Produce the segment, write the story or star in the show. With a major in Communications, you'll chart your own course to a thriving media career.

Program Overview 

Pursue a dynamic career in the rapidly changing, competitive media world.

Whether you’re interested in TV and radio broadcasting, sports broadcasting, multimedia production, station management, news writing and reporting, social media and content creation or another aspect of the field, a degree in Communications will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to build a successful media career. Dean College offers a bachelor’s degree, associate degree and minor in Communications.

From day one, you'll be immediately immersed in hands-on multimedia production work and hit the ground running on air, behind the scenes and on the web. You’ll study theoretical and production concepts while honing your skills in:

  • Digital audio
  • HD video
  • Website and social media
  • Sports broadcasting
  • Multimedia production
  • Content production

You'll gain practical experience in multimedia production, study the history, evolution and current state of mass communications and learn how to become a better communicator no matter what role you land.

You'll also have the opportunity to personalize your degree and focus on the projects you want to work on. Passionate about filmmaking? Produce and direct your own short feature films. An aspiring sports broadcaster? Hone your craft through courses, internships and on-air opportunities with Dean TV, Dean News Network and Power 88. Interested in social media or web design? Create content for campus clients and local corporations. As a Dean College Communications major, you’ll be running the show.

Dean College professor working with a student

Dean R. Sanders ’47 School of Business Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our faculty, who have firsthand business knowledge as consultants, executives and entrepreneurs.

Communications Courses

Course Number Course Title Credits
COM 121 Introduction to Communications 3
COM 122 Digital Audio Production l 3
COM 123 Digital Video Production l 3
COM 124 Web Design and Social Media Production l 3
COM 211 Media Writing 3
COM 217 Sports and Entertainment Media 3
COM 223 Digital Video Production ll 4
COM 225 Digital Audio Production ll 3
UPPER DIVISION MAJOR ELE Upper-Division Communications Electives 12
COM 495 Senior Capstone 3
COM 112, COM 115, COM 116, COM 312, COM 315, OR COM 355 Dean Radio or Dean TV 7
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
Total Credits 56

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 24
Total Credits 24

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Beyond the Classroom

Dean College students in the media studio filming Put your media skills to work as soon as you step onto campus.

Our state-of-the-art TV and radio facilities are constantly buzzing with students working together on assignments, broadcasts and passion projects. On campus, get involved with one of our student-run media outlets, including Dean TV, Dean News Network, WGAO 88.3 FM (Power 88) Radio and The Dean Daily, our student-run newspaper. Then, take your skills off campus and practice what you’re learning through internships at local television and radio stations and organizations like the New England Patriots, New England Revolution or Providence Bruins.

And when you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on the world. Dean Communications alumni find success in every area of the industry, working for organizations like CNN, ESPN, New England Sports Network, Kraft Sports + Entertainment, Patriot Place, TJ Maxx, YMCA, WEEI Sports Radio, Cumulus Media and so much more.

Interested in writing, broadcasting or media relations opportunities for sports teams, events and other athletic programs in particular? Learn more about careers in sports.

Uniquely Dean

Dean College students live on air during a broadcast. Take advantage of the Dean College Communications program’s unique, real-world opportunities starting in your first semester.
  • Enjoy access to a state-of-the-art video facility, three-camera television studio, and digital audio and video postproduction suites and editing rooms.
  • Practice your skills in digital media labs featuring industry-standard software such as Final Cut Pro and Pro Tools.
  • Gain experience on the air in WGAO 88.3 FM (Power 88), our Nielsen-rated, 175-watt stereo radio station. See what it's like to work at the station!
  • Work at Dean’s television station, Dean TV, as creators, segment producers, talent and crew to produce news, entertainment and sports programming.
  • Network with industry leaders, gain exclusive learning opportunities and pursue internships through The Center for Business, Entertainment, and Sport Management.
  • Learn from faculty who are experienced practitioners in the field.

RECENT STORIES

Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Communications major at Dean.