Communication and Arts Department
Department Contact
Communications & Arts Degrees
The bachelor’s degrees offered through our Communication and Arts Department will empower students to develop more meaningful and effective voices that make a lasting impact on society. Students will learn to research, analyze, and articulate data, concepts, and messages in a variety of formats and platforms.
Learn to express yourself and push yourself creatively. Take advantage of clubs and friendly community on our South Carolina campus, and prepare for an exciting career.Â
Our Bachelor's Degrees
Mass Communication Degree
Through instruction, practice, project-based work, service learning, and participation in student media and internships, our bachelor’s degree in mass communication prepares students to be competitive professionals and leaders in analytics-driven, audience-focused convergent media.
Common courses:Â
- Introduction & History of Mass MediaÂ
- Writing for Mass Media Â
- Fundamentals of Digital Literacy
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Public Relations Specialist
- EditorÂ
- Marketing ProfessionalÂ
- Meeting/Event Planner
- Development OfficersÂ
- Media PlannerÂ
- Social Media Manager
- Human Relations ProfessionalÂ
- Journalist
- Brand Manager
- Sales RepresentativeÂ
- Community Relations ProfessionalÂ
English Degree
By means of writing, independent research, and civic engagement, our bachelor’s degree in English engages students in the construction and interpretation of words, discourse, and dialogue, preparing them for diverse professional careers and/or graduate school.
Common courses:
- Critical Thinking in Literature
- Modern English Grammar
- English Literature
- Linguistics
Career prospects as an English major are exciting, broad, and diverse. The educational backgrounds of many professionals began with a degree in English:Â Â
- Educators
- Lawyers
- Ministers
- Social workers
- Corporate professionals
English majors also achieve success in advanced graduate and professional schools, because English majors can do exactly what employers need and value: communicate effectively in writing, read analytically, think critically and independently, synthesize holistically, and use research properly.Â
Communications & English Minors
- English
- Mass Communication
Why study a foreign language?Â
Businesses, government agencies, schools and health fields are all seeking culturally-minded individuals who can speak other languages. As a bilingual speaker, you’ll be an attractive candidate in the U.S. and in other countries.Â
Studio Art Degree
Study the concepts and principles, historical perspectives, techniques and processes of the creation process. With a bachelor’s degree in studio art, you’ll be prepared for a career in the fine arts and visual communication.
Interested in scholarship opportunities? Learn how to submit your portfolio: Freshmen Application | Upperclassmen Application
Minors embedded in the program of study
- Applied Computing with a Mass Communication Track
- EducationÂ
- MarketingÂ
- PsychologyÂ
There are also options for an Open Minor and Interdisciplinary Minor.
The Studio Art Program aims to provide students with broad educational experiences that will prepare them for careers in fine arts and visual communication. The related minors are also designed to strengthen career placement outcomes.Â
- Freelance Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Art Educator
- Video Editor
- Art Curator
- Art Therapist
Students in the Studio Art Program will acquire knowledge and skills necessary for entrance into graduate school.Â
Music Degree
Music Industry Degree
Our bachelor’s degrees in music provides students with a broad base of educational experiences and skills necessary to enter professional career fields and/or graduate study in music.Â
Students choose their music option based upon the following instruments: brass, percussion, piano, voice, and woodwinds.
Minors embedded in the program of study
- Education
- Applied Computing with a Management Information Track
- Marketing
- Management
Students can select from four minors that are embedded in the Music Programs that strengthen institutional career placement outcomes.Â
- Performing Musician
- Composer/Songwriter
- Music Director
- Audio Engineer
- Producer
- Musical Therapist
- Music EducatorÂ
Next Steps
Join one of the Arts & Communications bachelor’s degree programs at Benedict College. Study your interests during your on-campus classes, enjoy a close-knit campus community, and explore Columbia, SC—a city on the rise.
Request Info
Want to learn more about our South Carolina campus and the Benedict College experience?Â
Student Story
Getting your bachelor’s degree in communications
One student reflects on his decision to get a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loved that any event on campus has to go through the communications degree department, which keeps you involved in everything. His advice: “don’t be afraid to change your major, get involved, or ask questions.”
Student Story
Giving back through music
One student wants to own his own music company and aspires to give back to youth through music. He’s a drummer in the gospel choir, a student ambassador, an orientation leader, and more. He loves that Benedict College feels like a family.
Freshman Studio Art Scholarships
If you wish to apply for a Freshman Studio Art Scholarship, we’ll need to see some of your work. Scholarships are based on a review of an applicant’s portfolio of original artwork. Art faculty are looking for evidence of basic skills, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to art.Â
Portfolios should include 8-12 works of the student’s choice and may be in a variety of media or all in one or two media.
Works do not need to be polished, nor is it necessary to mat or frame works. Inclusion of a sketchpad is optional. Once we have received all portions of your admissions application and portfolio we will contact you with feedback.
There are three ways to show us your portfolio:
- Submit by Mail: You may send us a copy of your portfolio in the mail and we will contact you with feedback.
Benedict College Studio Art Program
ATTN: Gina Moore, Communication & Arts Dept. Chair
1600 Harden St.
Columbia, SC 29204 - Submit Online: You may submit a portfolio by e-mail or provide a website that displays an appropriate selection of your works.
gina.moore@benedict.edu Meet with Faculty: We believe this is the best option for your work to be reviewed. We encourage you to bring your portfolio to campus and meet with faculty for a review of your work.
You may do so by attending any of the Admissions Open Houses throughout the academic year or by contacting the Department Chair to set up an appointment.
Arts & Communications Degrees at an HBCU​
Interested in getting your Communications, English, Art, or Music degree at a southern HBCU? Take advantage of opportunities to explore the history and creative expression of minority cultures.Â
Get Started
Wherever you are in the process, we’re here to help! Ready to apply? Get started today. Want more information? We’re happy to schedule a visit with you or send you more information.
