B.S. in Communication

a group of students sitting at a conference table

Students build skills in media, writing, and communication strategy within aviation-informed learning environments supported by experienced faculty and strong industry connections.

On the Daytona Beach Campus, the B.S. in Communication prepares students to accurately and effectively communicate scientific and technological information to diverse audiences, providing firsthand media and public relations experience through experiential class projects and internships.

In addition, Embry-Riddle’s combined program pathway allows students to begin working on a Master of Business Administration (MBA) while completing their B.S. in Communication.

While pursuing the degree, students have the opportunity to choose a track in Broadcast Meteorology, gaining broadcast and video editing skills while studying Applied Climatology, Satellite and Radar Weather Interpretation, Global Climate Change, and more.

Students also have the flexibility to tailor their degree to specific fields and industries by selecting minor areas of study such as Space Studies, Marketing, or Emergency Management, along with culminating internship or capstone experiences.

The Worldwide Campus' online B.S. in Communication prepares students for a broad spectrum of careers—from public relations to technical writing to crisis communication—with the flexibility to learn on their own schedule, whenever and wherever it’s most convenient. As modern society is increasingly influenced by developments in new media, science, and technology, the demand for skilled communicators continues to grow, with higher than average job growth for communication roles.

Students specialize in one of two areas: Aviation, Science & Technology Communication or Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication. Students also have the opportunity to minor in another field of study, such as International Relations, Marketing, or Project Management, to tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. The program culminates in either a Senior Project or an Internship, giving students the ability to apply their communication knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

The Worldwide Communication program has a STEM designation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under CIP code 09.0702: Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Apply the legal and ethical principles unique to the study and practice of communication.
  • Analyze the development, principles, and goals of communication theories and put appropriate research methods into practice.
  • Employ effective information gathering and news writing skills.
  • Write professional documents for diverse audiences, purposes, and genres.
  • Create effective speeches and presentations.
  • Design effective visual and digital artifacts.

Daytona Beach Program Requirements

General Education Requirements36
Core Requirements36
Area of Concentration21
Option15-18
Broadcast Meteorology Track or Minor
Electives9-12
Total Credits120

General Education Requirements

Communication9
English Composition
Speech
Communications (COMM) above COMM 106
Humanities - Lower Level3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Computer Science/Information Technology3
Mathematics *6
Physical/Life Sciences *6
One Course Must Include a Lab
Total Credits36
*

Students in the Broadcast Meteorology Track are advised to take STAT 222 as one of their General Education Mathematics requirements as these students will use statistical analyses, and WEAX 201 as one of the science requirements.

Core Requirements

COMM 180Media Literacy3
COMM 285Editing and Multimedia Production3
or COMM 230 Digital Photography
COMM 250Introduction to Communication Theory3
or COMM 260 Introduction to Media
COMM 265Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
COMM 270Communication Research Theory and Methods3
COMM 320Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
COMM 322Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
COMM 330Science and Technology Communication3
COMM 360Public Relations3
COMM 362Communication and Organizational Culture3
COMM 364Visual Design3
HUMN 490Senior Thesis3
or COIN 496 Co-Operative Education
Total Credits36

Area of Concentration

Aerospace, Science, and Technology (AST) Communication Specialization

Group 1 Electives
Choose Four of the Following:12
Sports Writing
Mass Media and Current Events
Social Media Communication
Cross-Cultural Communication
Environmental Communication
Communication and Society
The Nature of Language
Special Topics in Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Crisis Communication
Special Topics in Communication
Introduction to Rhetoric
Introduction to Broadcast Meteorology **
Video Production **
Group 2 Electives
Choose Three of the Following:9
Aircraft Familiarization and Regulations
Principles of Aeronautical Science
Introduction to Aeronautical Science
Aviation Legislation
Flight Physiology
Astronomy
Introduction to Air Traffic Management
Introduction to Aerospace Safety
Human Factors in Aviation Safety
Foundations of Biology I
Foundations of Biology II
Introduction to Environmental Science
Foundations in Business Data Analytics
Techniques in Business Analytics
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Fundamentals of Computer Programming
Introduction to Computing in Aviation
Foundations of Information Security
Computer and Network Technologies
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Introduction to Geoscience
History of Aviation in America
Contemporary Issues in Science
Technology and Modern Civilization
Introductory Physics I
Foundations in the Sciences
Aviation Psychology
Introduction to Space Flight
Planetary and Space Exploration
Space Transportation System
Space Station Systems and Operations
Life Support Systems
Space Policy and Law - History
Principles of Accident Investigation
Environmental Compliance and Safety
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Introduction to Meteorology **
Aviation Weather **
Total Credits21
**

Required course for students in the Broadcast Meteorology Track

Broadcast Meteorology Track Option

WEAX 261Applied Climatology3
WEAX 327Introduction to Weather Analysis and Forecasting3
WEAX 361Global Climate Change3
WEAX 363Thunderstorms3
WEAX 365Satellite and Radar Weather Interpretation3
WEAX 380Advanced Broadcast Meteorology3
Total Credits18

Minor Option

Minor15
Required of all majors except those on the Broadcast Meteorology Track
Total Credits15

Electives

Open Electives9-12
Credit total may vary pending the choice of Option (Minor or Broadcast Meteorology Track)
Total Credits9-12

Suggested Plans of Study

Option: Minor

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
BUAN 125 - Foundations in Business Data Analytics3
COMM 122 - English Composition3
MATH 120 - Applied College Algebra3
Group 2 Electives3
Physical/LIfe Sciences Lecture3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 219 - Speech3
Humanities (140 Series)3
MATH 220 - Concepts of Calculus3
Physical/Life Sciences Lecture and Lab3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 250 - Introduction to Communication Theory3
COMM 265 - Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
Communication 2XX3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 180 - Media Literacy3
Group 2 Electives3
Group 2 Electives3
Open Elective3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 285 - Editing and Multimedia Production3
COMM 330 - Science and Technology Communication3
Group 1 Electives3
Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Minor Course3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 270 - Communication Research Theory and Methods3
COMM 320 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
COMM 364 - Visual Design3
Group 1 Elective3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 360 - Public Relations3
COMM 362 - Communication and Organizational Culture3
Minor Course3
Minor Course3
Group 1 Elective3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 322 - Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
COIN 496 - Co-Operative Education or HUMN 490 - Senior Thesis3
Group 1 Elective3
Minor Course3
Minor Course3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

The following core (required) courses in the Bachelor of Science in Communication are offered once every two years: COMM 180, COMM 250, COMM 270,  COMM 285, COMM 320, COMM 322, COMM 330, COMM 360, COMM 362 and COMM 364. 

Option: Communication Broadcast Media Track

Year One

Fall
RequirementsCredits
BUAN 125 - Foundations in Business Data Analytics3
COMM 122 - English Composition3
MATH 120 - Applied College Algebra3
Physical/Life Sciences Lecture3
WEAX 201 - Introduction to Meteorology3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 219 - Speech3
Humanities - Lower Level (140 Series)3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
STAT 222 - Business Statistics3
WEAX 301 - Aviation Weather3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 2XX3
COMM 250 - Introduction to Communication Theory3
COMM 265 - Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 180 - Media Literacy3
Group 2 Elective3
Physical/Life Sciences Lecture and Lab3
WEAX 280 - Introduction to Broadcast Meteorology3
WEAX 327 - Introduction to Weather Analysis and Forecasting3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 285 - Editing and Multimedia Production3
COMM 330 - Science and Technology Communication3
Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper Level3
WEAX 261 - Applied Climatology3
WEAX 363 - Thunderstorms3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COMM 270 - Communication Research Theory and Methods3
COMM 320 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
COMM 364 - Visual Design3
Open Elective3
WEAX 380 - Advanced Broadcast Meteorology3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Fall
RequirementsCredits
COMM 360 - Public Relations3
COMM 362 - Communication and Organizational Culture3
Group 1 Elective3
WEAX 361 - Global Climate Change3
WEAX 475 - Video Production3
Semester Hours15
Spring
RequirementsCredits
COIN 496 - Co-Operative Education or HUMN 490 - Senior Thesis3
COMM 322 - Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
WEAX 365 - Satellite and Radar Weather Interpretation3
Group 1 Elective3
Open Elective3
Semester Hours15

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

The following core (required) courses in the Bachelor of Science in Communication are offered once every two years: COMM 180, COMM 250, COMM 270,  COMM 285, COMM 320, COMM 322, COMM 330, COMM 360, COMM 362 and COMM 364. 

Worldwide Program Requirements

General Education Requirements36
Core Requirements36
Specialization21
Minor15-22
Electives5-12
Total Credits120

Program Details

The Bachelor of Science in Communication requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students enrolled in the Worldwide Undergraduate Online program may complete the degree in 20 terms, or approximately four years, assuming full-time enrollment and continuous progress. Students pursuing this undergraduate degree must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 for all work completed at the University. The courses required to earn this degree are listed below.

Students must complete one of two program specializations: Aerospace, Science and Technology Communication or Crisis, Risk and Resilience Communication. In addition, students are required to complete an approved minor in consultation with their academic advisor. The selected specialization and minor will help tailor the program to the student's academic interests and career goals while satisfying degree requirements.

Students should be aware that many courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Students are responsible for ensuring that all prerequisite and degree requirements are satisfied prior to enrollment in advanced coursework. The suggested plan of study is provided as a guide. A student's actual plan of study may vary based on term of admission, course availability, transfer credit, and other academic considerations. Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.

General Education Requirements

Communication9
English Composition
Speech
Communication (COMM) above COMM 106
Humanities - Lower Level3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Computer Science/Information Technology3
Mathematics6
Any Mathematics 6-Hour Sequence Above MATH 106
Physical/Life Sciences6
Total Credits36

Core Requirements

COMM 180Media Literacy3
COMM 230Digital Photography3
or COMM 285 Editing and Multimedia Production
COMM 250Introduction to Communication Theory3
or COMM 260 Introduction to Media
COMM 265Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
COMM 270Communication Research Theory and Methods3
COMM 320Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
COMM 322Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
COMM 330Science and Technology Communication3
COMM 360Public Relations3
COMM 362Communication and Organizational Culture3
COMM 364Visual Design3
COMM 490Senior Project3
or COIN 496 Co-Operative Education
Total Credits36

Specializations

Aerospace, Science, and Technology Communication Specialization

Choose Four of the Following:12
Rhetorical Strategies and Analysis
Cross-Cultural Communication
Environmental Communication
Communication and Society
Communication for Resilience
Nonverbal Communication
Crisis Communication
Advanced Seminar in Crisis and Risk Communication
Introduction to Rhetoric
Choose Three of the Following:9
Introduction to Aeronautical Science
Aviation Legislation
Flight Physiology
Introduction to Aerospace Safety
Human Factors in Aviation Safety
Foundations of Biology I
Introduction to Environmental Science
Introduction to Computing for Data Analysis
Foundations of Information Security
History of Aviation in America
Technology and Modern Civilization
Science of Flight
Aviation Psychology
Introduction to Space Flight
Principles of Accident Investigation
Environmental Compliance and Safety
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Introduction to Meteorology
Aviation Weather
Total Credits21

Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication Specialization

COMM 332Cross-Cultural Communication3
COMM 365Communication for Resilience3
COMM 460Crisis Communication3
COMM 480Advanced Seminar in Crisis and Risk Communication3
Choose Three of the Following:9
Fundamentals of Emergency Management
Disaster Policy and Management
Emergency Management and Contingency Planning
Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Prevention Organization and Management
Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Introduction to Homeland Security
Introduction to Industrial Security
Professional Skills in Homeland Security
Critical Infrastructure Security, Resilience, and Risk Analysis
Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Homeland Security
Exercise Design and Evaluation in Homeland Security
Total Credits21

Minor

Minor15-22
Total Credits15-22

Electives

Open Electives *5-12
Total Credits5-12
*

Open Elective credits are dependent on choice of minor

Suggested Plans of Study

Specialization: Aviation, Science & Technology Communication

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 122 - English Composition3
MATH Sequence above MATH 1063
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 219 - Speech3
MATH Sequence above MATH 1063
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 180 - Media Literacy3
Computer Science/Information Technology3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
Communication (COMM 222 Recommended)3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
Humanities - Lower Level3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 265 - Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 230 - Digital Photography3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 270 - Communication Research Theory and Methods3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
COMM 260 - Introduction to Media3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 362 - Communication and Organizational Culture3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 360 - Public Relations3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 320 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
COMM 322 - Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
COMM 364 - Visual Design3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
COMM 330 - Science and Technology Communication3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
COMM 490 - Senior Project or COIN 496 - Co-Operative Education3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Specialization: Crisis, Risk & Resilience Communication

Year One

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 122 - English Composition3
MATH Sequence above MATH 1063
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 219 - Speech3
MATH Sequence above MATH 1063
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 180 - Media Literacy3
Computer Science/Information Technology3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
Communication (COMM 222 Recommended)3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
Humanities - Lower Level3
Physical/Life Sciences3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Two

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 265 - Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting3
Social Sciences - Lower Level3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 230 - Digital Photography3
Humanities/Social Sciences - Lower or Upper Level3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 270 - Communication Research Theory and Methods3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
Humanities/Social Sciences - Upper Level3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
COMM 260 - Introduction to Media3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Three

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 362 - Communication and Organizational Culture3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
COMM 360 - Public Relations3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 320 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
COMM 322 - Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
COMM 364 - Visual Design3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
COMM 330 - Science and Technology Communication3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Year Four

Term 1
RequirementsCredits
COMM 322 - Aviation and Aerospace Communication3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 2
RequirementsCredits
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 3
RequirementsCredits
COMM 460 - Crisis Communication3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 4
RequirementsCredits
COMM 365 - Communication for Resilience3
Program Specialization/Minor/Elective Course3
Semester Hours6
Term 5
RequirementsCredits
COMM 480 - Advanced Seminar in Crisis and Risk Communication3
COMM 490 - Senior Project or COIN 496 - Co-Operative Education3
Semester Hours6

Total Credits

Total Hours for All Requirements: 30

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Estimated Cost of Attendance: California Student Information