Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech Communication

• Interpersonal Communication | 4-Year Degree Plan (Sample)
• Organizational Communication | 4-Year Degree Plan (Sample)
• Public Advocacy (Rhetorical) | 4-Year Degree Plan (Sample)

About Speech Communication

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in speech communication prepares students for a wide variety of careers including advertising, business, sales, communication consulting, training and development, human resources, politics, government, health fields, and other careers that focus on problem-solving interactions, management, and human relations.

Degree Requirements (120 cr.)

All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.

Note | At least 30 credit hours must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students must complete all requirements in the major with a grade of C or higher.

General Education Requirements (33-39 cr.)

For a more detailed description of the IU South Bend campuswide general-education requirements, including lists of approved courses, see the General Education website.

All courses certified as meeting the campuswide general-education requirements are designated in the Schedule of Classes.

Fundamental Literacies (13-19 cr.)

• Writing | ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1 (with a grade of C or higher)
• Critical Thinking | Select from approved course list
• Oral Communication | SPCH-S 121 Public Speaking (with a grade of C or higher)
• Visual Literacy | Select from approved course list
• Quantitative Reasoning Select from approved course list
• Information Literacy | COAS-Q 110 Introduction to Information Literacy (1 cr.) (course to be taken in conjunction with ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition 1)
• Computer Literacy | Select from approved course list

Common Core Courses (12 cr.)

Complete one course from each of the following four areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes. At least one of the areas must be completed at the 300-level.

• The Natural World | Select from approved course list
• Human Behavior and Social Institutions | Select from approved course list
• Literary and Intellectual Traditions | Select from approved course list
• Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity | Select from approved course list

Contemporary Social Values (8 cr.)

Students must complete one course from each of the following three areas, as designated in the Schedule of Classes.

• Non-Western Cultures | Select from approved course list
• Diversity in United States Society | Select from approved course list
• Health and Wellness (2 cr.) | Select from approved course list

Additional Requirements (24 cr.)

• World Languages (6 cr.) | Select two consecutive courses in one language (may be satisfied with language placement test and credit by examination)
• History (3 cr.) | Select one course in any area of history
• Electives (15 cr.) | Select five courses from any mix of disciplines

Minor (18 cr.)

Note | Minor courses must be approved by a faculty member in the specific discipline.

Speech Communication Core Classes  (15 cr.)

• JOUR-C 200 Introduction to Mass Communications
• SPCH-S 205 Introduction to Speech Communication
• SPCH-S 321 Rhetoric and Modern Discoursed
• SPCH-S 400 Senior Seminar in Speech
• SPCH-S 405 Human Communication Theory

Select One Concentration (24 cr.)

Interpersonal Communication

• SPCH-S 122 Interpersonal Communication
• SPCH-S 223 Business and Professional Communication
• SPCH-S 322 Advanced Interpersonal Communication
• SPCH-S 380 Nonverbal Communication
• SPCH-S 427 Cross Cultural Communication
• SPCH-S 450 Gender and Communication
• Two communication electives

Organizational Communication

• SPCH-S 122 Interpersonal Communication
• SPCH-S 223 Business and Professional Communication
• SPCH-S 229 Discussion and Group Methods
• SPCH-S 324 Persuasive Speaking   
• SPCH-S 427 Cross Cultural Communication
• SPCH-S 440 Organizational Communication
• Two communication electives

Public Advocacy (Rhetorical Studies)

• SPCH-S 228 Argumentation and Debate
• SPCH-S 324 Persuasive Speaking
• SPCH-S 440 Organizational Communication
• SPCH-S 444 Political Communication
• Four communication electives