Communication Studies
The requirements for a major in communication studies are 36 credits.
The requirements for a major in communication studies are 36 credits.
4 credits in analytical methods chosen from:
4 credits chosen from the following advanced oral competence courses:
12 credits in theories of communication chosen from:
4 credits from the following department seminar courses:
8 additional credits in communication studies courses:
(OR any other COM course, unless the course was taken to fulfill another requirement for the major)
This emphasis is for students who want a hands- on approach to contemporary media production skills and techniques. It is appropriate for those pursuing a variety of career paths, including information technology, advertising, integrated marketing, and online news production. Students interested in careers in journalism are encouraged to secure a complementary major or minor in English or multimedia journalism.
Suggested courses include:
An emphasis in cultural communication is a good choice for students interested in the theories and practice of interaction between and among people of different cultures. Potential careers in this emphasis would include international organizations, diplomacy, international business, government, and foreign language based employment.
Suggested courses include:
Focus in this emphasis is placed on the use of research methods and techniques to provide answers for communication- related questions. This emphasis provides strong preparation for those planning to do graduate study whether as preparation for an academic career or for work in research-related areas such as marketing or training.
Suggested courses include:
The department offers a number of courses related to analysis, criticism and some production. Also see film studies minor.
Suggested courses include:
Students who want to explore how gender is communicated, performed and functions in both personal and public settings may find this emphasis an interesting choice. Those interested in social justice and advocacy issues, or who simply want to better understand how gender impacts everyday life, should consider adding this emphasis.
Suggested courses include:
For students who have interests in journalism in a variety of print, broadcast and other electronic venues, the department has coursework geared toward journalistic careers and would encourage students also to pursue courses in the English department. Also see multimedia journalism major.
Suggested courses include:
Choose this emphasis if you are interested in communication in contemporary organizations. This emphasis is appropriate for those who see themselves moving into supervisory or management positions in a wide array of organizations. Careers options include supervisor with a not-for-profit organization, pastor or youth director, human resources professional, communication consultant, training and development specialist and, of course, business management.
Suggested courses include:
Students choosing this emphasis will focus on the theories and practice of public relations, including PR writing, campaigns, crisis communication, and persuasive strategies. Students interested in careers in PR, event planning, strategic communication, social media management, promotions, and marketing communication would benefit from choosing this emphasis.
Suggested courses include:
This emphasis is for those who want to understand relational dynamics in personal and professional settings. Students interested in developing interaction competencies in friendships, families and work relationships, or aspire to positions in leadership, management, teaching, or human resources may find this emphasis a valuable addition to their major.
Suggested courses include:
Students choosing this emphasis will focus on coursework in the art of rhetorical analysis, including theory and application to traditional and non-traditional artifacts and objects of study, to include film and other avenues of popular culture. Students in the emphasis may likely pursue graduate school, teaching, law school, political consulting and speechwriting, and other related fields.
This emphasis area will help students understand the ways in which social media affects human communication, as well as the theory and practice of social media use. Students interested in careers in social media management, as well as all students who are curious about the changing place of social media in the modern world, should consider choosing this emphasis area.
Many other options are possible. Other popular emphases include: Health Communication, Communication Performance, and Strategic Communication.
Students are encouraged to work with their communication studies faculty advisors to develop emphasis areas to suit their unique interests in communication studies.