Contact Information

General Contact

Admissions Office

Financial Aid Office

FINANCIAL AID RATE

73%

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

15:1

FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.

$6,147

Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students

Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid

Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition

School Map

Communications Degree

The communications program at Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other Pennsylvania colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg

Tulpehocken Road, Reading, PA

Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Harrisburg provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania and publically funded. Enrollment at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Harrisburg exceeds four thousand per year.

Students can pick from a few areas of study, including:

  • Education
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Engineering
  • Psychology

The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken in order to apply to this school. Scores in a range of 21 to 24 on the ACT or 1320 to 1660 on the SAT are recommended to increase your chances for getting accepted. Approximately 80 percent of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 26 percent of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at admissions.psu.edu.

The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay close to $15,000 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $22,000 annually. Housing may be available for those that would like to live on-campus for around a cost of $6,600 for the year. Some students at this school may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Harrisburg has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Golf (NCAA Division III)
  • Soccer (NCAA Division III)
  • Softball (NCAA Division III)

Students may visit the Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Harrisburg website to obtain a complete list of academic programs offered, student services, and more.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg has offered the following degree levels for students:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

 Graduates
Bachelor's Degree33
Master's Degree3

Students by Gender (2019)

 Graduates
Male17
Female19

Students by Race (2019)

 Graduates
Black5
Hispanic3
White24
Multiple Races2
Non Resident Alien2

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Students who have completed the Communications program at Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg, have entered into some of these more popular career paths listed below:

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

  • Reading, PA
    • Total Employment: 100
    • Average Hourly Rate: $26.99
    • Average Annual Salary: $56140

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Admission Requirements & Details

The information regarding admissions below may provide a better idea of the students Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg accepts. The details may include admissions application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college or dual credits that may be transferred.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credits
  • Life Experience Credits
  • AP Course Credits
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Academics & Student Services

Student Services

To support students and graduates, Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg may offer services like those listed below:

  • Distance learning
  • Remedial courses
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Work study style employment
  • Helping students find work after graduation
  • Day care for children

Intercollegiate Athletics

Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Harrisburg is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division III without football classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:

  • Baseball (365)
  • Basketball (365)
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field, Indoor
  • Track and Field, Outdoor
  • Track and Field, X-Country
  • Volleyball