Communication Studies, B.A.

(Formerly Speech Communications)

The Communication Studies curriculum provides an integrative view of communication and a critical understanding of the role of communication in culture and society. A student electing a major in Communication Studies will learn to speak eloquently, write effectively, interact cooperatively, listen empathically, argue persuasively and think critically.

The requirements for the major in Communication Studies include cognate courses consisting of related studies in Mass Communications. A student electing a major in Communication Studies has the option of choosing an academic minor.

The student must earn a grade of “C” or better in each course required in the major, including the University Capstone, COMM 4000 . A grade of “D” is non-progressive; the course must be repeated with a minimum grade of “C” before a student can progress to the next sequential course. A course transferred from another institution must show a grade of “C” or better.

A minimum of six hours of the Communication Studies electives must be completed at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Required for a Major in Communication Studies:

CMST 1001 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 cr.
CMST 1009 - Forensic Speaking Laboratory 1 cr.
CMST 1018 - Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
CMST 2001 - Public Speaking 3 cr.
CMST 2060 - Small Group Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3035 - Nonverbal Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 3044 - Organizational Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3005 - Oral Interpretation 3 cr. or
CMST 4005 - Advanced Public Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3010 - Communication and Conflict 3 cr. or
CMST 3011 - Argumentation and Debate 3 cr. or
CMST 3030 - Persuasion 3 cr.
CMST 3041 - Communication and Gender 3 cr. or
CMST 4004 - Intercultural Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 4051 - American Public Address 3 cr. or
CMST 4052 - Criticism of Contemporary Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 4053 - Rhetoric of Social Movements 3 cr.
CMST 4050 - Communication Theory 3 cr.
COMM 4090 - Internship 2 cr.

12 Hours of Communication Studies Electives:

at least six hours of which must be at the 3000-4000 level

Total Hours 30

Freshman Year

Core English Composition 6 cr. *
Core Humanities 6 cr. *
Core Natural/Physical Science 3 cr. *
Core Social Science 3 cr. *
CSCI 1070 - Computer Literacy 3 cr.
MCOM 2001 - Mass Communications and Society 3 cr.
CMST 1001 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 cr.
CMST 1018 - Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
UNIV 1001 - University Seminar 1 cr.

Total Hours 30

Sophomore Year

Core Humanities 3 cr. *
Core Mathematics 6 cr. *
Core Natural/Physical Science 6 cr. *
Foreign Language 6 cr.
CMST 1009 - Forensic Speaking Laboratory 1 cr.
CMST 2001 - Public Speaking 3 cr.
CMST 2060 - Small Group Communication 3 cr.

Total Hours 28

Junior Year

Core Social Science 3 cr. *
Core Fine Arts 3 cr. *
MCOM 2002 - Media Performance 3 cr. or
MCOM 2010 - Writing for Media 3 cr.
CMST 3035 - Nonverbal Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 3044 - Organizational Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 4026 - Health Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 4062 - Advanced Small Group Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3005 - Oral Interpretation 3 cr. or
CMST 4005 - Advanced Public Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3010 - Communication and Conflict 3 cr. or
CMST 3011 - Argumentation and Debate 3 cr. or
CMST 3030 - Persuasion 3 cr.
Minor/Electives 12 cr.

Total Hours 30

Senior Year

COMM 4000 - Communication Capstone 3 cr. ^uc
MCOM 3060 - Public Relations Principles and Case Studies 3 cr. or
MCOM 3070 - Mass Communication Theory and Research 3 cr. or
MCOM 4071 - Visual Communication 3 cr.
CMST 3041 - Communication and Gender 3 cr. or
CMST 4051 - American Public Address 3 cr. or
CMST 4052 - Criticism of Contemporary Communication 3 cr. or
CMST 4053 - Rhetoric of Social Movements 3 cr.
CMST 4050 - Communication Theory 3 cr.
CMST 4090
Minor/Electives 18 cr.

Total Hours 32

Total hours for degree 120

Note:

*Communication Studies majors should see Core Curriculum requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum section of the catalog.

Additional Information:

A student electing a major in Communication Studies has the option of choosing an academic minor.

Communication Studies majors and minors must participate in Forensics activities.