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Communication

96%
Employment Rate
of surveyed alumni within 9 months of graduation
Talent
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
Up to $3,000 for writing
100%
OF INCOMING FIRST-YEARS & TRANSFERS
Receive scholarships or grants

Becoming a driving force behind innovation

Move into your career with confidence.

Graduates of Mount Mercy University’s communication major learn skills necessary to communicate effectively through a variety of media, giving them the knowledge and skills necessary to engage with individuals and groups in an ever changing world.

Communication students at Mount Mercy focus their degree by choosing from two tracks—verbal communication or media communication.

Through a thought-provoking curriculum, real-life experiences and internships, professional communication skills are practiced and refined, which enables them to continuously build and explore.

K'Asia Parks Communications student

I’ve learned many life lessons at Mount Mercy that I don’t think I would’ve learned anywhere else. I have developed as a woman.

Curriculum

Focus your degree.

Communication students at Mount Mercy focus their degree by choosing from two tracks:

Verbal Communication

Areas of focus within the verbal communication track include public speaking, group communication and developing strong writing skills.

A communication degree with a verbal communication track is often connected with a major or minor in business or a liberal arts field such as political science or psychology. Students are prepared for any career that centers on writing and speaking as a professional skill—from business to law, ministry or politics.

Media Communication

The media communication track prepares students for careers centered on creating content—from publication design to web site development, computer-based video production and photography.

A communication degree with a media track easily connects to and enhances an English, marketing or art degree.

What courses will I take?

Communication: Verbal Track 

Required:
CO 101Oral Communication3
CO 102Public Speaking3
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
CO 311Communication Analysis3
CO 380Internship in Communication3
CO 480Seminar in Communication3
CO 120Introduction to Journalism3
or CO 280 Writing For Public Relations
Select One of the Following:3-4
EN 123
Professional Writing
EN 203
Creative Writing
EN 204
Writing Creative Nonfiction
EN 205
Writing Poetry
EN 206
Writing Fiction
Select One of the Following:3
EN 210
Writing And Analysis Of Literature
EN 320
Intermediate Creative Writing
EN 321
Topics In Creative Writing
Literature course numbered 225-309
Select Two of the Following:6
CO 105
Introduction to Acting
CO 250
Effective Group Communication
BK 305
Professional Selling
BA 310
Dispute Resolution
ED 135
Storytelling
GS 250
Business Etiquette
SW 245
Basic Helping Skills
SP 220
Spanish for the Profession
Total Hours41-42

Communication: Media Track

Required:
AR 103Art Fundamentals3
AR 106Photography I3
AR 120Visual Technology3
AR 130Graphic Design I3
AR 220Typography & Design3
AR 280Video on the Computer3
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 120Introduction to Journalism3
or CO 280 Writing For Public Relations
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 290News Processing for Journalism and Public Relations4
CO 311Communication Analysis3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
CO 380Internship in Communication3
CO 480Seminar in Communication3
CS 103Introduction To Web Site Development3
Total Hours48

NOTE: Students majoring in the Communication Program can pursue an additional major or minor in the Communication Program ONLY if they also earn, at minimum, some other non-communication department minor.

Academic Requirements

A grade of C or above (C- does not count) is required in each of the communication department course requirements.

Communication: Verbal

Required:
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 311Communication Analysis3
Choose Two of the Following:6
BA 310
Dispute Resolution
BK 305
Professional Selling
CO 102
Public Speaking
CO 250
Effective Group Communication
SP 220
Spanish for the Profession
Choose One of the Following:3
CO 120
Introduction to Journalism
CO 280
Writing For Public Relations
Choose One of the Following:3-4
EN 123
Professional Writing
EN 203
Creative Writing
Total Hours20-21

Communication: Media

Required
AR 220Typography & Design3
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 242Media Theory3
CS 103Introduction To Web Site Development3
Choose One of the Following:3
AR 106
Photography I
AR 280
Video on the Computer
Choose One of the Following:3
CO 120
Introduction to Journalism
CO 280
Writing For Public Relations
Total Hours20

Careers in communication

Our graduates are in demand by many local employers.

From prominent speaking careers in ministry and politics to layout and design of magazines, a communication major gives students the skills they need to reach their goals. Communication majors can be found in many different job paths, working for newspapers, magazines or in corporate communication settings.

Graduates have worked at companies like Z102.9, Great America, Hibu, the City of Cedar Rapids, and Dardis Communications.

What are the next steps?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application
  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

* Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.