Communication B.A.

Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree program offers students a thorough overview of the major theories and sub-fields that make up the study of communication. It is designed to: 1) guide students in the scholarly study of the evolution, role, and practice of communication in society; 2) empower students to bolster their interpersonal, intercultural, and rhetorical communication competencies; and 3) help students become critical and responsible consumers and creators of media.

Learning Outcomes

Students who work toward a B.A. in Communication will:
  1. develop a sophisticated understanding of the evolution, various types/contexts, and theories of human communication;
  2. become capable public presenters both individually and collaboratively;
  3. learn the value of and techniques for communicating successfully in the work world;
  4. become more critically vigilant media consumers;
  5. become adept interpersonal and intercultural communicators;
  6. learn to become effective team players and be frequent given opportunities to experience collaborative success.

Curriculum

Recommended Schedule

A recommended course sequence for Communication B.A. is provided for students as guidance to complete their major in four years.

College Core Curriculum (31-45 credits)

English (3-8 credits)

Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum

Study and Technology Skills (0-3 credits)

Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum

Mathematics (3-5 credits)

Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum

Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)

Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Refer to the Social Science of the Core Curriculum. Students may not count COM 216 toward their Social Sciences core requirement.

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Refer the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

Humanities (6 credits)

Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum. Students may not count COM 101 towards their Humanities Core requirement.

Constitution (3-6 credits)

Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum

Major Requirements (39 Credits)

Introductory Courses (9 Credits)

COM 102Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

3.00

COM 216Survey of Communication Studies

3.00

COM 333Media Literacy

3.00

Communication Foundation Courses (12 credits)

Select four courses from the following:

COM 101Oral Communication

3.00

COM 110Power, Culture, and Society

3.00

COM 212Introduction to Communication Research

3.00

COM 217Argumentation and Debate

3.00

COM 250News Gathering and Writing

3.00

COM 315Small Group Communication

3.00

COM 330Selected Topics In Communication Studies

3.00

COM 400Human Communication Theory

3.00

COM 404Principles of Persuasion

3.00

COM 412Intercultural Communication

3.00

Concentrations (12 credits)

Students select one of the following concentrations:

  • Public Relations
  • Media Studies
Public Relations Concentration (12 Credits)
Choose four of the following courses:
COM 261Introduction to Public Relations

3.00

COM 335Communication in the Public Interest

3.00

COM 375Public Relations Writing

3.00

COM 463Case Studies in Public Relations

3.00

COM 475Communication and Community Engagement

3.00

COM 492Public Relation Campaigns

3.00

Media Studies Concentration (12 Credits)
Choose four of the following courses:
COM 221Social Media

3.00

COM 380Women in Media

3.00

COM 431Visual Literacy

3.00

COM 474New Media and Human Communication

3.00

COM 485Mass Media and Society

3.00

COM 488Global Media Seminar

3.00

COM Electives (6 credits)

Any COM course not used to fulfill a major or core curriculum requirement may be used as a major elective.

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication

College Core Curriculum

31-45

Major Requirements

39

Electives (credits as needed to get to 120:  at least 21 credits must be upper division)

36-50

Total Credits

120