The Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers students the opportunity to prepare for a wide range of careers where effective oral and written communication is essential. By combining a study of communication theory and research with an emphasis on performance, communication majors will see improvement in critical thinking, research, writing, team, interpersonal, and public speaking skills. Graduates of the program may find work in such diverse areas as organizational development, broadcasting and public relations. Internship opportunities are available to qualified students that will allow them to network with professionals while continuing to build their communication skills.
126 total credit hours are required. 24 of those hours will be core communication courses and 9 will be other communication courses of the student’s choosing (of which two must be 30000 level or higher). The remaining courses will be general education requirements (51 credits) and elective courses.
6 |
English Composition |
3 |
Speech Communication |
3 |
Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish or ASL at the fourth level) |
6 |
Mathematics and Statistics |
6 |
Natural Science |
3 |
Western Heritage |
3 |
United States Tradition |
3 |
Other Cultures |
3 |
Aesthetic Awareness |
3 |
Racial and Ethnic Diversity |
3 |
Gender Issues |
3 |
Individual and Society |
3 |
Social Ethics |
3 |
Global Perspective |
3 |
COM |
20400 |
Critical Perspectives on Communication |
3 |
COM |
21200 |
Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
COM |
25000 |
Mass Communication & Society |
3 |
COM |
30000 |
Introduction to Communication Research Methods |
3 |
COM |
31400 |
Advanced Presentational Speaking |
3 |
COM |
31800 |
Principles of Persuasion |
3 |
COM |
32400 |
Introduction to Organizational Communication |
3 |
COM |
43500 |
Communication & Emerging Technologies |
24 Semester Credits
The following is a sample curriculum for the program majors:
3 |
COM |
11400 |
Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
3 |
ENGL |
10100 |
English Comp I |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
COM |
21200 |
Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
ENGL |
10200 |
English Composition II |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
COM |
20400 |
Critical Perspectives on Communication |
3 |
COM |
25000 |
Mass Communication & Society |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
|
|
First additional course in major |
3 |
COM |
31400 |
Advanced Presentational Speaking |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
COM |
31800 |
Principles of Persuasion |
3 |
COM |
32400 |
Introduction to Organizational Communication |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
COM |
30000 |
Introduction to Communication Research Methods |
3 |
|
|
Second additional course in major |
3 |
|
|
Core requirement |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
18 Semester Credits
3 |
COM |
43500 |
Communication and Emerging Technologies |
3 |
|
|
Third additional course in major |
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
15 Semester Credits
3 |
|
|
Elective or minor |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
3 |
|
|
Elective |
18 Semester Credits
Total credit hours required for degree: 126
The internship is a career development concept that involves placing students in off-campus work assignments. The work assignment is closely related to the student’s course of study and his/her professional goals. The internship must also contribute to the objectives of the participating employer. Participating students should be in good academic standing at the University (have and maintain at least a 3.0/4.0 GPA). Up to three hours of academic credit may be earned in a single semester with a maximum of six internship credit hours overall.
This certificate provides an opportunity for students to participate in a practical program of study that focuses on strengthening written and oral occupational skills.
Accepted students will have the chance to expand their knowledge in a variety of business areas, including small group communication, interviewing, public speaking, and technical writing. In addition, the final project will allow participants to apply what they have learned via a supervised internship at an approved site.
The program is open to current students who have completed 30 or more credit hours in a degree program or individuals employed in a position deemed academically equivalent by the certificate coordinator.
Credit for courses in the certificate program which have been earned in other degree programs will be accepted toward the certificate. Courses taken to fulfill certificate requirements may be applied toward requirements for associate and bachelor degrees.
3 |
ENGL |
10100 |
English Composition I |
3 |
ENGL |
10200 |
English Composition II or |
ENGL |
42100 |
Technical Writing |
|
3 |
COM |
11400 |
Fundamentals of Speech Communication |
3 |
COM |
20400 |
Critical Perspectives on Communication |
3 |
CNIT |
10700 |
Computer Literacy |
3 |
ENGL |
30400 |
Advanced Composition |
3 |
ENGL |
42000 |
Business Writing |
3 |
COM |
31500 |
Speech Communication of Technical Information |
3 |
COM |
31800 |
Principles of Persuasion |
3 |
COM |
32000 |
Small Group Discussion |
3 |
COM |
32400 |
Introduction to Organizational Communication |
3 |
COM |
32500 |
Interviewing: Principles and Practices |
3 |
COM |
41500 |
Discussion of Technical Problems |
3 |
COM |
49100 |
Special Topics in Communication |
3 |
CNIT |
12700 |
Microcomputer Spreadsheet Applications |
3 COM 49000 Internship in Communication (A critical reflection and summary project based on the student’s experience in a supervised internship at an approved site.)
Total credits required for certificate: 27