Major Requirements
The communication studies curriculum creates a flexible framework that gives students a strong foundation in the field of communication while allowing them to choose courses based on their unique interests.
The requirements for a major in communication studies are 36 credits:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Studies Course | ||
| COM 111 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 4 |
| Analytical Methods Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits in analytical methods from the following: | 4 | |
| Communication Criticism | ||
| Argumentation | ||
| Fundamentals of Communication Research | ||
| Video Production | ||
| Advanced Oral Competence Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits in advanced oral competence courses from the following: | 4 | |
| Business and Professional Speaking | ||
| Communication for Citizenship and Career | ||
| Interviewing | ||
| Audio Production & Podcasting | ||
| Broadcast Performance | ||
| Theories in Communication Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits in theories of communication from the following: | 12 | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Persuasive Communication | ||
| Group Communication and Team Building | ||
| Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | ||
| Gender and Communication | ||
| New Media | ||
| Global Cinema | ||
or COM 382 | Analyzing Film | |
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Computer-Mediated Comm | ||
| Integrated Mktg Communication | ||
| Department Seminar Courses | ||
| Select 4 credits in department seminar courses from the following: | 4 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Strategic Communication and Public Relations | ||
| Applied Research Methods in Communication | ||
| Documentary - Historical Film | ||
| Additional Communication Studies Courses | ||
| Select 8 additional credits in communication studies courses from the following: 1 | 8 | |
| Appreciating Film | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Pre-May Seminar | ||
| May Seminar | ||
| Digital Photography | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Academic Internship | ||
| Advertising | ||
| Mass Communications Law and Ethics | ||
| Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting | ||
| Electronic News Gathering | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directed Research | ||
Any other COM course, unless the course was taken to fulfill another requirement for the major | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
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Students may also include course options listed for requirements above if those requirements have already been satisfied.
Communication Studies Emphases
All students majoring in communication are strongly encouraged to select one or more emphases to focus their studies. Many emphases are available and can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. Majors are encouraged to discuss their interests with their advisors to plan a course of study. Listed below are some of the most common emphases that students select.
Applied Media Emphasis
This emphasis is for students who want a hands-on approach to contemporary media production skills and techniques. It is appropriate for those pursuing a variety of career paths, including information technology, advertising, integrated marketing, and online news production. Students interested in careers in journalism are encouraged to secure a complementary major or minor in English or multimedia journalism.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 232 | Video Production | 4 |
| COM 333 | Audio Production & Podcasting | 2 |
| COM 334 | Broadcast Performance | 2 |
Cultural Communication Emphasis
An emphasis in cultural communication is a good choice for students interested in the theories and practice of interaction between and among people of different cultures. Potential careers in this emphasis would include international organizations, diplomacy, international business, government, and foreign language based employment.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 316 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COM 324 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
| COM 414 | Organizational Communication | 4 |
Communication Methods Emphasis
Focus in this emphasis is placed on the use of research methods and techniques to provide answers for communication-related questions. This emphasis provides strong preparation for those planning to do graduate study whether as preparation for an academic career or for work in research-related areas such as marketing or training.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 315 | Interviewing | 4 |
| COM 317 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 4 |
| COM 417 | Applied Research Methods in Communication | 4 |
Film Emphasis
The department offers a number of courses related to analysis, criticism and some production. Also see film studies minor.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 139 | Appreciating Film | 4 |
| COM 326 | Global Cinema | 4 |
| COM 382 | Analyzing Film | 4 |
Gender Communication Emphasis
Students who want to explore how gender is communicated, performed and functions in both personal and public settings may find this emphasis an interesting choice. Those interested in social justice and advocacy issues, or who simply want to better understand how gender impacts everyday life, should consider adding this emphasis.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 312 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| COM 316 | Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COM 324 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
Multimedia Journalism Emphasis
For students who have interests in journalism in a variety of print, broadcast and other electronic venues, the department has coursework geared toward journalistic careers and would encourage students also to pursue courses in the English department. Also see multimedia journalism major.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 232 | Video Production | 4 |
| COM 325 | New Media | 4 |
| COM 431 | Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting | 4 |
Organizational Communication Emphasis
Choose this emphasis if you are interested in communication in contemporary organizations. This emphasis is appropriate for those who see themselves moving into supervisory or management positions in a wide array of organizations. Careers options include supervisor with a not-for-profit organization, pastor or youth director, human resources professional, communication consultant, training and development specialist and, of course, business management.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 312 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| COM 314 | Group Communication and Team Building | 4 |
| COM 414 | Organizational Communication | 4 |
Public Relations Emphasis
Students choosing this emphasis will focus on the theories and practice of public relations, including PR writing, campaigns, crisis communication, and persuasive strategies. Students interested in careers in PR, event planning, strategic communication, social media management, promotions, and marketing communication would benefit from choosing this emphasis.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 313 | Persuasive Communication | 4 |
| COM 403 | Strategic Communication and Public Relations | 4 |
| COM 494 | Integrated Mktg Communication | 4 |
Relational Communication Emphasis
This emphasis is for those who want to understand relational dynamics in personal and professional settings. Students interested in developing interaction competencies in friendships, families and work relationships, or aspire to positions in leadership, management, teaching, or human resources may find this emphasis a valuable addition to their major.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 214 | Nonverbal Communication | 4 |
| COM 312 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| COM 314 | Group Communication and Team Building | 4 |
Rhetorical Studies Emphasis
Students choosing this emphasis will focus on coursework in the art of rhetorical analysis, including theory and application to traditional and non-traditional artifacts and objects of study, to include film and other avenues of popular culture. Students in the emphasis may likely pursue graduate school, teaching, law school, political consulting and speechwriting, and other related fields.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 202 | Communication Criticism | 4 |
| COM 313 | Persuasive Communication | 4 |
| COM 317 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 4 |
Social Media Emphasis
This emphasis area will help students understand the ways in which social media affects human communication, as well as the theory and practice of social media use. Students interested in careers in social media management, as well as all students who are curious about the changing place of social media in the modern world, should consider choosing this emphasis area.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Suggested Courses | ||
| COM 325 | New Media | 4 |
| COM 484 | Computer-Mediated Comm | 4 |
| COM 494 | Integrated Mktg Communication | 4 |
Many other options are possible. Other popular emphases include: Health Communication, Communication Performance, and Strategic Communication.
Students are encouraged to work with their communication studies faculty advisors to develop emphasis areas to suit their unique interests in communication studies.
Degree and Graduation Requirements
In addition to the program-specific requirements listed above, all students must complete the graduation requirements specified for their degree. See the Degree and Graduation Requirements section for more information.