Communication Studies B.A./B.S.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree

May be either depending on option selected; see the “Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees ” section of this catalog.

Major in Communication Studies

(Major Code: 1205)

University Core Curriculum Requirements

Refer to the “University Core Curriculum ” section of this catalog.

Communication Studies Core Requirements for Corporate Communication, Graduate School Preparation, and Speech Performance Emphases (18 credit hours)

Emphases

Students majoring in communication studies choose at least 18 hours of courses from the following four emphases:

Corporate Communication Emphasis (18 hours)

Complete the Communication Studies Core and at least 18 hours as listed below.

Required courses:

And choose nine hours from the following:

Recommended electives:

Graduate School Preparation Emphasis (18 hours)

Complete the Communication Studies Core and 18 hours as listed below.

Required Courses:

Nine hours of communication studies electives in consultation with a communication studies adviser, which may include:

Speech Performance Emphasis (select 18 hours)

Complete the Communication Studies Core and 18 hours as listed below.

Strategic Communication Emphasis (online degree option; complete 43 hours)

Students are advised to complete the University core requirements during their first two years of classes. Students must complete 43 hours listed below.

COMM 1318 - Interpersonal Communication 3
COMM 2376 - Communication Theory 3 or
MCOM 2376 - Media Theory 3
COMM 2377 - Intercultural Communication 3
COMM 3331 - Organizational Communication 3
COMM 3341 - Persuasion 3
MCOM 1307 - Introduction to Media Communication 3
COMM 4305 - Research Practicum 3
MCOM 2327 - Advertising Principles 3
MCOM 3305 - New Media 3
MCOM 3350 - Public Relations and Publicity 3
MCOM 3327 - Media Law 3
MCOM 4302 - Media Ethics 3
COMM 3392 - Special Topics in Communication 3 (devoted to Strategic and Crisis Communication)
MCOM 4191 - Portfolio and Professional Development 1
COMM 4398 - Communication Internship 3 or
MCOM 4398 - Media Internship 3
Recommended electives: MKT 3340 , MGT 3330 , COMM 3094 , MCOM 3379 , MCOM 4309 , MCOM 4390 .

B.A. or B.S. Requirements (6-12 hours)

Electives (as needed to total 120 hours overall)

Students must complete at least 39 hours of advanced courses (3000/4000 level) for degree.

Notes:

COMM 2178 /COMM 4278 is a repeatable course and may be repeated up to a maximum of four hours for the communication studies major. COMM 3399 -WT Leadership is a course that is by application only.

Students are advised to complete the University core curriculum requirements during their first two years of classes.

Course Rotation

Fall semester only classes

Spring semester only classes

COMM 3301 - Advanced Public Speaking 3 (odd years)
COMM 3302 - Advanced Performance of Literature 3 (even years)
COMM 3315 - Research Methods 3
COMM 3345 - Discussion and Small-Group Communication 3
COMM 4310 - Communication Training and Development 3

May intersession only class

COMM 3320 - Nonverbal Communication 3

Graduation Requirement

All communication studies majors will compile an e-portfolio that demonstrates the student’s competencies in at least six of the following eight areas:

Leadership,
Presentational speaking/visual communication,
Interpersonal communication,
Written communication,
Communication and culture,
Group communication,
Theoretical perspectives/ethics, and
Internships and professional experience.

This portfolio must be submitted for review early in the semester the student plans to graduate. The student must receive a score of three or higher on each section of the portfolio to be certified for graduation. Portions of the portfolio will be presented as part of the capstone course, COMM 4301 —Introduction to Rhetorical Criticism.

Notes:

Students seeking teaching certification in communication studies are advised to select the speech performance emphasis.

For information about the master of arts (M.A.) degree in communication, refer to the “Graduate Catalog”.

Advising Services Degree Checklists and Curriculum Guides

Degree checklists and curriculum guides (suggested course sequences) are available by linking to the Advising Services Degree Checklists webpage.