Requirements

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours, with grades of C- or higher, in courses labeled SPCH, COMM, JOUR, or TEL.
2. As part of the 30 credit hours, students must take SPCH-S 122, SPCH-S 424, SPCH-S 400 (must have 21 credit hours completed in the major before taking capstone course), and Tel-C 200 or COMM-M215.
3. Seniors completing 21 credit hours in the major must take SPCH-S 400 (the capstone course).
4. Communication majors must take a minimum of three additional course designated as intensive writing courses. The Department of Communication offers a choice for the second intensive writing course:

• SPCH-S405
• SPCH-S427
• COMM-J429
• SPCH-S450

5. A minimum of 15 credit hours must be taken at the 300-400 level within the major.  36 hours required overall.
6. Communication majors are required to augment their academic program in communication with a minor (a minimum of 15 credit hours) in another discipline. The student selects the minor area in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Most of the courses fall into one of three interest areas:

Interest Areas for Communication Majors

Cultural & Relational Communication

• COMM-J 219 Introduction to Public Relations (3 cr.)
• COMM-M 460 Culture and Mass Communication (3 cr.)
• SPCH-S 122 Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.)
• SPCH-S 322 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.)
• SPCH-S 405 Human Communication Theory (3 cr.) (intensive writing course)
• SPCH-S 450 Gender and Communication (3 cr.) (intensive writing course)

Business Communication and Public Relations

• COMM-J 219 Introduction to Public Relations (3 cr.)
• COMM-C320 Advanced Public Speaking (3 cr.)
• COMM-J321 Advanced Public Relations (3 cr.)
• COMM-J429 Public Relations Campaigns (3 cr.) (intensive writing course)
• SPCH-S 223 Business and Professional Speaking (3 cr.)
• SPCH-S 405 Human Communication Theory (3 cr.)
• SPCH-S 450 Gender and Communication (3 cr.)

New Media Studies and Mass Communication

• COMM-C215 Media Literacy (3 cr.)
• COMM-J 219 Introduction to Public Relations (3 cr.)
• COMM-C 340 Practicum in Media Production (3 cr.)
• COMM-C 351 TV Production I (3 cr.)
• COMM-C462 Media Theory & Criticism (3 cr.)
• JOUR-J 200 Writing for Mass Media (3 cr.)
• TEL-C 200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3cr.)
• TEL-R 204 Foundations of Telecommunications (3 cr.)
• TEL-R 308 Radio Production and Directing (3 cr.)

Degree Attainment Meets Diverse Scheduling Needs

The Department of Communication is committed to making the communication major available to part- time and working students. Multiple courses are offered in the evening and during the summer to meet diverse scheduling needs. Communication majors must also complete the general education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as general university requirements.

Internships

Internships are recommended for communication majors. SPCH-S 490 requirements include minimums of junior or senior standing, 21 credit hours of completed communication courses, a 3.0 grade point average in the major, an overall 2.5 grade point average (or higher), faculty supervision, and departmental approval.

Practicum & Independent Study

There are also practicum and independent study courses such as COMM-C 340 and SPCH-S398 for students wishing to tailor their educational experience.