Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Social Influence

Become a next-generation communication specialist who brings about positive social change with the Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Social Influence in the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University. Learn to lead public messaging in cities challenged by the most fundamental issues of modern times, such as

  • criminal justice reform,

  • environmental impact,

  • health and labor concerns,

  • LGBTQ and women’s rights,

  • political segregation, and

  • terrorism. 

The Communication and Social Influence Major allows you to develop a humanistic and social-scientific approach to effective public communication in urban environments. You will also learn the essentials of social influence and public speaking, including making sound arguments, organizing your ideas, supporting your claims and preparing briefs. 

Areas of Focus

Through the Communication and Social Influence Major degree program, you will gain expertise in one of three areas of focus, each of which is characterized by intercultural communication.

  • The civic engagement focus emphasizes communication of sociopolitical activities and community advocacy. 

  • The risk communication focus deals with communication about environment, public health, science, politics and public policy.

  • The conflict focus covers communication for community and individual conflict management and resolution.

Minor in Communication and Activism

Become an effective, conscientious, civically minded agent of social change capable of communicating across a variety of issues and contexts and within a multicultural and multiethnic society. Acquire in-depth understanding of the theories underpinning social activism and community engagement, as well as the skills necessary to implement these strategies. Students will be able to draw both from our faculty’s subject area expertise, as well as immerse themselves in social movements throughout Philadelphia. Learn more about this minor.

Classes & Curriculum

The Communication and Social Influence Major can be completed over four years of continuous, full-time study. Among the courses offered in this 124-credit degree program are the following.

  • Argumentation and Advocacy

  • Civil Disobedience

  • Communication and Civic Engagement

  • Rhetoric of Hate and Violence

  • Risk Communication

  • Speechwriting

  • Urban Organizing

Students are also required to complete one of four experience courses amounting to three credit hours. Those courses are Internship, Study Away Internship, Directed Research and Practicum.

Learn more about courses and requirements for the Communication and Social Influence Major.

Concentrations

You can focus on Communication and Social Influence or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • International Communication

    Students in the International Communication Concentration (ICC) acquire a theoretical and practical education in international and intercultural communication and media. A unique opportunity for Klein students, this program allows you to obtain skills and knowledge in cultural sensitivity and intercultural communication by reflecting on your own cultural lens. Students participating in the ICC program are enlightened about various perspectives through an internationally and interculturally oriented curriculum. The program is offered on Temple’s domestic campuses, but students can supplement some coursework while studying abroad.

    View Concentration Details

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,728.00 per year
Out-of-state: $34,176.00 per year

CO-CSI-BA

Additional Program Information