Communication Degree (B.A.), Communication and Culture Concentration

Honatsu Kabu, Class of 2025. A business administration major, Kabu wears a light blue shirt and sits at a desk in front of a Westfield State Owls mural.

Connecting Cultures, Building Understanding

The Communication and Culture Concentration focuses on international, intercultural, and interpersonal communication, offering strategies and insights to prepare you for work in multicultural environments. You'll explore global issues, develop cultural awareness, and learn how to address misunderstandings and resolve conflicts effectively.

The curriculum balances theory and real-world application, helping you understand how communication shapes relationships and influences cultural interactions. Whether you’re interested in global media, cross-cultural work, or organizational communication, this program equips you with the tools and knowledge to succeed in a variety of professional settings while making a meaningful impact.

Program Highlights

  • Personal, one-on-one faculty advisors
  • On-site television studio, radio station, student newspaper
  • Internships locally and in Washington, D.C.
  • Alumni networking opportunities
  • Communication Club and Television Club

Take the Next Step Toward a Global Future

Prepare to make a meaningful impact in diverse cultural and professional settings.

Shaping Global Communicators for the Future

  • Students in a first-year seminar course.

    Develop Essential Communication Skills

    Gain an understanding of how communication influences relationships, cultures, and global interactions. This program equips you with the tools to navigate complex cultural dynamics, resolve conflicts, and foster meaningful connections in diverse environments. From mastering interpersonal strategies to analyzing global communication systems, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers.

  • Communication student presenting undergraduate research at CURCA.

    Bridge Theory and Practice

    Explore the rich intersection of communication theory and real-world application. Courses combine academic insights with practical experiences, including case studies, collaborative projects, and opportunities to engage with different cultural perspectives. This hands-on approach ensures you can confidently apply your skills in professional settings like media, public relations, and cross-cultural relations.

  • Campus globe with blue skies behind it.

    Prepare for a Global Career

    With a focus on intercultural awareness and global communication strategies, this concentration prepares you for work in an increasingly connected world. Whether your path leads to global media, international business, or community engagement, you’ll graduate with the cultural competence and communication expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in any field.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes

The Communication Department prepares students to be well-informed, responsible citizens and creative and ethical communication practitioners. The department is unique in offering this balance of theory and practice, which is manifest through our courses, our widely respected internship program, and our students’ involvement in a wide and diverse variety of campus and community organizations.

From the local to the global level, our students and graduates apply their knowledge and skills to pursue further knowledge, establish professional careers, and improve their communities.

As an international student, I got to learn more about stereotypes in the world, the history that caused them, and what people are trying to do in getting rid of these stereotypes.

Hontasu Kabu '25
 

What Can You Do with a Communication and Culture Concentration?

A Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Communication and Culture Concentration opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries, especially those requiring strong communication skills and cultural awareness. Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with this degree:

  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Human Resource Manager
  • International Marketing Manager
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Study Abroad Advisor
Two graduates smiling in front of the campus globe.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

This concentration provides an overview of international, intercultural, and interpersonal communication models and strategies. Courses examine international issues and conflicts, emphasize intercultural awareness, explore ways relationships are structured by patterns of communication, and identify methods to help resolve and reconcile misunderstanding and estrangement. The goal is to involve students more directly with cultural interaction and experiences in preparation for work in culturally diverse contexts.

Requirements for the Communication Major - 45 Credits

Required Major Core - 27 Credits

Note:

STUDENTS MUST ELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CONCENTRATIONS: Communication and Culture, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Arts and Analysis, or the Student-Defined Concentration. In addition to the required courses for each concentration, students are required to take electives, one of which must bear a COMM designation. If the concentration requires three or more electives, one of the remaining electives may be chosen from the approved elective list from any of the other concentrations.

Communication and Culture - 18 Credits

 

Required - 9 Credits

Students must take the following courses:

Electives - 9 Credits

Students must choose any three elective courses from the following:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big-School Features with Small-School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Caring Educators with Real-World Experience

All of our talented faculty have graduate degrees in the subjects they teach. Additionally, most have relevant industry experience. That means you’ll not only benefit from a robust foundation in communication theory, but you’ll also have the benefit of learning from those who’ve actually done the work you’re preparing to do. This unbeatable combination will give you the edge in the field of communication.

Faculty Page

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

How can I find the Communication Department on social media?

You can follow us on several social media platforms below:

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Communication Degree (B.A.), Communication and Culture Concentration