M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication at Mississippi College focuses on developing strong verbal communication skills within an environment that balances communication theory with hands-on practice. It prepares students for a wide array of careers requiring effective human interaction and public presentation, including roles in public relations, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, ministry, and more. All Communication majors at Mississippi College also complete a foundational core that covers essential aspects of the broader communication field.
STEM-designated: Based on the available information, the B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication at Mississippi College is not explicitly listed as a STEM-designated program. While the Department of Communication offers STEM-designated programs like Digital Media Production, Interpersonal & Public Communication typically emphasizes humanistic and social science aspects of communication rather than the technical or computational elements that define STEM. Prospective students interested in STEM designation should confirm this directly with the university.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication requires approximately 130 credit hours, including the university's core liberal arts courses. All Communication majors take a foundational selection of courses (28 hours) which includes "Communication Research & Writing," "Fundamentals of Digital Communication," "Communication Ethics," "Interpersonal Communication," "Public Speaking," "Communication Law," "Public Relations," and "Introduction to Journalism." They also complete a "Communication Internship" and a "Senior Portfolio." The Interpersonal & Public Communication concentration then requires an additional 18 hours, with courses such as "Professional Communication Skills," "Nonverbal Communication," "Argumentation," "Team-Based Communication," and "Negotiation." This comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates develop a strong theoretical foundation alongside practical communication skills.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication integrates a research-informed approach to understanding and practicing communication. Students are required to take "Communication Research & Writing," which introduces them to methods of inquiry, data analysis, and critical evaluation within the field. This prepares them to understand communication theories grounded in research and to critically analyze communication phenomena. While not a research-intensive degree in the sense of conducting original empirical studies, it focuses on consuming and applying research to inform effective communication strategies and ethical practice.
Industry Engagement: The B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication program at Mississippi College demonstrates strong industry engagement through its practical focus and emphasis on real-world application. The required "Communication Internship" provides students with valuable hands-on experience in professional settings such as media companies, government and non-profit agencies, and public relations firms. Co-curricular activities within the Department of Communication, such as involvement with student-run media groups, campus and community theater productions, and pre-professional organizations (e.g., the Public Relations Association of Mississippi chapter), further connect students with industry practices and networking opportunities.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Interpersonal & Public Communication inherently fosters a global perspective by examining communication across diverse cultural contexts. Courses such as "Interpersonal Communication," "Nonverbal Communication," and "Negotiation" naturally touch upon how communication varies across cultures and how to communicate effectively in a globalized world. An understanding of diverse audiences and cultural nuances is crucial for effective public communication. Mississippi College's core curriculum, which often includes courses that promote cross-cultural understanding, combined with its diverse student body, further enriches classroom discussions with international viewpoints on communication and human interaction. While the B.S. track emphasizes electives over foreign language, the fundamental principles of communication are universally applicable.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 21000
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 45 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interpersonal & Public Communication from Mississippi College are equipped with highly versatile skills applicable across a multitude of industries.
Public Relations Specialist: Manage an organization's public image, draft press releases, handle media inquiries, and develop communication strategies to build and maintain positive relationships with the public and stakeholders.
Human Resources Specialist: Focus on internal organizational communication, employee relations, recruitment, training program development, and conflict resolution, ensuring clear and effective communication within a company.
Marketing Coordinator: Assist with the development and execution of marketing campaigns, create compelling messaging for various channels, and analyze audience responses to promote products, services, or ideas.
Event Planner/Coordinator: Organize and manage various events, from corporate conferences to non-profit fundraisers, leveraging strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational communication skills to ensure successful execution.
Non-Profit Program Manager/Coordinator: Develop, implement, and oversee programs for charitable or community-focused organizations, requiring excellent communication skills for fundraising, volunteer coordination, and community engagement.
Sales Representative/Manager: Build rapport with clients, persuasively present products or services, negotiate deals, and maintain customer relationships, relying heavily on interpersonal and public speaking abilities.
Training and Development Specialist: Design and deliver workshops and training programs for employees, clients, or the public, focusing on skill development, knowledge transfer, and enhancing communication within teams.
Government/Political Campaign Staff: Work in roles such as public information officer, legislative assistant, press secretary, or campaign manager, requiring strong abilities in public speaking, argumentation, and strategic communication.
Customer Relations Manager: Serve as a primary point of contact for customer inquiries and issues, resolving conflicts, providing information, and building loyalty through effective and empathetic communication.
Ministry/Youth Director: Lead and communicate effectively within religious organizations, developing programs for youth or specific congregations, and engaging in public speaking, counseling, and community outreach.
