This degree prepares students to become strong communicators, critical thinkers, and ethical professionals across a wide range of industries, including media, education, business, public service, and more.
Use this page to understand the full structure of your degree and how your coursework fits together.
Component
Credits
General Education 45
Major Requirements (CAS/COMM) 45
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 24
Electives 6
Total 120
Note: Some courses may count toward multiple categories. For example, 3 of the 24 BA Degree Requirement credits are typically fulfilled through major or Gen Ed coursework. If you demonstrate world language proficiency through testing, up to 12 credits may shift into electives.
Courses include foundational training in:
Public speaking and media writing
Communication theory and rhetorical analysis
Media ethics and digital production
Research design and critical analysis
Internship or capstone experience
You’ll also choose supporting courses in areas like:
Interpersonal communication
Mass media
Organizational communication
Creative or cinematic communication
BA students at Penn State complete an additional 24 credits in these broad knowledge areas:
Arts, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences
World Language (proficiency through the third level)
Quantification (advanced math or statistics)
Courses are distributed across six domains:
Writing/Speaking (GWS)
Quantification (GQ)
Natural Sciences (GN)
Arts (GA)
Humanities (GH)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS)
Includes required coursework in United States Cultures (US) and International Cultures (IL).
All B.A. students must complete or demonstrate proficiency through Level 3 of a world language.
Options to meet this requirement:
Complete language courses (Level 1, 2, and 3) at Penn State
Demonstrate proficiency through placement testing
Apply AP or transfer credit with advisor approval
Review your What-If Report in LionPATH regularly to track your progress, and check your degree audit before registration each semester. This helps ensure you're meeting both major and graduation requirements.