The School of Communications fosters student success and leadership in this rapidly changing field by offering a liberal arts education built on a practical and theoretical foundation of scholarship and ethics, a command of evolving technologies, and a respect for diversity.
As of Fall 2020, the School of Communications enrolled 800 undergraduate students across 6 programs, with a portion undeclared. In addition, 118 students were enrolled across our 4 graduate programs.
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 918 Students
Communications / Media Studies: 134
Communications undeclared: 47
Film, Television & Media Arts: 192
Graphic & Interactive Design: 82
Advertising & Integrated Communications: 97
Journalism: 150
Public Relations: 98
Total Graduate Enrollment: 118 Students
Interactive Media & Communications: 53
Public Relations: 37
Sports Journalism: 24
Journalism: 4
By the Numbers
3.44
Average GPA
1181
Median SAT
25
Median ACT
15:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25
Avg. Class Size (Lecture)
17
Avg. Class Size (Workshop)
Career Outcomes
92.4%
Success Rate
According to data collected in 2021, the School of Communications has a success rate of 92.4%, with 53% of graduates earning employment and 39.5% of graduates attending graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Alumni Network
Thanks to our prime location in the media corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., and our extensive list of industry connections, you’ll find our graduates working as news reporters, anchors, analysts, film producers, web designers and public relations professionals at prestigious companies.
Our Public Relations programs are certified by the Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Our MS in Public Relations program is one of five graduate programs worldwide to receive the CEPR designation.
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. They advocate rigorous academic standards for public relations education, the highest ethical principles and diversity in the profession.
The CEPR offers approved academic programs, such as Quinnipiac’s, the opportunity to have an outside evaluation team review and endorse undergraduate and master’s level programs for meeting standards in curriculum, faculty, students, resources and facilities, assessment, professional affiliations, relationships with the total unit, and the university and diversity and global perspectives.
Undergraduate Requirements
Beyond the University Curriculum requirements, students pursuing a bachelor of arts in the School of Communications must complete the following:
9 credits in the school-wide core
a minor (typically 18 credits) to be chosen in consultation with the student's adviser
2 credits in the Seminars for Success: COM 101 and COM 201
6 credits in the area of “global issues and cultures.” The School of Communications maintains a list of acceptable courses to satisfy this requirement.
2 additional courses outside the School of Communications, one of which must be at the 200 level or higher.
Note: The BA and BFA degrees in film, television and media arts require the completion of DR 150, DR 160 or DR 220 and one additional course outside the School of Communications at the 200-level or higher. Students pursuing the BFA degree are not required to complete a minor.
Academic Expectations: Students are expected to achieve a B- (2.67 GPA) or better in School of Communications courses during their first semester in the School of Communications. Students who do not meet this standard will be notified and are required to meet with a representative from the dean’s office to address their academic progress and develop a plan for improvement.
Transfer credits: The School of Communications accepts up to 18 transfer credits toward major requirements. Additional courses may apply to UC or additional elective courses as appropriate.
You can view the overall School of Communications curriculum by visiting our University Catalog site.