Suggested Academic Plan

Suggested Academic Plan: Media & Communication, B.A.

This sample four-year plan outlines one possible path to complete your degree in Media and Communication at Penn State Behrend. Your actual plan may vary based on transfer credits, course availability, and academic goals. Always consult with your advisor to customize your schedule.

Year 1: Foundations and Exploration

Fall Semester (17 credits)

• World Language Course (Level 1) – 4 credits
  
  

• ENGL 15: Rhetoric & Composition – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• First-Year Seminar – 1 credit
  
  

• Introductory CAS/COMM Course – 3 credits
  
  

Spring Semester (17 credits)

• World Language Course (Level 2) – 4 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• Quantification (Math/Statistics) – 3 credits
  
  

• World Cultures Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• COMM 1, 3, or 4 – 1 credit
  
  

Year 2: Core Skills and BA Requirements

Fall Semester (15 credits)

• COMM 160: Basic Production – 1 credit
  
  

• World Language Course (Level 3) – 4 credits
  
  

• CAS 100A or 100B: Public Speaking – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• COMM 1, 3, or 4 (if not yet completed) – 1 credit
  
  

Spring Semester (16.5 credits)

• ENGL 202A, B, C, or D – 3 credits
  
  

• BA Knowledge Domain Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Health and Wellness – 1.5 credits
  
  

• Quantification – 3 credits
  
  

• CAS 303: Communication Theory – 3 credits
  
  

Year 3: Specialization and Application

Fall Semester (16.5 credits)

• COMM 260W: News Writing or Equivalent – 3 credits
  
  

• COMM 242, 270, or 282 – 3 credits
  
  

• CAS 212: Rhetorical Theory – 3 credits
  
  

• COMM 205 or CAS 271N – 3 credits
  
  

• BA Knowledge Domain Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Health and Wellness – 1.5 credits
  
  

Spring Semester (15 credits)

• CAS 204: Interpersonal Communication – 3 credits
  
  

• CAS/COMM Supporting Course – 3 credits
  
  

• Additional CAS/COMM Supporting Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• 400-Level Supporting Course – 3 credits
  
  

Year 4: Integration and Launch

Fall Semester (15 credits)

• COMM 251: Media Ethics – 3 credits
  
  

• CAS 450W or CAS 252 – 3 credits
  
  

• 400-Level Supporting Course – 3 credits
  
  

• General Education Course – 3 credits
  
  

• Elective – 3 credits
  
  

Spring Semester (12 credits)

• BA Knowledge Domain Course – 3 credits
  
  

• COMM 494 or 495: Internship or Capstone – 3 credits
  
  

• 400-Level Supporting Course – 3 credits
  
  

• Elective – 3 credits
  
  

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Credits: 120
  
  

• Courses marked with C or better are required for the major
  
  

• Some Gen Eds and BA requirements may overlap—your advisor can help optimize your plan
  
  

• Use LionPATH’s What-If and Academic Requirements tools to check your progress