professor wendy samter with two students in the communication complex

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The College of Arts and Sciences: Communication

Communication is integral to all aspects of personal and professional life.  The ability to communicate well is an essential part of personal development, interpersonal relationships, and the success of cultural, political, and social institutions.

For more information about the Communication program, contact Professor Wendy Samter, Department Chair, at wsamter@bryant.edu.

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication

The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication, as well as a minor in Communication.  It offers challenging classes in the areas of:

  • Interpersonal communication (communication between people)
  • Mass communication (communication through media)
  • Writing
  • Media production (creating television and radio programs)

Students in the Department of Communication take a range of courses where they study and apply communication theories and research skills.  Students graduate with an understanding of:

  • the ethical issues inherent to communication in a democratic society
  • the impact of communication on the quality of relationships, professional endeavors, and society
  • the process and interpretation of meanings in various types of communication
  • absorbing and critically interpreting information in a complex global world

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Download a .pdf of the curriculum requirements

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, the Communication major requires:

  • Introduction to Communication
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Mass Communication
  • Communication Research Methods
  • Senior Seminar in Communication Theory
  • Five (5) Communication Electives
  • Two (2) 400 level Communication Electives

The Communication minor requires:

  • Introduction to Communication
  • One 200 level communication elective
  • One 300 level communication elective
  • One 400 level communication elective

For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog. Course names are listed in alphabetical order.

Opportunities After Graduation

Communication skills are an important asset to any career, including:

  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Electronic Media
  • Radio/Television Production
  • Journalism
  • Business Communication
  • Education
  • Government
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Health Care
  • International Relations and Negotiations
  • Social and Human services

In addition, students are well-prepared to pursue graduate study 

Faculty

The Communication faculty specialize in a broad range of interests including interpersonal communication, broadcasting and mass media, new technologies, and communication theory.

Traci L. Anderson, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Communication, University of Oklahoma
M.A., Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, University of Cincinnati
B.S., Interpersonal Communication, Eastern Michigan University

Academic Interests: Computer-mediated relational communication; communication in intimate relationships; family communication patterns; interpersonal interaction and mental health.

Stanley Baran, Professor
Ph.D., Communication Research, University of Massachusetts
M.A., Journalism, Pennsylvania State University
B.A., Radio-TV-Film, University of Massachusetts

Academic Interests: Empirical/quantitative research in mass communication; mass media and social construction of reality; development and improvement of media literacy skills

Kristen Berkos, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Communication Studies, Louisiana State University
M.A., Communication Studies, California State University, Long Beach
B.A., Speech Communication, California State University, Long Beach

Academic Interests: Organizational communication; intrapersonal communication; interpersonal communication; instructional communication; gossip; imagined interactions

Tom Dooley, Lecturer
MFA, Screenwriting and Directing, Columbia University
B.A., Art and Communication, University of Notre Dame

Academic Interests: Intercultural communication; writing/producing; camera and editing techniques

Mary Lyons, Professor
Ph.D., English, University of Rhode Island
M.A., English, University of Rhode Island
B.S., English Education, Simmons College

Academic Interests: Business communications; videomediated communication.

Kevin J. Pearce, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Mass Communication, Kent State University
M.S., Telecommunications and Film, San Diego State University
B.S., Radio/Television Production, San Jose State University

Academic Interests: Mass communication; mediated interpersonal communication; new communication technology; family communication

Wendy Samter, Professor and Chair
Ph.D., Interpersonal Communication, Purdue University
M.A.,Interpersonal Communication, Purdue University
B.A.,Communication, LaSalle University

Academic interests: Interpersonal communication; effects of age, ethnicity, relationship type, and context on communication skills; peer acceptance; family reunification