Communication Programs
Major In Communication
Communication Major Objectives
Students in the Communication Major will:
- Describe the communication discipline and its central questions.
- Employ communication theories, perspective, principles, and concepts.
- Engage in communication inquiry.
- Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
- Critically analyze messages.
- Demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals.
- Apply ethical communication principles and practices.
- Use communication to embrace difference.
- Influence public discourse.
Communication Major Tracks
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While students are encouraged to design their own coursework in communication to meet their personal and career goals and aspirations, students can also choose to specialize in a specific area within the field of communication. Each track requires six courses that are completed as electives within the required courses, so no additional coursework is needed. Current tracks are Public Relations, Broadcast Journalism, Film and Television, Strategic Healthcare and General Communication. To see course lists and requirements for each track please refer to the “Major Degree Requirements Tab” tab above and select “Communication Major””
Public Relations Track
The study of public relations emphasizes the theory and practice of successfully interacting with an organization’s many publics as it works to create a body of public opinion to support its mission, vision, or values. The knowledge afforded in a communication degree will prepare students to best demonstrate their skills in written and interpersonal communication, research, negotiation, leadership, creativity, planning, logistics, and problem solving.Broadcast Journalism, Film, and Television Track
The Broadcast Journalism, Film, and Television Track emphasizes the creation of film and television content. In a mix of classroom, studio and on-location environments, students learn how to write, shoot, and edit media that is not only focused and engaging, but tailored for a specific audience and distribution platform. Depending on the course and assignment, students may work individually or as part of a creative team. This specialization prepares students for a variety of careers in mass communication (news, sports, advertising, etc.) that require both communication skills and creativity. Internships and volunteer opportunities will augment the course of study.
Strategic Healthcare Communication Track
The study of health and healthcare communication emphasizes the practice of communicating health issues to the public, such as in public health campaigns, consulting in health fields, and helping individuals make health decisions. The skills and knowledge afforded in a communication degree with a specialization in Strategic Healthcare Communication will help students: 1) analyze different audiences, 2) understand attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions about health issues, 3) strategically choose appropriate communication channels for health behavior changes, and 4) improve communication about health and healthcare.General Communication Track
The General Communication track allows students who would prefer a broader focus within the Communication field, or those who wish to target specific occupations or fields of study, to adapt their own course work and “track.” Majors interested in this track will work with an advisor from within the department who will help advise and guide students towards specific coursework that would best compliment their ambitions and goals.
Communication Minor
Students pursuing a communication minor work with a faculty advisor to develop a personalized, tailored course of study. In this way, they build a coherent approach to the discipline that reflects their own interests in the field. Options range from interpersonal communication to journalism and mass media to media production.
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Communication Degree Requirements:
Bachelor of Science with a Major in Communication Requirements
Communication Major Requirements: | ||
Required Courses: | ||
COM 203 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
COM 270 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
COM 272 | Mass Communication | 3 |
COM 390 | Research Methods in Communication/Digital Communication | 3 |
COM 491 | Senior Capstone for Communication/Digital Communication | 3 |
Choose one of the following tracks: | ||
General Communication Track | ||
Choose Seven Communication Electives from within the program, at least two must be at the 400 Level | ||
Broadcast Journalism, Film and Television Track | ||
COM 230 | Introduction to Film Studies | 3 |
COM 242 | Basic Studio Production | 3 |
COM 243 | Digital Media Production | 3 |
COM 472 | Media Effects | 3 |
Choose two of the following courses, one must be at the 400 level | ||
COM 332 | Writing and Reporting for Broadcast and Digital Media | 3 |
COM 344 | Sports Media Production | 3 |
COM 345 | Documentary Filmmaking | 3 |
COM 346 | Talk Radio: Sports, Politics, and Podcasting | 3 |
COM 357 | Digital Storytelling | 3 |
COM 370 | Media Organizations | 3 |
COM 391 | Communication Internship | 3 |
COM 442 | Advanced Digital Media | 3 |
COM 444 | Sports Journalism | 3 |
Choose one Communication Elective offered within the program | ||
Public Relations Track | ||
COM 360 | Crisis and Risk Communication | 3 |
COM 361 | Public Relations | 3 |
COM 452 | Personal Branding in Digital Media | 3 |
COM 470 | Persuasion and Social Influence | 3 |
Choose two of the following courses: | ||
COM 202 | Public Speaking | 3 |
COM 265 | Public Relations and Social Media | 3 |
COM 332 | Writing and Reporting for Broadcast and Digital Media | 3 |
COM 352 | Strategic Content Planning and Creation | 3 |
COM 353 | Writing for Digital Media | 3 |
COM 363 | Conflict Management and Negotiation | 3 |
COM 370 | Media Organizations | 3 |
COM 391 | Communication Internship | 3 |
Choose one Communication Elective offered within the program | ||
Strategic Healthcare Communication Track | ||
COM 280 | Introduction to Health Communication | 3 |
COM 333 | Public Health Communication: Advocacy and Action | 3 |
COM 360 | Crisis and Risk Communication | 3 |
COM 480 | Advanced Health Communication Health Campaigns | 3 |
Choose two of the following courses one must be at the 400 level: | ||
COM 265 | Public Relations and Social Media | 3 |
COM 352 | Strategic Content Planning and Creation | 3 |
COM 353 | Writing for Digital Media | 3 |
COM 361 | Public Relations | 3 |
COM 380 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 |
COM 391 | Communication Internship | 3 |
COM 401 | Advanced Intercultural Communication | 3 |
COM 470 | Persuasion and Social Influence | 3 |
COM 472 | Media Effects | 3 |
Choose one Communication Elective offered within the program |
A minimum of 36 credit hours is required for the major.
A minimum of 120 credit hours required for graduation.
Communication Minor Requirements
Students in the Communication minor will take:
COM 203 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
One 200-level communication course | 3 | |
One 300-level communication course | 3 | |
One 400-level communication course | 3 |
A minimum of 12 credits is required for the minor.
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