Bachelor of Science in
Communication
This innovative program meets the growing need for communications professionals with the skills to explain complex science and technology concepts.
About the B.S. in Communication
Embry-Riddle offers a unique Bachelor of Science in Communication program that answers the demand for skilled communicators who can integrate science and technology with solid communication fundamentals.
Our B.S. in Communication program positions graduates for broad career opportunities in many areas of communication, emphasizing writing skills, creative thinking and technology.
Students can tailor their degree to what most interests them, choosing from a variety of minor courses of study.
The B.S. in Communication program teaches aviation, aerospace, and technical vocabulary while fine-tuning reading and writing skills — all to help foster a technological perspective. This perspective prepares graduates for a career with traditional media or in corporate communication, aviation communication or technical journalism.
Beyond the fundamentals of communication, students learn how scientists think, how research questions are framed and how various methodologies are used to pursue scientific goals.
On our Daytona Beach Campus, we have an active radio station, a campus-wide TV station, an award-winning student newspaper and an active public relations department where students can acquire hands-on experience.
Communication Careers
As the world continues to become more information-driven, industries such as aviation and healthcare are seeking skilled professionals to clearly communicate complex information to audiences across multiple mediums. This degree is designed to enable students to bring that information to life in new ways.
Journalism, public relations and technical writing are just a few examples of the careers awaiting B.S. in Communication graduates in industries like aviation, engineering, environmental science, meteorology and scientific research.
With graduate employers including The Boeing Company, Delta Air Lines, NASA and more, leaders in the industry know they can count on Embry-Riddle graduates to be well-versed in communicating technical language internally and with the world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in communication will see 6-8% growth over the next decade and technical writers earn a median wage of $78,060 annually.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Communication at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
A growing number of aviation and aerospace businesses require specialists in both internal communications and media relations. The B.S. in Communication at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus gives students an opportunity to integrate knowledge of aviation, aerospace, science and technology with practice in communication.
By learning how scientists think and work, students develop skills to communicate scientific and technological information to a variety of audiences accurately and effectively. Students in this program have gone on to work as professional communicators at NASA, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Delta Airlines, the U.S. Department of State, Daytona International Speedway and many others. Housed in the Department of Humanities & Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, the program culminates in an internship, where students can put theory into practice.
A typical first year might include core courses like Science and Technology Communication and Introduction to News Writing, plus courses in mass communication, law and ethics, and media relations, along with elective courses such as digital photography or web design.
- Our Daytona Beach Campus is situated near Kennedy Space Center and the bustling cities of Orlando and Jacksonville.
- The Daytona Beach area itself offers students opportunities to work in the communications field while they complete their degree, with nearby companies such as Daytona International Speedway, the Volusia Health Department and various local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
- Embry-Riddle offers a combined program that allows well-qualified students the chance to begin graduate work toward their Master of Business Administration (MBA) while finishing their B.S. in Communication. See this bachelor's-to-master's catalog page.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science degree in Communication requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours, of which 40 credit hours must be upper-level courses (300-400 level)
The Communication program requires coursework in General Education, the Communication Core, Communication Specified Electives, a Minor or a declared track in Broadcast Meteorology, and Open Electives:
| General Education | 36 | |
| Communication Core Requirements | 42 | |
| Specified Electives | 15 | |
| Minor or Broadcast Meteorology Track | 15-18 | |
| Open Electives | 9-12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory & Skills (COM 122, COM 219, COM 221) | 9 | |
| Humanities - Lower level | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Lower or Upper level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper level | 3 | |
| Computer Science | 3 | |
| Mathematics (MA 222*) | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences - one course must include a lab (WX 201*) | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
*Students in the Broadcast Meteorology Track are advised to take MA 222 as one of their General Education math requirements as these students will use statistical analyses, and WX 201 as one of the science requirements.
Communication Core Requirements
The Communication core has two components: Required Communication Courses and Aerospace, Science, and Technology Foundation Courses.
| Required Courses | ||
| This component of the Communication Core requires students to complete eleven courses, including the following: | ||
| COM 180 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| COM 250 | Introduction to Communication Theory | 3 |
| COM 265 | Introduction to News Writing | 3 |
| COM 270 | Communication Research Theory and Methods | 3 |
| COM 285 | Editing and Multimedia Production | 3 |
| COM 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | 3 |
| COM 322 | Aviation and Aerospace Communication | 3 |
| COM 330 | Science and Technology Communication | 3 |
| COM 360 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COM 415 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 |
| HU 475 | Senior Thesis | 3 |
OR CECOM 496 | ||
| Aerospace, Science, and Technology Foundation Courses | 9 | |
| This component of the Communication Core requires students to complete three courses from among the following. | ||
AMS 118 | Aircraft Familiarization and Regulations | |
AS 120 | Principles of Aeronautical Science | |
AS 220 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems | |
AS 254 | Aviation Legislation | |
AS 357 | Flight Physiology | |
AT 202 | Introduction to Air Traffic Management | |
BA 125 | Foundations in Business Data Analytics | |
BA 232 | Techniques in Business Analytics | |
BIO 120 | Foundations of Biology I | |
BIO 121 | Foundations of Biology II | |
BIO 142 | Intro to Environmental Science | |
CIV 222 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering | |
CS 118 | Fundamentals of Computer Programming | |
CS 120 | Introduction to Computing in Aviation | |
CYB 155 | Foundations of Information Security | |
CYB 235 | Computer and Network Technologies | |
GEO 210 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | |
GEO 215 | Introduction to Geoscience | |
HU 302 | Contemporary Issues in Science | |
HU 335 | Technology and Modern Civilization | |
PS 113 | Introductory Physics I | |
PS 116 | Foundations in the Sciences | |
PS 224 | Astronomy | |
PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology | |
SF 205 | Principles of Accident Investigation | |
SF 210 | Introduction to Aerospace Safety | |
SF 315 | Environmental Compliance and Safety | |
SF 320 | Human Factors in Aviation Safety | |
SP 110 | Introduction to Space Flight | |
SP 200 | Planetary and Space Exploration | |
SP 210 | Space Transportation System | |
SP 215 | Space Station Systems and Operations | |
SP 220 | Life Support Systems | |
SP 351 | Fundamentals of Space Policy and Regulation | |
SS 130 | History of Aviation in America | |
WX 201 | Survey of Meteorology * | |
WX 301 | Aviation Weather * | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Specified Electives
To supplement coursework from the Communication Core, students complete five classes selected from among the following specified electives in Communication, Humanities, and Broadcast.
| Select five of the following (four of which must be upper level): | 15 | |
COM 268 | Sports Writing | |
COM 325 | Mass Media and Current Events | |
COM 326 | Social Media Communication (or COM 326HYB) | |
COM 350 | Environmental Communication | |
COM 362 | Communication and Organizational Culture | |
COM 364 | Visual Design | |
COM 399 Special Topics in Communication | ||
COM 412 | Advanced Technical Writing | |
COM 460 | Crisis Communication | |
COM 499 Special Topics in Communication | ||
HU 143 | Introduction to Rhetoric | |
HU 332 | Cross-Cultural Communication | |
HU 363 | Communication and Society | |
HU 375 | The Nature of Language | |
WX 280 | Introduction to Broadcast Meteorology * | |
WX 475 | Video Production * | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- *
Course required for students in the Broadcast Meteorology Track.
Minor
Students who are not in the Broadcast Meteorology Track select, in consultation with their advisor, a minor that enhances their knowledge base and increases their job prospects. Total credits in the minor vary, depending on the minor chosen. Suggested minors include:
| Minors | Required Credits |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Studies | 18 |
| Aviation Safety | 18 |
| Business Administration | 18 |
| Foreign Languages | 15 |
| Psychology | 15 |
| Space Operations | 15 |
| Marketing | 15 |
| Total Credits | 15-18 |
Broadcast Meteorology Track
Students in the Broadcast Meteorology Track must complete the following courses in lieu of a minor:
| WX 261 | Applied Climatology | 3 |
| WX 327 | Operational Analysis and Forecasting | 3 |
| WX 363 | Thunderstorms | 3 |
| WX 365 | Satellite and Radar Weather Interpretation | 3 |
| WX 380 | Advanced Broadcast Meteorology | 3 |
| WX 361 | Global Climate Change | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Open Electives
Students complete open electives, experiencing the breadth of curriculum offerings of the University or selecting an additional minor.
| Open Electives: Total Credits | 9-12 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 120 | |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| COM 180 | Media Literacy (OR Lower-Level Social Science) | 3 |
| AST Foundation Course | 3 | |
| Computer Science Elective | 3 | |
| Lower-level Humanities | 3 | |
| Mathematics Requirement | 6 | |
| Physical & Life Sciences Lecture | 6 | |
| Physical & Life Sciences Lab | 1 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| COM 180 | Media Literacy (OR Lower-Level Social Science) | 3 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
or COM 222
|
Business Communication | |
| COM 250 | Introduction to Communication Theory | 3 |
or COM 330
|
Science and Technology Communication | |
| COM 265 | Introduction to News Writing | 3 |
| COM 270 | Communication Research Theory and Methods (OR Communication Specified Elective) | 3 |
| AST Foundation Course | 6 | |
| Minor Course or Open Elective | 6 | |
| Upper-Level or Lower Level HU or SS | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| COM 270 | Communication Research Theory and Methods (OR Communication Specified Elective) | 3 |
| COM 250 | Introduction to Communication Theory | 3 |
or COM 330
|
Science and Technology Communication | |
| COM 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | 3 |
or COM 322
|
Aviation and Aerospace Communication | |
| COM 285 | Editing and Multimedia Production | 3 |
or COM 360
|
Public Relations | |
| Minor Course or Open Electives | 9 | |
| Upper Level HU Elective or Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Communication Specified Elective | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 30.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| COM 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | 3 |
or COM 322
|
Aviation and Aerospace Communication | |
| COM 415 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 |
| COM 285 | Editing and Multimedia Production | 3 |
or COM 360
|
Public Relations | |
| Communication Specified Elective | 6 | |
| Minor Courses or Open Electives | 10-12 | |
| HU 475 | Senior Thesis (OR CECOM 496) | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 28.0-30.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 120.0-122.0 | |
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Summary
120 Credits
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Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
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Spotlight
About Communication at the Worldwide & Online Campus
About Communication at the Worldwide & Online Campus
The art of delivering information continues to evolve with each new medium, creating new opportunities across virtually every industry. Skilled communicators who can analyze complex information and deliver effective messages in print and digital formats are in demand from the newsroom to the boardroom.
Embry-Riddle focuses its online B.S. in Communication degree on the specific needs of technical and science-minded students who want to gain the valuable knowledge not offered in a general communication degree program.
Students can expect to integrate science and technology with solid communication fundamentals, skills and disciplines. The curriculum includes news writing, new media, science and technical writing, digital media, communication theory, ethics and public speaking.
Choosing this degree can provide students with an advantage in understanding how to interpret, analyze and report on technological and scientific topics across all types of media.
There is no other communication program in the country that has a curriculum based in communicating aviation, aerospace, science and technology-related material. Students have an advantage because we are blending communication with industry.
The primary outcomes of the program are to:
- Gain a strong foundation in the basic concepts of communicating in today’s technology-centric world.
- Become practiced in scientific and technical communication for aviation, aerospace, environmental science and other technology-based industries.
- Analyze research techniques and the principles of scientific inquiry.
- Get hands-on experience with visual design, photography, news writing and reporting.
- Explore new media communications including social media, blogging, website content and more.
- Evaluate the laws, ethics, cultural and societal aspects of mass communication.
The B.S. in Communication degree can help prepare students — either entering college for the first time or working professionals seeking to enhance marketability — for a tomorrow steeped in technology, where media-rich communication will bring information to life in new ways.
Students who are graduating with the Bachelor of Science in Communication can expect jobs in a variety of industries, including journalism, public relations, corporate communications, technical writing, online content development and speech and script writing.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s online programs enable students to take advantage of a flexible course structure and to learn when and where it’s convenient for them.
Learn more about the Worldwide & Online Campus
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
General Education
| General Education | ||
| Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, and Humanities and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisites are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified. | ||
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| ENGL 123 | English Composition | 3 |
| ENGL (above ENGL 106) / SPCH / COMD (6) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Any Physical and Life Sciences | 6 | |
| Any Mathematics 6-hour sequence above MATH 106 | 6 | |
| Any Computer Science / Information Technology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Core/Major
| Communication Core | 33 | |
| COMD 225 | Science and Technology Communication | 3 |
| COMD 260 | Introduction to Media | 3 |
| COMD 265 | Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting | 3 |
| COMD 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | 3 |
| COMD 322 | Aviation and Aerospace Communication | 3 |
| COMD 335 | Technology and Modern Civilization | 3 |
| COMD 350 | Environmental Communication | 3 |
| COMD 360 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMD 362 | Communication and Organizational Culture | 3 |
| COMD 415 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 |
| COMD 495 | Senior Project | 3** |
| or COIN 496 | Co-Operative Education | |
**When taken as a part of the BS Communication degree, COIN 496 is a 3 credit hour course, and credit hours are approved by the Program Chair. | ||
| Aviation, Science, & Technology Foundation | 9 | |
Select three courses from the following options: | ||
| ASCI 202 | Introduction to Aeronautical Science | 3 |
| ASCI 254 | Aviation Legislation | 3 |
| ASCI 260 | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems | 3 |
| PHYS 142 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| SFTY 201 | Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
| SFTY 205 | Principles of Accident Investigation | 3 |
| WEAX 201 | Meteorology I | 3 |
| PHYS 123 | Science of Flight | 3 |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
Electives
| Communication Specified Electives | 9 | |
Select three courses from the following options: | ||
| COMD 230 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| COMD 295 | Rhetorical Strategies and Analysis | 3 |
| COMD 363 | Communication and Society | 3 |
| COMD 364 | Visual Design | 3 |
| COMD 420 | Applied Cross Cultural Communication | 3 |
| COMD 460 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
(View Minors)
| Minor*** | 15-21 | |
| Select a minor, in consultation with your advisor. | ||
| ***For students in the Bachelor of Science in Communication degree program the RSCH 202 prerequisite for courses in a minor is waived since RSCH 202 is not required for the program. | ||
| Open Electives | 12-18 | |
| Open elective credits are dependent upon the selected minor. | ||
| Total Degree Requirements | 120 | |
- *
Minnesota student residents refer to State of Minnesota Course Requirement statement for Humanities requirements.
Get Started Now:
Summary
120 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn more about the benefits of an Online Degree
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Search Courses for this degree
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