Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies

Understand complex human communication processes

The Communication and Media Studies program aims to cultivate an understanding of the role of media in our society and the world, and the ability to facilitate effective communication at the local, global, and glocal level. At the theoretical level, students will learn theories of interpersonal communication; mass communication; intercultural communication; international media systems and issues; and the application of theories to various contexts/specific issues. At the practical level, students will develop effective information gathering and organizational skills; critical thinking and flexibility in making sense of information; effective writing skills; effective listening and speaking skills; a higher level of interpersonal and intercultural communication competence; and media literacy.

Students who have completed a major in Communication and Media Studies will be prepared to begin at an entry level in the professions of media industries, human resources, public relations and advocacy, marketing, and advertising, and consulting. The program will also prepare students to move on to a graduate program in Communication and Media Studies, which will help continue their professional development in such areas as a media and public relations, marketing, media research, and organizational consulting.

Communication and Media Studies Requirements

*All Bachelor of Arts degrees require a total of 120 credits consisting of Core Requirements, Major Requirements, and General Elective courses. Prerequisites may be required for courses outside of the major.Admission CriteriaUndergraduate admission to Franklin University Switzerland is selective, competitive and based primarily on the following:

• High School Record
• Personal Recommendations
• SAT I or ACT Scores

By the time you start your application, you are expected to have completed a solid university preparatory program. We recommend a program that includes four years of English grammar, composition, and literature; three years of a foreign language; three years of history; three years of mathematics, and two years of science. Coursework in areas such as art, computer science, and music is also recommended.Cost & Fees

• US Nationals / Permanent Residents and Canadian Nationals
  Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel (Required, two weeks each semester): $40,800 per year
• All Other Nationalities
  Academic Tuition Includes Academic Travel(Required, two weeks each semester): CHF 49,100 per year

Tuition and Fees

US nationals or permanent residents / Canadian nationals

Cost of Attendance

The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on circumstances, based on how far you have to travel to reach Franklin, the choices you make regarding meals and housing, and more. The costs can be broken into Direct vs. Indirect costs (see below).

Direct Costs

These will appear on the billing statement each semester and may vary based on the cost of housing and meal plan the student chooses. These costs include tuition, university fees, room, and board as well as Swiss health insurance. Exact amounts or averages for these costs (for example for housing or insurance) are provided below.

*Swiss law requires that all students are covered by Swiss medical insurance. The cost varies according to the age of the student. For information regarding the cost of Swiss medical insurance for 2017-2018 please see Health and Counseling.

Indirect Costs

These costs are incidental to the student’s attendance and are fully managed by the student and their family. These costs include travel costs to/from Franklin each semester, the purchase of books and supplies as well as personal costs for weekend travel, toiletries, and such. Each family can reduce these costs by planning travel early, sending care packages from home that include lower-priced toiletries, buying used books and more.

Total Average Cost of Attendance

Based on the above estimates and average costs, the typical total cost of attendance for a non-Swiss, new incoming undergraduate student (e.g. a first-year undergraduate student, incoming study abroad student or transfer student) coming from the US or Canada would calculate as follows:

Non - US or Canadian national or a permanent US resident

Cost of Attendance

The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on circumstances, based on how far you have to travel to reach Franklin, the choices you make regarding meals and housing, and more. The costs can be broken into Direct vs. Indirect costs (see below).

Direct Costs

These will appear on the billing statement each semester and may vary based on the cost of housing and meal plan the student chooses. These costs include tuition, university fees, room, and board as well as Swiss health insurance. Exact amounts or averages for these costs (for example for housing or insurance) are provided below.

*Swiss law requires that all students are covered by Swiss medical insurance. The cost varies according to the age of the student. For information regarding the cost of Swiss medical insurance for 2017-2018 please see Health and Counseling.

Indirect Costs

These costs are incidental to the student’s attendance and are fully managed by the student and their family. These costs include travel costs to/from Franklin each semester, the purchase of books and supplies as well as personal costs for weekend travel, toiletries, and such. Each family can reduce these costs by planning travel early, sending care packages from home that include lower-priced toiletries, buying used books and more.

Total Average Cost of Attendance

Based on the above estimates and average costs, the typical total cost of attendance for a non-Swiss, new incoming undergraduate student (e.g. a first-year undergraduate student, incoming study abroad student or transfer student) coming from the US or Canada would calculate as follows:

Scholarships & Financial Aid

At Franklin, we see financing your education as an investment and partnership among you, your family, and the University. About 70 percent of Franklin students receive financial aid in a variety of forms, such as need- and merit-based scholarships, government and private aid and engagement incentives. Franklin offers scholarships, financial aid, and other initiatives, and various external programs are available based on citizenship and need assessment. Together we will create your financial aid package and carefully guide you through your financing options.

Need-based Aid

Students of all nationalities are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Information about how and when to apply, various aid programs available and eligibility is available in our dedicated section on Financial Aid.

Scholarships and Merit Awards

Merit scholarships are given to students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and are renewed each year, for four years. These scholarships are automatically awarded at the time of admission and are not based on need or family income. Priority is given to students applying for admission by the December 1, 2017, deadline. After December 1, we may continue to award merit scholarships, if funds are still available. For more information, students are advised to contact our office in Lugano.

Below is a range of awards available for the incoming class of Fall Semester 2018.

Swiss Matura Initiative

Specific financial incentives are available for students holding a Swiss national high school diploma (Matura).

Starting with the 2016-17 academic year, Franklin University Switzerland offers students holding a Swiss national high school diploma ('Matura') the opportunity to earn a Bachelor degree in a discipline of their choice in a program designed just for them.

Life-long Learning Scholarship Program

The Life-Long Learning Scholarship Program (LLLS) supports students by preparing them to be career-ready upon graduation from Franklin, not only with regard to academic foundations in their respective disciplines but also by providing them with skills that are essential in public and private sector employment in a wide variety of settings. By participating in the Life-Long Learning Scholarship program, students will experience a strong sense of engagement with the University, develop leadership skills, and have the opportunity to learn and develop practical skills in a number of fields and areas.

LLLS Program Eligibility for Students

1. All undergraduate students enrolled at Franklin University Switzerland with full-time status (a minimum of four-semester courses) may apply for an LLLS position.
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher is required to be eligible for the LLLS program.
3. All applicants MUST have an account in good standing with the University in order to be eligible for the LLLS program.
4. Resident Assistants are eligible for LLLS positions for a maximum of 5 hours per week and only with permission from their supervisors.

LLLS Position Levels

The LLLS positions are classified into various levels. First-year students start with simpler, service-oriented positions and progress to more challenging positions with greater responsibility and increased complexity during their upper-class years.

• Tier I: Task-oriented. Entry-level students learn basic career skills and experienced students have proven to be dependable. Students may have time to study while conducting projects after their assigned tasks have been completed.
• Tier II: Students learn project management and more advanced career skills. Experienced students have the capacity to train and supervise beginner level students. Students do not have time to study during their assigned projects.
• Research Assistant or other Academic Assistant Position: Students perform basic to advanced academic research and complete academic projects. Students do not have time to study during their assigned projects.

The LLLS program allows students to experience a strong sense of engagement with the University, develop leadership skills, and have the opportunity to learn and develop practical skills in a number of fields and areas. Students are expected to maintain communication with their supervisor about the schedule, tasks, and deadlines. Supervisors are expected to provide training for LLLS students to fully acclimate the student to the new role.

LLLS Administration

At the beginning of each semester, information about open LLLS positions and the application process is sent to students' Franklin email accounts. The LLLS Program is coordinated by the Dean of Student Life and Engagement in collaboration with the Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Franklin Bursar.