Communication Arts, B.S.

Jason Zalinger, Ph.D., Program Director
914-674-7511
JZalinger@mercy.edu

Bachelor of Science: Communication Arts

*Per New York State Education Department requirements, all students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program must successfully complete 60 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences coursework. If needed, students should use Open Elective credits to fulfill these requirements, beyond their General Education courses, and look for courses with the “LA” attribute when registering.

Overview

Communication Arts is a career-oriented, interdisciplinary program that is designed to be flexible while also providing students with the communication, strategic thinking, and digital fluency they need to be successful in a rapidly changing, diverse, and digital world.

As the communication industry continually evolves with technology and societal trends, Communication Arts provides a robust set of hard and soft skills applicable to a variety of potential career paths in content creation, entertainment, brand management, advertising, marketing, nonprofit work, and more. This flexibility also requires that each student work closely with their program director, faculty, and PACT mentor to plan a holistic and rewarding experience.

Core Values

Our program is anchored by six core values that shape our students into effective, empathetic, and creative communicators. First, our emphasis on Creativity nurtures original and innovative ideas to help students craft narratives, engage audiences, and solve challenges. Collaborative Problem Solving encourages students to draw on their collective knowledge to tackle complex problems and produce innovative solutions. Adaptability prepares students to thrive in a fluid digital landscape. Strategic Thinking fosters the ability to conceive and implement long-term visions and goals. Ethical Practice helps students weigh any potential harm content may cause. Finally, we promote a culture of Empathy and Self-Reflection, which empowers students to communicate with a deep understanding of diverse perspectives and promotes self-awareness that enhances personal growth. Communication Arts leverages these values to help students shape the communication landscape of tomorrow.

All courses in the Communication Arts major may be substituted with Program Director approval. Communication Arts is a flexible major, and coursework can be tailored to a student’s career interests.

Additionally, students may substitute course Special Topics in Communication Arts, course Independent Study in Communication Arts or other courses with Program Director approval.

Students may complete up to nine total credits of internship experience. Courses may be substituted for internship experience with Program Director approval. It is highly recommended that students meet with a career coach in Career and Professional Development as well as the Program Director of Communication Arts early in the program to discuss internships.

The Communication Arts program highly recommends that Communication Arts majors earn a minor to complement their major. Students are encouraged to minor in Business Administration, Media Studies, English, or Theatre Arts (to name a few). To learn more, speak with your PACT mentor or contact the Communication Arts program director.

There are two Core Course (cc) options for the Communication Arts program. Students must take course OR course at a registered campus. However, both courses may be substituted with Program Director approval.