Effective communication is at the core of all human interaction.

Every industry values effective communication and critical thinking skills. Get a step ahead with a degree that helps you become the best communicator in the room.

With a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Media Arts, you’ll have a chance to earn college credit while learning career-building skills through practical experience in areas like forensics, broadcasting, and internships. At Cumberlands, classes are small enough for you to really get to know your classmates and professors, and we offer plenty of on-campus opportunities to stretch your wings in our digital media studio, campus newspaper, podcasting course, and nationally recognized speech and debate team. If you have a love for clear, responsible, and beneficial communication and a desire to explore careers ranging from education to business to social media, you should begin with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$62,340

Average Salary

6%

Industry Growth

70+

Newspaper Awards

22

Debate Champions
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and do not reflect the total hours necessary to receive your bachelor’s degree in communication arts. Cumberlands requires all students to obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an Associate of Arts in Communication and 120 hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the communication arts degree at Cumberlands is to provide the opportunity and training to improve your verbal and written communication skills. Through the program, you will become a more effective and ethically responsible communicator.

Develop stronger critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Sharpen your writing and verbal communication skills.
Use a variety of broadcast technology.
Create content for news outlets, social media, websites, speeches, and more.
Work well in a team to accomplish common goals.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Communication & Media Arts Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Writer/Author: $69,510

Writer/Author: $69,510

Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.

Public Relations Specialist: $62,800

Public Relations Specialist: $62,800

Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the clients they represent.

Professor: $79,640

Professor: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Social Media Specialist: $56,770

Social Media Specialist: $56,770

Social media specialists communicate with the public through platforms that allow users to create and share content online. They run their employers’ social media accounts, working to build a brand’s reputation.

Advertising Manager: $133,380

Advertising Manager: $133,380

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services.

News Reporter: $48,370

News Reporter: $48,370

News analysts, reporters, and journalists keep the public updated about current events and noteworthy information.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A communication and media arts degree from the University of the Cumberlands strengthens your skills in various forms of communication, including writing, reading, speaking, listening, video, and graphics. This program prepares you for effective communication across all industries by providing practical experience in areas like forensics, broadcasting, and internships.

At the University of the Cumberlands, a bachelor’s degree in communication arts typically requires 120 credit hours, which includes general education requirements, and usually takes about four years to complete. The associate degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years.

Yes, the University of the Cumberlands offers the communication arts degree both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students who need to balance their studies with other commitments. 

A communication arts degree from the University of the Cumberlands is a valuable investment. It prepares you for diverse careers in writing, public relations, social media, advertising, journalism, and more. With a focus on practical skills and effective communication, graduates are well-equipped for the job market.

Graduates with a communication arts degree from the University of the Cumberlands can pursue careers as writers/authors, public relations specialists, professors, social media specialists, advertising managers, and news reporters. The program’s comprehensive curriculum ensures you are prepared for a variety of roles in the communication field.

To obtain a communication and media arts degree from the University of the Cumberlands, you need to complete 120 credit hours for a bachelor's degree or 60 credit hours for an associate degree. The program is available both on-campus and online, and you can apply transfer and prior learning credits towards these totals.

Yes, a communication and media arts degree from the University of the Cumberlands is worth it. The program equips you with essential communication skills that are highly valued across various industries. Graduates find opportunities in fields like media, public relations, education, and business, ensuring a wide range of career paths.

Majoring in communications at the University of the Cumberlands allows you to develop crucial skills in writing, speaking, and media production. These skills are essential for success in any professional setting, making you a valuable asset in industries such as journalism, marketing, public relations, and digital media. Additionally, the program offers practical experiences and opportunities to work with a nationally recognized speech and debate team, enhancing your career prospects.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Communication and Media Arts

Learn more about your future communications and media arts professors.

Robert Floyd

Robert Floyd

Assistant Professor
Communications and Media Arts

Robert Floyd

Contact Information

robert.floyd [at] ucumberlands.edu
Jeremiah Massengale

Jeremiah Massengale

Assistant Professor, Director of Journalism, Faculty Advisor for The Patriot (Campus Newspaper)
Communications and Media Arts

Jeremiah Massengale

Contact Information

jeremiah.massengale [at] ucumberlands.edu
GCR 109
Dr. Michael Dickman

Dr. Michael Dickman

Professor
Communications and Media Arts

Dr. Michael Dickman

Contact Information

michael.dickman [at] ucumberlands.edu
Grace Crum Rollins Building, RM 112

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