Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

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 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 300 level or higher). The remaining courses will be general education requirements (51 credits) and elective courses.

General Education core:

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

Communication core:

3	COM 204	Critical Perspectives on Communication
3	COM 212	Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication
3	COM 250	Mass Communication & Society
3	COM 300	Introduction to Communication Research Methods
3	COM 314	Advanced Presentational Speaking
3	COM 318	Principles of Persuasion
3	COM 324	Introduction to Organizational Communication
3	COM 435	Communication & Emerging Technologies
24

The following is a sample curriculum for the program majors:

Freshman Year

First Semester

3	COM 114	Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3	ENGL 101	English Comp I
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
15

Second Semester

3	COM 212	Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication
3	ENGL 102	English Composition II
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
15

Sophomore Year

Third Semester

3	COM 204	Critical Perspectives on Communication
3	COM 250	Mass Communication & Society
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
3		Elective or minor
15

Fourth Semester

3		First additional course in major
3	COM 314	Advanced Presentational Speaking
3		Core requirement
3		Core requirement
3		Elective or minor
15

Junior Year

Fifth Semester

3	COM 318	Principles of Persuasion
3	COM 324	Introduction to Organizational Communication
3		Core requirement
3		Elective or minor
3		Elective
15

Sixth Semester

3	COM 300	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

Senior Year

Seventh Semester

3	COM 435	Communication and Emerging Technologies
3		Third additional course in major
3		Elective or minor
3		Elective
3		Elective
15

Eighth Semester

3	Elective or minor
3	Elective
3	Elective
3	Elective
3	Elective
3	Elective
18

Total credit hours required for degree: 126

Internship Opportunity for Communication Majors

Communication 490/Internship in Communication

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 must 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.

Business/Professional Communication Certificate

This certificate provides an opportunity for students to participate in a practical program of study that focuses on strengthening written and oral occupational skills. It is offered at the North Central campus in conjunction with the College of Liberal Arts of Purdue University at West Lafayette.

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’s degrees.

Requirements (15 credits)

3	ENGL 101	English Composition I
3	ENGL 102	English Composition II or
	ENGL 421	Technical Writing
3	COM 114	Fundamentals of Speech Communication
3	COM 204	Critical Perspectives on Communication
3	C&IT 107	Computer Literacy

Electives (choose 3)

3	ENGL 304	Advanced Composition
3	ENGL 420	Business Writing
3	COM 315	Speech Communication of Technical Information
3	COM 318	Principles of Persuasion
3	COM 320	Small Group Discussion
3	COM 324	Introduction to Organizational Communication
3	COM 325	Interviewing: Principles and Practices
3	COM 415	Discussion of Technical Problems
3	COM 491	Special Topics in Communication
3	C&IT 127	Microcomputer Spreadsheet Applications

Terminal Project/Internship

3 COM 490 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 (12 of which many students will have taken in meeting other degree requirements.)