What can happen when you communicate your vision effectively? ANYTHING.
Communication is fundamental to the human experience and lies at the heart of any successful career. The sharing of ideas and feelings through written, spoken, non-verbal and mediated messages allows us to engage with the world around us.
As a communication major at Fresno Pacific University, you'll take classes from faculty with wide ranging expertise—including performance, writing, film and media studies—and apply your knowledge with a required internship.
Through the focused study of communication, you’ll learn to craft your own story, while learning to listen to others.
Program Highlights
Practice broadcasting, video editing, and public presentations with partnerships across campus and the community.
Required internships in social media, marketing, tutoring, public relations, business, writing, non-profit organizations, churches and mentoring
Study opportunities with the CCCU programs Strategic Communication in the American Studies Program, Washington, D.C., and Film Studies in the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, Hollywood, CA
Core courses in communication theory and rhetoric with individual emphases in Media and Film Studies, Integrated Media or Communication Studies
Emphases*
Communication Studies
Communication encompasses many disciplines and career fields, including those in media and digital arts, scholarly writing and journalism and advertising. With the communication studies emphasis, you’ll be provided a broad introduction to these disciplines.
Integrated Media
The integrated media emphasis teaches students to be culturally aware, socially engaged, media makers and problem solvers with advanced communication skills for an array of careers in the areas of media production, marketing, public relations, multimedia journalism, church media, and others.
Media & Film Studies
The media and film studies emphasis explores video, journalism, literature and film from different perspectives, offering you hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the impact of these forms of communication.
In order to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, students must complete at least 120 units. Along with completing all required courses in their selected area of study, general education requirements must be met by all graduates. See the general education summary in the undergraduate academic catalog for more information.
Select programs may not provide enough units for a student to graduate and therefore an emphasis and/or elective courses must be completed alongside the major. Please see below for emphases related to this area of study.
Emphases Catalog*
Communication Studies
Program Director:
Overview
The communication major provides courses that explore models of communication theory and application of theory in specific communication contexts. The major approaches the study of communication from a broad, liberal arts perspective that includes the historical, philosophical, and theoretical roots of communication. Courses provide necessary background for successful work and service in the public, private and religious sectors, as well as future graduate studies.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate through the production of multimodal messages.
Students will demonstrate comprehension of historic and current communication theory and its application in context.
Students will critically interpret language, images, and other signs.
Students will articulate the ways in which messages are mediated and shaped by media.
Students will critically interpret voice, power, and discourse in personal, local, and global contexts.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
Communication - Communication Studies, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Communication - Communication Studies, B.A. ADT Pathway
Lower Division Major Prerequisites (6 units)
COM 110 - Written Communication Credits 3 or
COM 110H - Honors Writing Seminar Credits 3 or
COM 110A - Written Communication I Credits 1.5 and
COM 110B - Written Communication II Credits 1.5
COM 120 - Oral Communication Credits 3
Required Courses (18 Units)
COM 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3
COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
COM 450 - Communication Theory Credits 3
COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
Emphasis Courses (19-21 Units)
COM 395 - Text and Performance Credits 3
COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3
COM 430 - Group Dynamics and Leadership Credits 3
Select four of the following:
COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
COM 345 - Composition Theory and Creative Writing Credits 3
COM 346 - Scriptwriting Credits 3
COM 350 - Visual Rhetoric Credits 3
COM 355 - Digital Video Production I Credits 3
COM 360 - Digital Video Production II Credits 3
COM 370 - Audio Production Credits 3
COM 375 - Documentary Studies Credits 3
COM 380 - Film Studies Credits 3
COM 385 - Cinematography: Visual Story Telling Credits 3
COM 390 - UI/UX Web Design Credits 3
COM 420 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
COM 440 - Performance and Culture Credits 3
COM 460 - Projects in Communication Credits 1-3
COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3
MGT 350 - Organizational Theory Credits 3
MGT 352 - Organizational Communication Credits 3
MKT 307 - Advertising and Promotion Credits 3
SOC 350 - Marriage and Family Credits 3
Integrated Media
Program Director:
Overview
The major teaches students to be culturally-aware, socially engaged, media makers and problem solvers with advanced communication skills for an array of careers in the areas of media production, marketing, public relations, multimedia journalism, graphic design, web development, publishing, social media management, strategic communication, nonprofit development, church media, and others.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate through the production of multimodal messages.
Students will demonstrate comprehension of historic and current communication theory and its application in context.
Students will critically interpret language, images, and other signs.
Students will articulate the ways in which messages are mediated and shaped by media.
Students will critically interpret voice, power, and discourse in personal, local, and global contexts.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
Communication - Integrated Media, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Communication - Integrated Media, B.A. ADT Pathway
Core Courses (18 Units)
COM 350 - Visual Rhetoric Credits 3
COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3
COM 450 - Communication Theory Credits 3
COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
Media Studies Courses (6 Units)
Choose one:
COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
COM 346 - Scriptwriting Credits 3
Choose one:
COM 375 - Documentary Studies Credits 3
COM 380 - Film Studies Credits 3
LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3
Marketing Courses (6 Units)
Choose one:
MKT 300 - Principles of Marketing Credits 3
MKT 307 - Advertising and Promotion Credits 3
Choose one:
MKT 303 - Market Research Credits 3
MKT 305 - Consumer Behavior Credits 3
MKT 316 - Sales Management Credits 3
Media Production & Design Courses (9 Units)
ART 230 - Basic Graphic Design Credits 3
COM 355 - Digital Video Production I Credits 3
Choose one:
ART 315 - Photography Credits 3
ART 430 - Advanced Graphic Design Credits 3
COM 360 - Digital Video Production II Credits 3
COM 370 - Audio Production Credits 3
COM 385 - Cinematography: Visual Story Telling Credits 3
COM 390 - UI/UX Web Design Credits 3
CSSE 112 - Survey of Computer Science Credits 3
THTR 350 - Acting Credits 3
THTR 360 - Directing and Staging Texts Credits 3
Experiential Learning Courses (5 Units)
COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
2 units of practicum, study abroad, service learning, and/or other experiences:
COM 155 - Journalism and Media Practicum Credits 1 - 2
COM 325 - Journalism and Media Practicum Credits 1 - 2
LIT 496 - Literature Internship Credits 1 - 3
THTR 110 - Drama Practicum Credits 1
THTR 310 - Drama Practicum Credits 1
THTR 115 - Drama Practicum: The Company Credits 2
THTR 315 - Drama Practicum: The Company Credits 2
Study Abroad
Service Learning
Other Approved Experience
Media & Film Studies
Program Director:
Overview
The communication major provides courses that explore models of communication theory and application of theory in specific communication contexts. The major approaches the study of communication from a broad, liberal arts perspective that includes the historical, philosophical and theoretical roots of communication. Courses provide necessary background for successful work and service in the public, private and religious sectors, as well as future graduate studies.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate through the production of multimodal messages.
Students will demonstrate comprehension of historic and current communication theory and its application in context.
Students will critically interpret language, images, and other signs.
Students will articulate the ways in which messages are mediated and shaped by media.
Students will critically interpret voice, power, and discourse in personal, local, and global contexts.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Degree Pathways
Communication - Media and Film Studies, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Communication - Media and Film Studies, B.A. ADT Pathway
Lower Division Major Prerequisites (6 units)
COM 110 - Written Communication Credits 3 or
COM 110H - Honors Writing Seminar Credits 3 or
COM 110A - Written Communication I Credits 1.5 and
COM 110B - Written Communication II Credits 1.5
COM 120 - Oral Communication Credits 3
Required Courses (18 Units)
COM 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3
COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3
COM 450 - Communication Theory Credits 3
COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
COM 496 - Communication Internship Credits 3
PHIL 455 - Philosophy of Language Credits 3
Emphasis Courses (19-21 Units)
COM 330 - Writing and Reading Journalism Credits 3
COM 350 - Visual Rhetoric Credits 3
COM 355 - Digital Video Production I Credits 3
COM 380 - Film Studies Credits 3
COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3
LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3 or
COM 375 - Documentary Studies Credits 3
Select one:
ART 230 - Basic Graphic Design Credits 3
COM 346 - Scriptwriting Credits 3
COM 360 - Digital Video Production II Credits 3
COM 375 - Documentary Studies Credits 3
COM 390 - UI/UX Web Design Credits 3
COM 460 - Projects in Communication Credits 1-3
COM 486 - Topics in Communication Credits 3
LIT 449 - Literature and Film Credits 3
Note:
Students are encouraged to attend the Semester in Los Angeles program offered by Columbia College. The courses taken in that program will replace major requirements as determined by your advisor.
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in) * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
4 years of college preparatory English
3 years of college preparatory mathematics
2 years of social studies
1 year of laboratory science
1 year of performing art
3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind
Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702 ugadmis@fresno.edu
1. Communication Studies (AA-T) to Communication: Communication Studies, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
2. Journalism (AA-T) to Communication: Communication Studies, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Integrated Media
1. Communication Studies (AA-T) to Communication: Integrated Media Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
2. Journalism (AA-T) to Communication: Integrated Media Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
3. Film, Television and Electronic Media (AA-T) to Communication: Integrated Media Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Media & Film Studies
1. Communication Studies (AA-T) toCommunication: Media and Film Studies Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
2. Journalism (AA-T) to Communication: Media and Film Studies Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
3. Film, Television and Electronic Media (AA-T) to Communication: Media and Film Studies Emphasis, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
This program is offered as daytime traditional
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
Non-traditional Admission
Steps for Re-application
For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission
Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class
Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
Incoming requirements
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways
FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.
Incoming requirements
60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,902
$3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,026
$5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person
Fall
Spring
Apartments - Room only
$3,306
$3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$3,958
$3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost)
$4,514
$4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost)
$5,639
$5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans
Fall
Spring
70 Block
$651
$651
140 Block
$1,208
$1,208
Full Access Meal Plan
$2,332
$2,332
* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name
GPA
Amount
Paragon
Full Tuition
President's
4.00 GPA and above
$18,000
Dean's
3.75-3.99 GPA
$15,000
Heritage
3.50-3.75 GPA
$14,000
Faculty
3.25-3.49 GPA
$12,000
Founder's
Below a 3.0 GPA
$8,000
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
$1,000
Federal Loans and Work Study
Name
Amount
Federal Direct
$3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan
Up to remaining cost
Workstudy
Contingent on employment
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
With this degree, you'll bring an essential understanding of human interaction, leading you to success in multiple settings, including religious, entrepreneurial, educational, non-profit, government and NGOs.
Possible Careers
Communication training and development specialist
Strategic communication (including social media) specialist
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.