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.
Students majoring in Communication Studies will complete 36 credits for their degree, in addition 6 credits of coursework in Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication are required in general education.
9 credits - Core Requirements:
In addition to meeting the general education requirements of Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication, a student majoring in Communication Studies will take foundational course work in Communication Research Methods, Examining Communication, and Intercultural Communication. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in Communication Research Methods and Examining Communication to take 400 level courses in the major.
15 credits - Areas of Study: Depending on career interests, a student will choose from one of three areas of study: Interpersonal Communication, Leadership and Public Advocacy, or Organizational Communication. Students will take five courses in their selected area of study and three additional communication courses as electives.
9 credits - Electives in Communication Studies: Students majoring in Communication Studies are required to complete 9 credits in electives from any additional courses within the major. Students should select a set of courses in consultation with their advisor which best fits their professional goals.
3 credits - Capstone Experience: All Communication Studies majors complete a capstone experience. Students are required to complete an internship as their capstone experience (unless they do not meet the requirement of a 2.5 GPA in which case students must complete an additional 400 level course). The internship enables students to gain professional experience while applying the theories and skills they have learned in class. Interns have both an on-site and faculty supervisor to oversee and guide their work.
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)
COMMSTUD.103 Public Speaking
COMMSTUD.104 Interpersonal Communication
Core requirements: A total of 9 semester hours are required from the following:
COMMSTUD.207 Communication Research Methods
COMMSTUD.209 Examining Communication
COMMSTUD.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:
COMMSTUD.215 Communication Theory
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
COMMSTUD.309 Gender Issues in Communication (diversity)
COMMSTUD.313 Conflict Management and Resolution
COMMSTUD.419 Family Communication
COMMSTUD.425 Relational Communication
COMMSTUD.426 Leadership and Team Building
COMMSTUD.493 Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Leadership and Public Advocacy
Required:
COMMSTUD.205 Understanding Social Influence
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
COMMSTUD.315 Persuasion
COMMSTUD.321 Argument and Analysis
COMMSTUD.413 Community Leadership
COMMSTUD.417 Media and Visual Culture
COMMSTUD.427 Strategic Communication
COMMSTUD.495 Special Topics in Leadership and Public Advocacy
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Organizational Communication
Required:
COMMSTUD.215 Communication Theory
Course Options - Choose 4 (12 credits)
COMMSTUD.306 Computer Applications for Professional Communicators
COMMSTUD.310 Organizational Communication Theory
COMMSTUD.407 Interviewing
COMMSTUD.423 Communication Training in Organizations
COMMSTUD.424 Corporate Communication
COMMSTUD.492 Special Topics in Organizational Communication
Three Electives from major - from any track or elective list (9 credits)
Capstone Experience 3 credits: All Communication Studies majors complete a capstone experience. Students are required to complete an internship as their capstone experience (unless they do not meet the requirement of a 2.5 GPA in which case students must complete an additional 400 level course). The internship enables students to gain professional experience while applying the theories and skills they have learned in class. Interns have both an on-site and faculty supervisor to oversee and guide their work.
COMMSTUD.497 Internship in Communication
Elective Courses:
COMMSTUD.307 Communication for Business Professionals
COMMSTUD.324 Health Communication
COMMSTUD.418 Issue and Image Campaigns
COMMSTUD.420 Nonverbal Communication
Students seeking Secondary Education Certification in Communication Studies must declare majors in both Communication Studies (Interpersonal Relationship Management, Leadership and Social Influence, or Organizational Communication) and the corresponding Secondary Education Communication Studies track and complete the Communications Studies major course sequence as well as the Secondary Education Professional Course and Certification requirements. Students must consult their advisers in both departments each semester regarding course selection and other certification requirements.