our goal is to help you establish or further your career with a curriculum that exposes you to academic study, technology, and up-to-date communications platforms leveraged by companies today. While you will be able to study a broad array of communication topics, including programs around social media, writing, and video, our intent is for you to experience a master's degree curriculum that can help you achieve your objectives. Learn more »

    View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:

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