Communication, Social Justice & Advocacy
Main Campus, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy
St. Bonaventure University
Communication, Social Justice & Advocacy
Program Overview: Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy at St. Bonaventure University
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy (CSJA) at St. Bonaventure University is grounded in the Franciscan principles that define the university, combined with the pragmatic coursework of the renowned Jandoli School of Communication. This program provides an ethical grounding along with practical knowledge and experiences for students who wish to pursue communication and advocacy roles in nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.
The major is built on the university's core values of nurturing compassion, seeking wisdom, and building integrity, with a strong focus on public service messaging that underscores St. Bonaventure's commitment to community. This selfless intent fosters kinship and advocacy for those on the margins of society, preparing students to champion social, cultural, environmental, and political change through effective communication.
Housed within the Jandoli School of Communication, one of only 19 private university journalism and mass communication programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC), the CSJA program combines a writing-intensive foundation with introductory courses in advertising and public relations. Students are also required to complete a minor or second major outside of the Jandoli School and fulfill 400 hours of on- or off-campus internships.
Key Program Highlights
- Grounded in Franciscan values of compassion, wisdom, and integrity with a focus on public service messaging and community advocacy
- 400-hour internship requirement providing extensive hands-on professional experience in communication and advocacy settings
- Part of the ACEJMC-accredited Jandoli School of Communication, one of only 19 accredited private university programs in the U.S.
- Required minor or second major outside the Jandoli School, ensuring a well-rounded interdisciplinary education
Curriculum and Modules
The CSJA curriculum shares the writing-intensive foundation common to all Jandoli School programs, while incorporating specialized coursework in advocacy, public relations, and advertising. The program culminates with a capstone course in Writing for Advocacy, and students build a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base through a required minor or second major outside the communication school.
Introduction to Media and Communication
3 CreditsExplores media messages and their social, cultural, interpersonal, psychological, and political effects, providing a foundational understanding of the communication landscape.
Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations
3 CreditsA required introductory course covering the fundamentals of advertising and public relations, equipping students with essential strategic communication skills for advocacy work.
Communication Law and Ethics
3 CreditsExamines the intersection of law and communications, including major U.S. Supreme Court decisions on prior restraint, privacy, libel, copyright, and broadcasting, alongside ethical issues in the field.
Digital and Social Media Production
3 CreditsFocuses on producing ethical, engaging, and informative content specifically for digital and social media platforms, preparing students to share news and advocacy messages in real-time.
Writing for Advocacy
3 CreditsThe capstone 400-level course in which students apply their communication skills to produce persuasive, ethical advocacy writing for nonprofit and social justice contexts.
Internship Experience
Variable CreditsAll Jandoli School majors must complete 400 hours of on- or off-campus internships under the guidance of the school's internship coordinator, gaining real-world professional experience.
Elective Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy program at St. Bonaventure University is handled through Uni4Edu. The university follows a selective admissions process that evaluates academic records, personal essays, and recommendation letters. St. Bonaventure has adopted a test-optional admissions policy, so standardized test scores are not required.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompleted secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong academic performance
- Minimum GPARecommended minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized TestsTest-optional; SAT or ACT scores may be submitted but are not required
- Personal EssayA 250-word personal essay demonstrating your interests and goals
- Recommendation LetterAt least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 105
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
St. Bonaventure University is committed to making education accessible and offers a range of merit-based scholarships to incoming students. Both domestic and international students may qualify for financial assistance based on academic achievement and application profile. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding opportunities.
Presidential Scholarship
USD 26,000 per year (renewable for four years, total value USD 104,000)The most prestigious academic award at St. Bonaventure, granted to students with exceptional academic credentials. This scholarship is renewable annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Friars Scholarship
USD 25,000 per year (renewable for four years, total value USD 100,000)Offered through the contributed services of the Franciscan friars of St. Bonaventure University, this scholarship recognizes academically gifted incoming freshmen and is renewable annually.
Provost Scholarship
USD 24,000 per year (renewable for four years, total value USD 96,000)Available to entering freshmen with high academic achievement, the Provost Scholarship is renewable annually and significantly reduces the cost of a four-year degree.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Communication, Social Justice and Advocacy program are prepared for communication and advocacy roles across the nonprofit, nongovernmental, and public service sectors. The program's combination of writing-intensive coursework, 400 hours of internship experience, and an interdisciplinary minor equips graduates with versatile skills valued by employers in a wide range of industries.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
St. Bonaventure University is consistently recognized as a top regional university in the northern United States by U.S. News & World Report. The Jandoli School of Communication holds ACEJMC accreditation, placing it among an elite group of private university communication programs nationwide. Contact Uni4Edu for the most current ranking data.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Universities North | U.S. News & World Report | #25 |
| Best Undergraduate Teaching (North) | U.S. News & World Report | #10 |
| Best Regional University Values (North) | U.S. News & World Report | #8 |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (National) | EduRank | #490 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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