Let’s introduce the next 12 colleges conferring four-year bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri with HLC-NCA accreditation to train expressive media practitioners. Famously Mark Twain’s birthplace, the “Ozark State” offers its 6.11 million citizens the 33rd best economy according to the U.S. News & World Report. Zippia even ranked Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, 27th among the best cities for public relations jobs. Missouri communications majors benefit from being near 10 Fortune 500 headquarters, including Centene, Emerson Electric, Monsanto, Ameren, and Reinsurance Group. Media outlets like St. Louis Post-Dispatch, KRCG Channel 13, Beverly Boy Productions, KCMQ 96.7FM, River Styx, and Zimmer Marketing hire skilled communicators too. Indeed currently lists over 2,100 communications jobs across Missouri that average $45,280 per year. Channel your outspoken ways toward a rewarding career at the second article in our series of communications bachelor’s programs in Missouri (M-S).
First, see: Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Missouri (A-L)
Maryville University
College of Arts & Sciences
Granted the 2017 NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Excellence, Maryville University is a private, coed Catholic GLVC member founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1872 that’s worth $91 million with a 130-acre West County campus attracting 8,000 Saints from 60 nations. Maryville was declared America’s 165th best university by the U.S. News & World Report, 164th safest college on Niche, and 562nd top value in Money magazine. The College of Arts & Sciences holds two bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri ranked 338th nationally on College Factual with 87 percent retention.
Communication Major
Presently priced at $26,040 per year, the Communication Major admits Maryville freshmen with minimum 2.5 GPAs into project-based, tech-infused learning that nurtures the ability to convey facts via 21st-century means. The 51-credit major advised by Leilani Carver integrates at least one St. Louis internship into Strategic Communication, Contemporary Journalism, or Emerging Media Strategy & Social Media concentrations. Undergrads could also edit Magnolia, join Drama Club, engage in Newman Center, travel to Lugano, and attend the NCA Annual Convention.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
On Canvas with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, Maryville’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication begins thrice annually to sharpen the digital-savvy creative skills employers want without campus trips. The 128-credit, test-optional program directed by Dr. Dustin York has liberal transfer policies before two specializations: Strategic Communication or Emerging Media Strategy & Social Media. Adults might also continue for the Online MBA, write for Pawprint, operate Saints Talk podcasts, intern at Fleishman Hillard, and earn the Mouton Transfer Scholarship.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Anheuser-Busch Hall 3210
650 Maryville University Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 529-9455
dyork1@maryville.edu
Missouri Southern State University
School of Arts & Sciences
Given six MCMA Best in State Awards since 1994 for The Chart, Missouri Southern State University is a public, mid-sized higher learning institution that’s budgeting $84.9 million to educate 6,231 Lions, 25 percent of whom are minorities, at its 27-building Jasper County campus. MSSU was chosen America’s 259th most conservative school on Niche and 65th top baccalaureate college in Washington Monthly with the 268th best median salary at $63,000 by PayScale. The School of Arts & Sciences only requires a 2.25 GPA or 21 ACT score before starting one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri with 94 percent acceptance.
Mass Communication Major
Chaired by Prof. Ward Bryant, MSSU’s Mass Communication Major gives undergrads hand-on experience producing crafty, creative media content starting the freshman year. The 124-credit Bachelor of Arts/Science currently charges $232 in-state or $464 out-of-state per credit for Joplin courses like Diction, News Reporting, and Public Relations. Students can run KGCS-TV shows, join the Southern Broadcasters Club, visit Paris, receive the Rebecca Blair Hughes Award, publish Vivid, intern with Express Scripts, minor in Quality Management, and become Super Leaders too.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Webster Hall 362
3950 E. Newman Road
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 625-9710
bryant-w@mssu.edu
Missouri State University
College of Arts and Letters
Home to the Augmentative & Alternative Communication Lab, Missouri State University is a public, coed “Military Friendly” MVC constituent opened in 1905 that’s budgeting $267 million yearly to inform 23,537 Bears from 85 nations in 150 majors at its 40-building Roundtree campus. MSU was picked America’s 53rd best audiology school in the U.S. News & World Report, 177th best location on Niche, and 131st top university by the Social Mobility Index. The College of Arts and Letters has annual full-time tuition of $7,306 to $14,746 for two bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri “where minds meet” with 86 percent admission.
Communication (BA ,BS)
Centered on public affairs, Missouri State’s Communication (BA, BS) draws on 100+ years of success to build the verbal and written skills needed for civil discourse that promotes societal relations. The 125-credit, four-year program headed by Dr. Isabelle Bauman has five tracks: Health Communication, Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication & Diversity, or Communication Studies. Majors may also pledge Lambda Pi Eta, attend the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, join SSTAM, publish The Standard, and take the Magellan Exchange to Spain.
Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)
Reserved for sophomores with minimum 3.0 GPAs in 50 credits, the Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS) is a tiered, pre-professional MSU major building clinical competencies for treating language delays. The 125-credit bachelor’s overseen by Dr. Letitia White requires practicum in three tracks: Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, or Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. Students might also serve in Nicaragua, join the MSHA Chapter, earn the Neil DiSarno Scholarship, declare the Sign Language Studies Minor, and participate in the Preschool Program.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Dr. Virginia Craig Hall 375
901 S. National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-4423
Communication@MissouriState.edu
Missouri Valley College
Division of Communications, Humanities, and Human Services
Partnered with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance for CNP credentialing, Missouri Valley College is a private, Presbyterian liberal arts school opened in 1889 that’s indexing 23 million books in Murrell Library atop a 150-acre Saline County campus serving 1,789 Vikings in 40 majors. MVC was deemed America’s 253rd most diverse college on Niche, 314th top baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly, and 36th most international school by IIE. The Division of Communications, Humanities, and Human Services accepts $30 applications until April 1st for freshmen seeking one of the faith-based bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri.
Mass Communication Major
Maintaining a 14:1 student-professor ratio under Dr. Chaz Maddi, MVC’s Mass Communication Major trains students to keep consumers informed of social and political happenings on dynamic media channels. The 120-credit degree presently bills $19,750 annually for three concentrations: Broadcasting, Journalism, or Strategic Communication. Undergrads may anchor for Viking Views, deejay on KMVC 91.7FM, produce The Delta, earn the Virginia Zank Scholarship, engage in the Maastricht Institute, join Debate Team, explore Dubai, and pledge Alpha Chi too.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Ferguson Center 219
500 E. College Avenue
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 831-4621
maddic@moval.edu
Missouri Western State University
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Sponsoring the Walter Cronkite Conference on Media Ethics each Fall, Missouri Western State University is a public, coed centennial MIAA member initiated in 1915 that’s reporting over 120,000 service hours for 5,321 Griffons in 122 majors at the 774-acre campus with a $250,000 Digital Animation Lab. MWSU was proclaimed America’s 469th best athletics college on Niche, 103rd best baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly, and 357th safest school by WalletHub. The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences was ranked the 294th best value on College Factual for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri currently charging $3,454 to $6,749 per term full-time.
B.S. Speech Communication
In USA Today’s seventh fastest-growing economy, the B.S. Speech Communication places MWSU undergrads on collaborative teams to practice linguistic tactics for eloquent self-expression. The 124-credit bachelor’s chaired by Dr. Robert Nulph builds portfolios with courses like Web Content, Crisis Public Relations, Rhetorical Theory, and Nonverbal Language. Other opportunities include interning at National Geographic, reporting on Griffon Update, venturing to Vienna, entering the Barbara Sprong Leadership Challenge, and joining Creative Writing Club.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Murphy Hall 207
4525 Downs Drive
St. Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 271-4490
commjournal@missouriwestern.edu
Northwest Missouri State University
School of Communication & Mass Media
Bestowed the 2014 National Pinnacle Award for KZLX 106.7FM, Northwest Missouri State University is a public, coed teaching institution approaching its 115th year that’s endowed for $27.2 million to serve 6,338 Bearcats from 36 states at its 370-acre Nodaway County campus on Colden Pond. NMSU was judged America’s 88th best undergrad school by Bloomberg, 240th top university in Washington Monthly, and 144th best college dorms on Niche. The School of Communication & Mass Media currently enrolls 374 majors in another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri with 94 percent placement at CNN, Bozell Advertising, Family Circle, and more.
Communication Major BA ,BS
Utilizing the Michael L. Faust Media Lab, Northwest Missouri’s Communication Major BA, BS equips undergrads for reaching diverse audiences with impactful messages in today’s changing landscape. The 125-credit curriculum managed by Dr. Matt Walker packs courses emphasized in Rhetoric, Public Relations, Interpersonal Communication, or Organizational Communication for $4,466 to $7,529 each trimester. Students could also compete on the Forensics Team, join AdInk, publish Tower, broadcast on KNWT-TV, become Dunlap Scholars, and get 9-12 teacher certified.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Wells Hall 101
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468
(660) 562-1173
matt@nwmissouri.edu
Park University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Gifting $17.3 million, including the Scheib Family Communications Scholarship, Park University is a private, nonsectarian ICUM member founded in 1875 that’s attracting 23,000 Pirates from 106 nations at 41 campuses, including Parkville, Kansas City, Independence, and Whiteman AFB. Park was named America’s 420nd most diverse college on Niche,the 637th top value in Money magazine, and 585th best university by Washington Monthly. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences houses 28 majors, counting one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri, that accept $35 applications year-round with 69 percent admission.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Directed by Dr. Lora Cohn, Park’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies lays the rhetorical groundwork for critiquing media messages as engaged, well-informed citizens. The 122-credit curriculum presently costs $25,450 annually for on-campus courses like Interviewing Practice, Persuasion, and Interpersonal Conflict Solution. Students might also publish The Stylus, broadcast on KGSP 90.5FM, join Communication Connection, pursue the Online M.A., earn the Scripps-Howard Internship, study abroad in Auckland, perform in David Theatre, and minor in Journalism.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Copley-Thaw Hall 211
8700 NW River Park Drive
Parkville, MO 64152
(816) 584-6311
lora.cohn@park.edu
Rockhurst University
College of Arts and Sciences
Operating a 4,800-square-foot Harry S. Truman Library Institute since 2017, Rockhurst University is a private, coed Catholic school endowed for $34.7 million that’s enrolling 2,854 Hawks with a median GPA of 3.68 at the 55-acre Crestwood campus in Forbes’ 31st best city for careers. Rockhurst was declared America’s 390th top university by Times Higher Education, 224th best value in Money magazine, and 128th best student life school on Niche. The College of Arts and Sciences occupies the 360th spot on College Factual for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri reporting a 20-yet net PayScale ROI of $352,000.
B.A. in Communication
Costing $18,400 per semester full-time, Rockhurst’s B.A. in Communication studies the art of interaction at an 11:1 student-professor ratio for generalist skill development that will strengthen job search résumés. The 32-credit major led by Dr. Laura Janusik offers two tracks for Human Communication or Mass Communication after two foreign language courses. Undergrads could also publish The Sentinel, join Alpha Psi Omega, tutor in Aylward-Dunn Center, enter the Dowling Oratory Contest, declare Honors, study in Burkina Faso, and attend the Fifth Week Retreat.
B.A. in Business Communication
Partnered with the Helzberg School of Management, the B.A. in Business Communication focuses on the methods for-profit or nonprofit entities apply for truthfully swaying consumer decisions. The 36-credit major overseen by Dr. Cheryl McConnell has 86 percent retention in Kansas City classes like Principles of Advertising, Marketing Research, and Competitive Analysis. Majors may intern at PKD Foundation, attend Meet the Firms, minor in Leadership Development, enter the Bourke Speaking Contest, join Model UN, and research in Greenlease Library too.
B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Boasting a 97 percent Praxis pass rate, the B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Rockhurst emphasizes Jesuit ethics while introducing undergrads to medical conditions that hinder clients’ speech. The 38-credit major chaired by Dr. Katherine Ermgodts starts the second year in courses like Aural Rehabilitation and Transcription Phonetics with a practicum at 125+ partners. Other opportunities include joining the NSSLHA, working at the Saint Ignatius Center, attending the CHHS Speaker Series, continuing for the Master of Science, and winning the Weiss Scholarship.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Arrupe Hall 326
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 501-3186
laura.janusik@rockhurst.edu
Saint Louis University
College of Arts and Sciences
Planning the Empowering Women in Communication Series every April, Saint Louis University is an independent, Jesuit CASE District VI Gold Award winner opened in 1818 that’s budgeting $720 million to employ 6,700 staff and enroll 12,949 Billikens at the 131-acre “Mound City” campus. SLU was decreed America’s 105th best university by Times Higher Education, the 274th top value in Forbes, and 147th best college for social mobility in Washington Monthly. The College of Arts and Sciences has an average class size of 16 for another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri ranked 216th nationally on Niche with $43,160 annual tuition.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication
Prioritizing $25 applications submitted by February 1st, SLU’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication will teach undergrads to shape spoken and written word for connecting to target audiences. The 120-credit program headed by Dr. April Trees, the 2016 Milton Dickens Award recipient, has three project-based tracks: Advertising & Public Relations, Communication Studies, or Journalism & Media. Students might also inform Billikens on SLU-TV, enter the AAF Competition, publish OneWorld, join Psi Theta, minor in Foreign Service, and attend the Madrid Campus.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Xavier Hall 300A
3733 West Pine Mall
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 977-3510
commdept@slu.edu
Southeast Missouri State University
College of Liberal Arts
Housing the Gary W. Rust Center for Media, Southeast Missouri State University is the sixth-largest public, coed OVC teaching institution opened in 1873 that’s budgeting $144 million to instruct 10,458 Redhawks in 1,500 courses on the 33-building Cape Girardeau campus. SEMO was lauded America’s 299th top public school on Niche, 286th best college in Washington Monthly, and 58th best online university by the U.S. News & World Report. The College of Liberal Arts has a $60,500 median salary on PayScale for one of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri with 93 percent job placement at Nestle, Ross & Baruzzini, the Yankees, and more.
Communication Bachelor of Arts (BA)
With the Speakers’ Lab, SEMO’s Communication Bachelor of Arts (BA) instills the universal skills needed to transmit articulate ideas for better workplace productivity. The 120-credit degree administered by Dr. Glen Williams, the 2008 Ervin Award for Teaching Excellence winner, mixes courses like Negotiation, Group Decision Making, and Speechwriting. Majors may also publish The Arrow, take a Serbia semester, pledge Alpha Epsilon Rho, join Southeast Debate, volunteer with Jimmy’s Friends, earn the Oliver Oratory Prize, and talk sports on SEMO 92.9FM.
Communication Disorders Bachelor of Science (BS)
Adhering to the ASHA Code of Ethics, the Communication Disorders Bachelor of Science (BS) led by Dr. Marcia Brown-Haims gives Southeast Missouri students basic biological understanding of the body’s vocal and swallowing mechanisms. The 120-credit program currently costing $6,253 to $11,991 yearly boasts 90 percent grad school acceptance after courses like Neurological Assessment and Language Acquisition. Undergrads could also engage in the Apple Project, intern at St. Francis Hospital, practice in the Center for Speech & Hearing, and declare Honors.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Academic Hall 213
1 University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2247
gwilliams@semo.edu
Southwest Baptist University
Geneva Casebolt College of Music, Arts and Letters
Claiming 12 Pi Kappa Delta National Championships since 1975, Southwest Baptist University is an independent, Christian IABCU member founded 140 years ago by Abner Ingman that’s gifting $23.5 million to 3,592 Bearcats in 80 majors at its 152-acre Marion Township campus. SBU was crowned America’s 93rd most conservative college on Niche, 13th top Baptist institution by College Factual, and 274th best community service school in Washington Monthly. The Geneva Casebolt College keeps a 15:1 learner-faculty ratio and $22,400 yearly price for another of the bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri kept within Bob R. Derryberry School.
Communication Major
Coordinated by Dr. David Bailey, the 2014 MAFA Coach of the Year, Southwest Baptist’s Communication Major leaves undergrads well-versed in rhetorical theory to better reach others with Gospel messages. The 128-credit, eight-term curriculum dedicated to Acts 17 integrates Bolivar courses like Public Address, Elementary Spanish, and Spiritual Formation. Students can enter the Dutile Honors Program, intern at Metropolitan Bride, broadcast on Infuse, join Lambda Pi Eta, minor in Theatre, serve in Mongolia, and attend the Alteration Women’s Conference too.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Jester Learning Center 207
1600 University Avenue
Bolivar, MO 65613
(417) 328-1410
dbailey@SBUniv.edu
Stephens College
School of Design
Named a 2017 ACP Best of Collegiate Design Award finalist, Stephens College is the second-oldest consecutively private, women’s liberal arts school founded in 1833 that’s endowed for $42.9 million to support 850 Stars at the 86-acre, pet-friendly Columbia campus near Ragtag Cinema. Stephens was recognized for the 17th best quality of life by The Princeton Review, 21st most affordable town on WalletHub, and 100th most service in Washington Monthly. Also placed 54th nationally on Niche, the School of Design has 61 percent acceptance into three bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri that empower girl power.
Fashion Communication BFA
Ranked 22nd globally by The Business of Fashion, Stephens’ Fashion Communication BFA focuses fine arts instruction on using new media to aesthetically exhibit stylish clothing designs for consumer persuasion. The 74-credit major advised by Dr. Lori Hall-Araujo, the 2016 Anawalt Postdoctoral Fellow, blends courses like Digital Photography, Art Direction, and Trend Forecasting. Majors might also venture to Milan, explore the Costume Museum, attend The Collections, receive the YMA Scholarship, minor in Apparel Studies, and intern at Nordstrom.
Graphic Design Communication BS
Currently charging $30,750 annually, the Graphic Design Communication BS uses the Stamper Mac Lab to give women experience producing artistic, multi-dimensional works for visual messaging. The 57-credit major overseen by Dr. Monica McMurry sharpens portfolios with courses like Online Media, Promotion Design, and Convergence Studio. Students could also consult via Creative Ink, attend the Jeannen Booher Series, enter ADDY contests, publish Stephens Life, join Alpha Lambda Delta, intern at Serenity Forge, and pursue the Low-Residency MFA.
Integrated Marketing Communication BS
Processing $50 applications year-round, the Integrated Marketing Communication BS admits Stephens freshmen with minimum 2.75 GPAs seeking the full slate of advertising tactics to clearly outline corporate goals. The 57-credit major coordinated by Dr. Carrie Gartner pairs women with industry professionals in courses from Media Writing to Consumer Analytics and Project Management. Undergrads can broadcast on KWWC 90.5FM, enter the Gimme Truth Competition, declare Honors, intern at Boeing, attend GAP Camp, and join The Human Experience too.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1200 E. Broadway
Columbia, MO 65215
(573) 876-7233 ext. 4233
info@stephens.edu
Graduating with good communication skills is paramount to excel with Missouri’s slim 0.8 percent job growth. Especially since the Holmes Report found that companies led by very effective communicators reap returns that are 47 percent higher! Follow the bold footsteps of other “Show-Me State” natives like Walt Disney, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Walter Cronkite, and Rush Limbaugh at these bachelor’s in communications programs in Missouri.
Continue here: Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in Missouri (T-Z)