Communication Studies (B.A.)
Administered by Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts
Effective Fall, 2010
Communication Studies is a discipline that involves the investigation and practice of face-to-face, small group, organizational, public, print, and mediated messages. Effective communication has long been recognized as the hallmark of an educated person and is vital to social and career success. The U. S. Department of Labor identifies listening, speaking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, reasoning, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, and integrity as qualities for outstanding job performance. Majoring in Communication Studies develops all of these skills.
Interpersonal Communication
Students studying Interpersonal Communication focus on communication in human relations. Students develop competencies that allow them to explore human interactions, assess barriers to communication in relationships, and acquire communication skills necessary for successful personal and professional development. Study in this area prepares students for careers in social and human services such as counseling, public administration, health service management, and the ministry.
Leadership and Public Advocacy
Students studying Leadership and Public Advocacy focus on the importance of communication in a democratic society. Students develop competencies that allow them to understand the public deliberative process, to assess and create messages, and to enhance their leadership skills. Study in this area prepares students for careers in law, government, speechwriting, lobbying, campaign direction, public information, or elected office.
Organizational Communication
Students studying Organizational Communication focus on the importance of communication in business and professional settings. Students develop competencies that allow them to understand communication in professional organizations, develop professional communication skills, and to train others to communicate effectively in professional settings. Study in this area prepares students for careers in personnel recruitment and management, sales, desktop publishing and website design, employee orientation and training, or development and fundraising.
Required General Education Courses (6 credits)
25.103 Public Speaking
25.104 Interpersonal Communication
Core requirements: A total of 9 semester hours are required from the following:
25.207 Communication Research Methods
25.209 Examining Communication
25.220 Intercultural Communication
Areas of Concentration: All majors are required to take five of six courses in their chosen area of concentration, which must include the appropriate required course for that area, plus a minimum of one course from each of the other two areas of concentration, for a total of 21 semester hours. Students may take additional courses as free electives.
Interpersonal Communication
Required:
25.215 Communication Theory
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
25.309 Gender Issues in Communication (diversity)
25.313 Conflict Management and Resolution
25.419 Family Communication
25.425 Relational Communication
25.426 Leadership and Team Building
25.493 Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Leadership and Public Advocacy
Required:
25.205 Understanding Social Influence
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
25.315 Persuasion
25.321 Argument and Analysis
25.413 Community Leadership
25.417 Media and Visual Culture
25.427 Strategic Communication
25.495 Special Topics in Leadership & Public Advocacy
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Organizational Communication
Required:
25.215 Communication Theory
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
25.306 Computer Applications for Professional Communicators
25.310 Organizational Communication Theory
25.407 Interviewing
25.423 Communication Training in Organizations
25.424 Corporate Communication
25.492 Special Topics in Organizational Communication
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Capstone Experience: The capstone experience is required of all students in the major regardless of the area of concentration. After completing 80 or more semester hours, students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average are eligible to register for an internship that will serve as their capstone experience. Students may register for 3 to 9 internship semester hours. Additional internship credit beyond the required 3 hours cannot be substituted for other coursework, but would be considered as electives. Students academically ineligible for Internship in Communication should consult their academic advisor to arrange a suitable alternative experience, such as additional specialized coursework.
25.497 Internship in Communication
Elective Courses:
25.307 Communication for Business Professionals
25.324 Health Communication
25.418 Issue and Image Campaigns
25.420 Nonverbal Communication