Programs

Communication Studies Major

This major teaches face-to-face communication skills and critical thinking skills based upon a body of knowledge that is transportable and applicable to a variety of career paths. Performance and theoretical electives afford students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their interests as they prepare for careers ranging from sales to supervision, from the ministry to law. A background in communication studies is an asset to all career-minded individuals who must communicate clearly, forcefully and persuasively.

All department majors must maintain a 2.50 grade point average in the major and earn at least a “C-” in all major courses that are required for graduation, unless otherwise noted. 

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• Total Credits Required for Degree

  120
• General Education

  30-40

• Required Courses in Major

  44

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• Introductory Core

  12
• SP 100 Public Address [EFFC]

  4
• SP 110 Interpersonal Communication [INTT]

  4
• SP 120 Small Group Process

  4
• Critical Thinking

  8
• SP 200 Argumentation

  4
• SP 250 Research Methods and Careers in Communication

  4
• Theoretical Foundation

  8
• SP 310 Communication Theory

  4
• SP 320 New Media Literacy

  4
• Applications

  2
• SP 491 Practicum in Communication Studies

  1-8
• SP 492 Internship in Communication Studies

  1-8
• Assessment

  2
• SP 480 Communication Capstone

  2
• Electives

  12
• Choose from the following:
• BC 410 The Documentary * (4 cr.)
• BC 415 Intercultural Communication * (4 cr.) [SOCR]
• BC 471 Mass Communication and Society * (4 cr.) [PERS]
• BC 480 Media and Politics (4 cr.)
• PR 432 Environmental Campaigns (4 cr.)
• SP 300 Rhetorical Theory (4 cr.)
• SP 401 Persuasion (4 cr.)
• SP 402 Communication Criticism (4 cr.)
• SP 404 Communication and the Arts (4 cr.)
• SP 410 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (4 cr.)
• SP 412 Nonverbal Communication (4 cr.)
• SP 421 Organizational Communication (4 cr.)
• SP 422 Crisis Communication (4 cr.)
• SP 432 Environmental Communication (4 cr.)
• SP 434 Environmental Communication in an International Context: Brazil (4 cr.) [INTT]
• SP 495 Special Topics in Communication Studies (2-4 cr.)

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• Minor

  20-24

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*Students may elect to take no more than one BC-prefixed course.