Four Nichols College Communication students pose with a teacher in front of a projector.
Academics Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Arts

BA in Communication

at Nichols College

From social media feeds and marketing campaigns to newsrooms and podcasts, communication is woven into everyday experiences, shaping decisions in business and society.

Professionals with strong storytelling skills play pivotal roles in bringing these messages to life. A bachelor’s degree in communication from Nichols College gives you the foundation to make an impact in a variety of media-driven roles.

Our comprehensive program prepares you for careers in social media, marketing, journalism and corporate outreach by combining creative skill development with critical analysis.

With on-campus professional media spaces, including a green-screen production room and the WNRC hilltop radio station, our program provides direct access to industry tools that help you build media creation skills before graduation.

Close-up exterior of a Nichols College brick building with a large arched window, with a vibrant yellow fall foliage tree visible along the campus sidewalk

Why Study Communication at Nichols College?

Our communication degree program provides professional-grade media facilities and hands-on experience from the first semester to graduation. Here's what sets our program apart:

Versatile Career Preparation

Build the skills needed for diverse careers from journalism and social media to corporate training and content strategy with the program’s liberal arts foundation

Multimedia Facilities

Use our green-screen production room, WNRC campus radio station and portable podcasting kits to gain hands-on experience creating videos with industry equipment

Hands-On Learning

Enhance your communication skills and your confidence through presentation and preparation, which are emphasized in every course

Professional Connections

Engage with professionals and secure meaningful internships through our career contacts, hands-on employer experiences and alumni network that's 16,000+ members strong

Worcester County Location

Benefit from strategic access to New England's broadcasting and communication landscape while getting the personal attention of a close-knit campus community

Plus, our program is AACSB-accredited—only six percent of institutions worldwide are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Experiential Learning at Nichols College

Hands-on, experiential learning is a key component of a Nichols education. Every liberal arts student completes an internship or engages in an experiential learning opportunity guided by a faculty member as an alternative to a traditional internship—and many do both, as well as complete industry certifications. Add holistic professional development to that hands-on foundation, and you get real results—95% of recent graduates secured jobs or entered graduate school within six months. All from a college ranked top 10 nationally among undergraduate business schools for mid-career salary potential and best value.

A Nichols College student intern assists with an event at historic Fenway Park in Boston.

Student-Faculty Projects

From assisting with faculty research and teaching to working on an advanced project with your professor, there are many ways to extend your learning beyond the classroom at Nichols.

Learn More About Experiential Learning at Nichols.

Student-Run Opportunities

Whether you’re managing the Thunder Fund, working with Bison Consulting clients, helping run the Nichols Dudley Hill Golf Course Club and Bison Den or pitching ideas to companies, you’ll build career-ready skills.

Learn More About Student-Run Opportunities.

Holistic Professional Development

Build confidence and vital soft skills through experiences that take you into the community, paired with public speaking practice, networking etiquette and signature leadership development.

Learn More About Professional Development at Nichols.

Study Abroad

Take your education global through faculty-led trips, international internships, semester abroad programs and short-term travel that let you earn Nichols credits while expanding your worldview.

Learn more about Study Abroad (Study Away).
NEXT STEPS
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Request Information
Attend an Admissions Event

Careers in Communication

A degree in communication develops valuable advanced critical thinking and analytical skills for creating content and building successful teams, opening diverse career paths across media, business, education and nonprofits, as well as for advanced study in graduate school. Degree holders can find opportunities in virtually every industry where effective communication drives success.

Career possibilities include:

  • PR specialist
  • Writer and editor
  • Journalist
  • Content strategist
  • Marketing professional
  • Social media manager
And More
Two Nichols College students in professional attire laughing together at a career and internship fair booth

Meet Your Faculty

Jean Beaupre

Dean for the School of Business 508-213-2161

Cathy Temple

Assistant Professor of Communication 508-213-2259

Kellie Deys

Associate Professor of English 508-213-2241

Robert Russo

Assistant Professor of Information Technology 508-213-2236
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Communication Degree Program

What makes the communication program at Nichols College unique compared to other communication degree programs?

Our communication degree program stands out through our professional-grade media facilities including a green-screen production room, campus radio station (WNRC), portable podcasting kits and professional lighting equipment. We emphasize hands-on production and presentation skills in every course, ensuring graduates build portfolios before graduation. With 27 free elective credit hours, students have exceptional flexibility to complement their communication studies with coursework in business, psychology, marketing or other fields that align with their career goals.

How does the communication degree program prepare students for careers outside traditional media?

More than 80% of employers identify effective communication skills as among the most important qualifications when hiring across all industries, making our graduates valuable far beyond traditional media roles. Our program develops critical thinking, analytical abilities and presentation skills applicable to corporate communications, human resources, training and development, nonprofit management, education and countless other fields. The liberal arts foundation combined with practical media production experience prepares students to create compelling content, build successful teams and communicate strategically in any professional environment.

Communication Degree Courses

Required Courses

This course includes a survey of basic theories of the human communication process, and an examination of communication in the following contexts: (1) interpersonal communication, (2) inter/intra cultural communications, (3) group communication, (4) mass communication, and (5) organizational communication.

The class focuses on the creation of visual material using several industry-standard software programs, and will be conducted in the computer lab and Visual Media Studio. Students will learn to generate visually interesting, informational, professional-level material using programs such as Photoshop and Final Cut Pro that are necessary for the production of video, infographics, and photographic imagery. Students will learn which software to use and combine to generate visual material effectively.

This course will introduce students to the art of persuasion - how to influence others through the medium of reasoned, ethical discourse. Via study, discussion, and practice, students will learn the behaviors of persuasive communicators, including how to effectively engage in analysis, develop sound research techniques, and rigorously evaluate data and information. In addition to oral assignments and activities, they will write argumentative essays as a means of developing, organizing, and expressing their ideas clearly and concisely. Students will learn to employ logical, emotional, and ethical appeals, and should emerge from the course as stronger critical thinkers who engage in socially responsible rhetoric.

This course will examine the relationship of understanding the role of the self in understanding others who may hold differing values. This is a vital component since, according to the researcher and writer James Neuliep, "culture teaches us how to think, conditions one how to feel, and instructs one how to act, especially how to interact with others." In other words, our understanding of ourselves and how we become that way helps us to understand others and how they became the way they are. We need to establish the idea in our consciousness that our understanding of how important our essence, our cultural identity, is to us, is equally important to people from other cultures' understanding of themselves. By moving to this understanding of difference, we gain a stronger sense of how important it is to find ways to be productive with others. With current markets being so globally focused, and people coming to the US from other places, it is quite likely that professionals will need to have this ability as global markets continue to shrink.

Communication occurs across all disciplines, fields, and careers. This course will vary depending on the semester, addressing current issues within a specific field. Students will have the opportunity to learn about how communication impacts a particular discipline and/or how communication is used within a discipline. Through course discussion and application to real world situations, students will synthesize their understanding of communication and how it impacts human behavior and attitudes. Students will therefore develop and interdisciplinary background that enables them to evaluate information carefully and critically, effectively create messages for different contexts, and address a variety of purposes.

The Internship in Communication offers students an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical situations at the internship site. Students will gain an appreciation for the varied nature of the field of communication and will have an opportunity to participate in the field in a meaningful way. The internship site may be selected by the student based on interests, but must be approved. Students must complete a minimum of 120 work hours as well as fulfill academic requirements that help connect their academic coursework to the internship experience.

Electives

four additional courses from those listed below - no more than two can be at the 200 level

This introductory course will critically examine films as pieces of art, as well as cultural artifacts. Film techniques, such as direction, acting, production, and music, will be analyzed to understand the artistic choices made and the tools necessary to enact them. The course will consider cultural meanings created by and reflected in films, with special attention to issues of race, class, gender, disability and sexuality. The ethics of film making will also be explored.

Given that media informs our daily lives in a multitude of ways, it is important to critically examine and analyze how it affects us on both a cultural and individual level. The impact that media has on methods of communication, as well as on our personal and societal notions of identity will be explored, with special attention to issues of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation.

This course is an introduction to issues in interpersonal communication, examined from the perspective of communication competence, with an emphasis on improving interpersonal skills and increasing communication competence in everyday social and professional exchanges. The course covers an array of concepts and theories including developmental and cultural influences, the power of words, non-verbal communication, mindful listening, conflict management, friendship, and intimate romantic relationships.

This course will address a specific topic in the field of communication. Topics may vary, due to the rapidly changing nature of the discipline, and may reflect current trends, practices, or methodologies.

This advanced communication course will cover the theories of organizational communication, the role of communication in organizations, communicating with and between key stakeholders such as employees and management, conflict and negotiation, and ethical communication. Students will analyze real cases and propose and debate alternative solutions.

This course will delve into the unique characteristics of and challenges facing women in the workplace today. The biological and sociological theories of gender differences will be explored, as will gender-based communication and leadership styles. The current state of women in leadership around the world will be examined, with students completing a statistical research project. Students will examine and reflect on their own leadership and work styles, as well as practice professional skills of particular interest to women.

Storytelling is an important part of communication in all different mediums - social media, advertising/marketing, film, television, music, and books. Given that we create and deliver stories in all aspects of our lives, this course will examine the structure of stories, the best practices for gathering and telling stories, and the process for effectively delivering stories. Students will learn to both interpret/analyze storytelling and create stories in a variety of forms: written, oral, and visual.

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of operating a Visual Media Studio and creating branded content for social media marketing. Students will learn how to operate the facility and its equipment while developing and implementing effective branding strategies and creating compelling digital content. The course will also cover the various media formats, including video, image, and audio, and how to optimize them for their client's different social media platforms. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to operate a studio, create and execute successful social media campaigns, and understand the importance of branding and content creation in today's digital landscape.

This course explores how we address the ethics of communication, particularly within the workplace, how to adjust and adapt communication styles to be effective in a diverse workplace, and how to recognize, interpret, and respond to different communication needs, including neurodiversity. We must consider justice, ethics, fairness, and care to work well with others professionally and personally. In this course, you will learn how to identify the foundation of your personal ethics, how your ethics are applied in various practical scenarios, and how to best communicate by addressing others' communication needs.

This course will address a specific topic in the field of communication. Topics may vary, due to the rapidly changing nature of the discipline, and may reflect current trends, practices, or methodologies. With petition, this course can count as a Professional Development, Marketing, or Management elective.

This course will address a specific topic in the field of communication. Topics may vary, due to the rapidly changing nature of the discipline, and may reflect current trends, practices, or methodologies.

Intensive practice in a variety of approaches to professional writing tasks: memoranda, correspondence, proposals, and both brief and longer reports.

Using the sports programs at Nichols as well as issues and events in the larger sports world, students will develop the writing skills of bona fide sports writers. The course will involve reporting on actual sports events, writing feature stories about athletes and their sports, and composing columns that combine good research with thoughtful opinion. Along the way, students will learn planning and interviewing skills and reinforce the foundations taught in their first-year writing courses.

This is a writing workshop course in which students will explore their own experiences and ideas while learning how to effectively share those ideas with readers. The course will focus on writing experiences including autobiography, profiles of others, creative literary non-fiction, and pieces that relate to world events and the society and culture around us. In addition to extensive writing, students will read model essays.

Designed for students interested in journalism and those who want to improve their written communication skills. Intensive hands-on work in various aspects of news writing combined with analysis of the influence of media's role in the world.

This course will examine the relationship between media and politics in U.S. history since the dawn of the 20th century. The development of media - basically, any form of mass communication from newspapers and magazines to radio, television, and the internet - has deeply affected the ways in which ideas have been expressed and manipulated over the years. Our course will assess the use and effectiveness of various media during times of strife or crisis. We also will consider the role of the press, particularly in how it has shaped political issues and to what extent its role has appreciably changed over time.

In preparation for collaborative and team-based workplaces, this course offers the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills that lead to successful team outcomes. The components of the course include team building, project management, and conflict management, covering topics such as group dynamics, emotional intelligence, diversity, project scheduling, and more. Students will have the opportunity to work in and lead multiple team-based projects, and learn how to maximize team productivity and potential.

Public Relations (PR) is a management and marketing function that identifies, establishes, and maintains effective relationships between an organization and the audiences it services. PR used to be all about mass media, but social media has changed that. It is still about building and maintaining effective relationships, but PR is now also about having a direct conversation with your audience using paid, earned, shared, and owned channels. In this course, we will examine the strategic purpose and tactical practices of PR, including the identification of publics, planning, writing/content creation, ethical considerations, and evaluation.

Examination of the consumer marketing process. This includes analysis and planning of consumer marketing programs with investigation of consumer decision making and buying patterns. Includes written case analyses and presentations.

The internet is a dynamic marketplace if there ever was one. This class will give you the theoretical understanding of the Internet marketplace necessary to adapt to its many changes, while also equipping you with the skills you'll need to perform vital daily functions. By the end of the course, you will be able to walk into any company with an online presence and improve their use of the internet. The course includes discussions of both B2B and B2C and looks at marketing and communications from an integrated, business-wide perspective. The goal is to appreciate principles and practice of online marketing. The classroom sessions are a combination of lectures, discussions, and experiential learning. To ensure effective utilization of lecture time and the time of your classmates, you are required to read the materials before they are covered in class.

A course focusing on advertising, sales promotion, and direct marketing also known as integrated marketing communications. Topics include planning and execution of promotional programs, strategy development, and segmenting and positioning. Orientation reflects the managerial or "client" side of business rather than the "creative" or message development side.

This course examines in depth a major issue, problem, or theme in the area of marketing and communication. It includes a specialized research paper or project, involves discussion and oral and written reports, and may include guest speakers and field trips.

In this course, students will examine various theories underlying the development of human temperament. We will start with modern theories and then explore earlier and more esoteric approaches to the topic. We will also look at the profound effect temperament has on perception, communication, and relationships. Knowledge of human temperament is fundamentally pragmatic, and this project-based course will help students relate to themselves and the social world around them.

This course examines the formation of groups, group processes, followership, and leadership processes within groups and group behaviors. Emphasis is placed on the experience of applying group theory.

This course's purpose is to develop knowledge of when to apply the correct statistical techniques. Emphasis is placed on the "real world" applications of statistical methods through projects. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, multivariate, parametric, and nonparametric techniques. This course makes extensive use of statistical analysis software. This course is a core requirement for all psychology majors, is the prerequisite for Applied Research Methods II, and is offered in the fall semester.

Regardless of your industry or role, communication skills are vital to success. The purpose may be persuasive, motivational, organizational, managerial, or interpersonal, and the method may be written or oral, but at its core, successful communication is both effective and efficient. Like other business skills, communication abilities can be studied and developed. This course will help students to understand the underpinnings of communication, and to develop skills necessary in the 21st century.

Interested in learning more?

Join us at one of our upcoming campus events in Dudley, MA, or schedule a campus visit. You can also contact our Admissions team to discuss your academic goals and how Nichols can help you reach them.