Overview of the Communication Major:
The Department of Communication Studies offers a major in Communication, minors in Communication and Media, and houses the Public Relations major.
The Communication major offers a focus on human communication in a wide variety of settings from face-to-face and organizational contexts to mediated messages and mass communication. The major stresses both general knowledge of the process of communication and skillful development and presentation of messages. In addition to course work, students gain practical experience through internships, independent study and co-curricular activities.
Career opportunities for Communication majors include: business and organizational leadership, public relations, journalism, radio and television, corporate training, and education. Each of these opportunities involves the need to understand and develop useful communication strategies.
Required Courses for the Communication Major
(9.5 to 10.5 course credits):
COMM 230 Introduction to Communication Studies
COMM 261 Mass Media and Modern Society
COMM 321 Junior Colloquium
COMM 421 Senior Colloquium
COMM 491 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics
One of the following two courses:
COMM 231 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 235
Small Group Communication
One of the following three courses:
COMM 260 Introduction to Journalism
COMM 269 Introduction to Multi-Media Production
PUBR 363 Media and Public Relations Writing
Two of the following four courses:
COMM 333 Organizational Communication
COMM 335 Argumentation
COMM 337 Communication Criticism
COMM 339 Persuasion
A student is required to take one half course credit of 100/200 workshops for a Communication major and complete either an internship or independent study. However, no more than 3 course credits of experiential credit may count toward the completion of the major; this includes 100/200 workshops and internships. Students may not exceed one course credit of 100-level workshop or two course credits of 200-level workshop.
A passing evaluation on the Communication Senior Electronic Portfolio.
Required Courses for the Communication Minor
(for students not seeking a major in Communication;4.25 course credits):
One of the following two courses:
COMM 231 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 235 Small Group Communication
Two of the following four courses:
COMM 333 Organizational Communication
COMM 335 Argumentation
COMM 337 Communication Criticism
COMM 339 Persuasion
One Additional Communication course elective (1 course credit)
At least .25 course credits of Communication workshop at the 100 or 200 level.
Required Courses for the Media Minor
(for students not seeking a major in Communication; 4.25 course credits):
COMM 261 Mass Media and Modern Society
COMM 269 MultiMedia Production
PUBR 363 Media and Public Relations Writing
COMM 369 Convergent Media Production
At least .25 course credits of Communication workshop at the 100 or 200 level.