New technologies, the world of global business, and the expectations of the service economy are just some of the many factors creating a demand for professionals with outstanding communication skills and knowledge of communication strategies. With a strong foundation in the Liberal Arts, BMCC’s Communication Studies curriculum is enriched by courses that will build your know-how in communicating with audiences of various sizes locally, nationally, and globally.
Courses offered include Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Small Group Communication and Conflict Resolution–all very useful in many global corporations. Other courses such as The Mass Media, Advanced Public Speaking, Oral Interpretation and Voice and Articulation would be helpful for those interested in media or law careers. The program also gives students a range of elective options from other departments that include business, technology, social sciences and career planning.
Transfer Options
BMCC has articulation agreements with several four year colleges to allow you to seamlessly continue your education there without any loss of credits.
Students may continue to major in Communication Studies or combine this degree with another major. The program is fully articulated with CUNY Baruch College – B.A. in Communication Studies, CUNY New York City College of Technology – B.S. in Professional and Technical Writing, CUNY School of Professional Studies – B.A. in Human Relations, Iona College – B.A. in Speech Communication, and Utica College – Communication and Media. It is transferable to other CUNY schools as well as colleges and universities both public and private.
Explore Careers
BMCC is committed to students’ long-term success and will help you explore professional opportunities. Undecided? No problem. The college offers Career Coach for salary and employment information, job postings and a self-discovery assessment to help students find their academic and career paths. Visit Career Express to make an appointment with a career advisor, search for jobs or sign-up for professional development activities with the Center for Career Development. Students can also visit the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning to gain real world experience in preparation for a four-year degree and beyond. These opportunities are available to help BMCC students build a foundation for future success.
Requirements
Communication Studies Academic Program Maps
Required Common Core
English Composition | 6 |
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning1 | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences2 | 3 |
TOTAL REQUIRED COMMON CORE | 12 |
Flexible Core3
Creative Expression | 6 |
Individual and Society | 3 |
Scientific World | 3 |
U.S. Experience in Its Diversity | 3 |
World Cultures and Global Issues | 3 |
TOTAL FLEXIBLE COMMON CORE | 18 |
TOTAL COMMON CORE | 30 |
Curriculum Requirements
- The course introduces the basic concepts and theories of interpersonal communication in personal, educational and business settings. This includes a study of self as communicator, the effect of language on others, verbal and nonverbal expression of thoughts and feelings, and factors which contribute to effective communication. Prerequisite: SPE 100 or permission of department
- The focus of this course is to provide an understanding of the influence and impact on our lives and society by the mass media. The course examines the history, law, technology, economics and politics of the mass media through independent study, field trips, etc. Students are encouraged to be aware of techniques of influence used by the mass media to influence and determine social and political values. In addition, students learn to develop tools for critical analysis of and standards for discriminating consumption of the mass media.
Prerequisite: SPE 100 or permission of department - This course is designed to provide an understanding of intercultural principles and perspectives when communicating with people from diverse cultures. Consideration will be given to both verbal and nonverbal communication processes in the "American" culture, co-cultures, contact cultures, and popular culture. Through readings, lectures, response papers, and interviews, as well as through in-class discussion and exercises, this course will explore how culture shapes communication, how situations are framed through cultural lenses, and how histories, perceptions, values, contexts, aspects of stereotypes, and ethnocentrism all contribute to the complexity of intercultural communication. Prerequisite: SPE 100 or SPE 102
Choose 5 three-credit courses from the following for a total of 15 credits with at least three from SPE, COM, THE or GWS:
Notes
Please note, these requirements are effective the 2023-2024 catalog year. Please check your DegreeWorks account for your specific degree requirements as when you began at BMCC will determine your program requirements.
Footnotes
- Consult with an advisor on which courses to take to satisfy these areas.
- These areas can be satisfied by taking a STEM variant.
- No more than two courses in any discipline or interdisciplinary field can be used to satisfy Flexible Core requirements.
- Choose two courses (for 6 total credits) from any COM courses.