Program Overview

Communication BS

The School of Communication educates tomorrow's leaders today, through rigorous course study, professional training using cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration with business professionals and community leaders. With an exceptional internship program and a plethora of real-world opportunities offered through student organizations, students will have the experience, training, and network to enter the field of their choice.

About the Program

The Communication, BS has concentrations in communication and media, journalism, and public relations. Students must be admitted to the School of Communication prior to pursuing the major. Admission may be requested upon acceptance to the university. Students are required to meet with a School of Communication advisor in order to apply.

Admission Criteria

Entering first-year students must have a minimum 3.0 un-weighted high school GPA before declaring the major. To declare the communication major, continuing and transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3. Transfer of writing courses and core skill courses in public relations and journalism from outside institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program Requirements

The degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours as follows:

1. General education requirements - 40 semester hours
2. Core - 6 semester hours

• COMM 1001 - Introduction to Communication
• COMM 1003 - Introduction to Mass Media

3. Concentration area - 36 semester hours

• Students must choose one of the following concentrations: Communication and Media, Journalism, or Public Relations

Concentration Areas

Communication and Media

• Concentration core - 12 semester hours
  • COMM 2010 - Communication Criticism
  • COMM 2030 - Communication Research
  • COMM 2410 - Public Speaking
  • COMM 3110 - Persuasion Theories
• Choose 18 semester hours from:
  • COMM 2120 - Public Relations Principles
  • COMM 2420 - Business and Professional Communication
  • COMM 3063 - Special Topics
  • COMM 3142 - Small Group Communication
  • COMM 3152 - Interpersonal Communication
  • COMM 3160 - Organizational Communication
  • COMM 3172 - Media Effects
  • COMM 3180 - Intercultural Communication
  • COMM 3380 - Mediated Communication
  • COMM 3390 - International News
  • COMM 3520 - Sports Media Survey
  • COMM 3550 - Social Media and Strategic Communication
  • COMM 3700 - Race, Ethnicity and Media
  • COMM 4032 - Mass Media Law
  • COMM 4040 - Media, Culture, and Society
  • COMM 4046 - Digital and Media Literacy
  • COMM 4081 - Directed Independent Study
  • COMM 4082 - Directed Independent Study
  • COMM 4083 - Directed Independent Study
  • COMM 4091 - InternshipSeminar
  • COMM 4130 - Conflict and Communication
  • COMM 4135 - Gender and Communication
  • COMM 4196 - Communication Honors Project
  • COMM 4905 - Media Ethics
• Choose a 3 semester hour free COMM elective
• Capstone course - 3 semester hours
  • COMM 4060 - Special Problems in Communication
  • COMM 4080 - Senior Communication Capstone

Journalism

• Concentration core - 21 semester hours
  • COMM 2225 - Video News Production
  • COMM 2300 - Journalism Foundations
  • COMM 2340 - Development of American Journalism
  • COMM 2500 - Media Writing and Reporting
  • COMM 3390 - International News
  • COMM 3393 - Producing the News
  • COMM 3421 - In-Depth Reporting
• Choose 9 semester hours from:
  • COMM 3300 - Entrepreneurial Journalism
  • COMM 3310 - Copy Editing and Design
  • COMM 3330 - Feature Writing
  • COMM 3350 - Creative Design in Publishing
  • COMM 3430 - Electronic News Performance
  • COMM 3500 - Web Design for Communication Professionals
  • COMM 3550 - Social Media and Strategic Communication
  • COMM 4091 - InternshipSeminar
• Choose 3 semester hours from:
  • COMM 3172 - Media Effects
  • COMM 3520 - Sports Media Survey
  • COMM 3700 - Race, Ethnicity and Media
  • COMM 4032 - Mass Media Law
  • COMM 4040 - Media, Culture, and Society
  • COMM 4046 - Digital and Media Literacy
  • COMM 4135 - Gender and Communication
  • COMM 4905 - Media Ethics
• Capstone course - 3 semester hours
  • COMM 4300 - Multimedia Storytelling Capstone

Public Relations

• Concentration core - 15 semester hours
  • COMM 2030 - Communication Research
  • COMM 2120 - Public Relations Principles
  • COMM 3104 - Public Relations and Corporate Writing
  • COMM 4032 - Mass Media Law
  • COMM 4905 - Media Ethics
  • COMM 4180 - Public Relations Strategies
• Choose 9 semester hours from:
  • COMM 2225 - Video News Production
  • COMM 2410 - Public Speaking
  • COMM 3310 - Copy Editing and Design
  • COMM 3350 - Creative Design in Publishing
  • COMM 3430 - Electronic News Performance
  • COMM 3500 - Web Design for Communication Professionals
  • COMM 3540 - Digital Media for Communication Campaigns
  • COMM 3550 - Social Media and Strategic Communication
  • COMM 4046 - Digital and Media Literacy
  • COMM 4091 - InternshipSeminar
• Choose 6 semester hours from:
  • COMM 3110 - Persuasion Theories
  • COMM 3160 - Organizational Communication
  • COMM 3172 - Media Effects
  • COMM 3180 - Intercultural Communication
  • COMM 3190 - Health Communication
  • COMM 3390 - International News
  • COMM 3520 - Sports Media Survey
  • COMM 3700 - Race, Ethnicity and Media
  • COMM 4040 - Media, Culture, and Society
  • COMM 4130 - Conflict and Communication
  • COMM 4135 - Gender and Communication
  • COMM 4185 - International Public Relations
• Choose a 3 semester hour free COMM elective
• Capstone course - 3 semester hours
  • COMM 4500 - Public Relations Campaigns

Additional Requirements

• A minimum grade of C- (1.7) is required in all COMM courses that count toward the major.
• A minimum grade of C- (1.7) must be achieved in all COMM prerequisites before students can advance in the curriculum.
• Students majoring in communication cannot minor in communication.
• Minor and/or electives to complete requirements for graduation.