2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 03, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Communication Studies [COM]


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The communication studies  major emphasizes critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Core courses provide students with a strong foundation in all aspects of human communication. Elective courses within the major allow students to design a program of study that meets their personal learning objectives and career goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Examine various forms of communication as vehicles of human expression.
  2. Examine various forms of communication theory.
  3. Demonstrate the significance of communicative expression within cultural contexts.
  4. Generate and format information in written form for distribution via various media.
  5. Exhibit proficiency in oral discourse.
  6. Analyze the relationship between the media and society.
  7. Analyze ethical issues relating to communication and the media.
  8. Demonstrate use of information sources, analysis, and use of evidence

Program Standard Grade Point Average Requirement

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

  • Program Standard GPA
    • Minimum GPA of 2.0 in any COM course EXCEPT in COM 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, or 399
  • Communication Studies Major Requirements
    • 36 credits in any COM course EXCEPT in COM 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, or 399

Career Potential

  • Advertising
  • Entertainment
  • Event Planning
  • Government Relations
  • Journalism
  • Media Planning
  • Media Sales
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media Management

The major's 40 credit hour requirement must be taken from the following:


B. Choose


Twelve additional credit hours of communication studies courses (excluding COM 390, COM 392, COM 393, COM 394) with at least six credit hours at the 300 level or above, or one of the following concentrations in communication studies.

Concentrations:

  • Journalism [JOUR]
  • Popular Culture [POPC]
  • Public Relations and Advertising [PRAD]

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 120


Example of the B.A. in Communication Studies over four years


The sample program listed is model for communication studies majors with or without a concentration. It does not reflect the expectations for all of the programs. Students should consult an advisor to obtain up-to-date program requirements and to formulate a degree plan.

The sample program listed is also for the Journalism concentration and the Public Relations and Advertising concentration.

First Year


Spring Total credit hours: 16-17


Foreign language 102
GE course
GE course

Second Year


Fall Total credit hours: 16


Foreign language 201
Elective
GE course
Participation course

Spring Total credit hours: 16


Foreign language 202
GE course
GE course
Elective
Participation course
and
COM 300-level elective for COM majors or

Third Year


Fall Total credit hours: 15


GE course

Spring Total credit hours: 16


GE course
LAS elective
LAS elective
Participation course
and
COM 300-level elective for COM majors or

Fourth Year


Fall Total credit hours: 16


Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Participation course
and
COM 300-level elective for COM majors or

Spring Total credit hours: 12


Internship or
Study abroad or
Learning Community involvement or elective

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