Program Overview

Introduction to the Communication Program

The Communication program at Southern Connecticut State University focuses on the application of theory and research in personal and professional relationships and on the creation of messages in diverse media. The program seeks to enhance students' knowledge and skills in areas such as interpersonal and small group communication, presentations, decision-making, information utilization, and video production.

Major in Communication

The Communication major offers concentrations in advertising and promotions, film, television, and digital production, and personal and professional communication. These programs are designed to prepare students for a wide variety of career options, including management, sales, digital production, advertising and promotional communication, training, and the service sector.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication

The Communication B.S. degree major offers concentrations in:

• Advertising and Promotions
• Film, Television, and Digital Production
• Personal and Professional Communication

Academic Standards for Major

Communication majors must achieve a "C" or higher in all communication courses for the courses to be accepted toward fulfilling graduation requirements. Students with a grade of "C-" or lower in a major course will have to repeat that course. Only two attempts are allowed for a student to achieve a "C" or higher, excluding a "withdrawal" (W) or "passing withdrawal" (WP).

Courses Offered

The Communication department offers a wide range of courses, including:

• COM 101 - Fundamentals of Professional Presentations
• COM 135 - Online Communication
• COM 150 - World of Communication
• COM 200 - Fundamentals of Communication Design
• COM 201 - Applied Communication Design
• COM 205 - Fundamentals of Professional Presentations
• COM 210 - Human Communication
• COM 212 - Visual Communication
• COM 215 - Small Group Communication
• COM 221 - Introduction to Advertising
• COM 225 - Interpersonal Communication
• COM 228 - Capturing, Analyzing, and Presenting Family Stories
• COM 233 - Communication in Relational Development
• COM 234 - Copywriting and Creative Concepts
• COM 236 - Copywriting for Electronic Media
• COM 238 - Communication Design
• COM 250 - Business and Professional Communication
• COM 253 - Fundamentals of Video Production
• COM 257 - Audio Production
• COM 258 - Cinematic Technique
• COM 259 - Studio Production
• COM 265 - Video Technology
• COM 274 - Experimental Media Production
• COM 275 - Persuasion
• COM 287 - Introduction to Communication Research
• COM 300 - Organizational Communication
• COM 302 - Relational Communication
• COM 312 - Communication and Gender
• COM 322 - Communication Training and Development
• COM 332 - Interviewing
• COM 333 - Scriptwriting for Film and Television
• COM 335 - Advertising Strategy and Planning
• COM 336 - Writing Copy for Integrated Media
• COM 338 - Advertising Design and Layout
• COM 340 - Brand Management
• COM 350 - Workplace Communication
• COM 357 - Advanced Audio Production and Sound
• COM 359 - Studio Production
• COM 360 - Field Production
• COM 365 - Advanced Postproduction Techniques
• COM 368 - Graphics for Film and Television
• COM 370 - Interpersonal Conflict and Communication
• COM 372 - Digital Filmmaking
• COM 375 - Family Communication
• COM 385 - Documentary Production
• COM 387 - Communication Theory
• COM 398 - Special Topics
• COM 402 - Social Media and Emerging Trends in Advertising
• COM 410 - Crisis and Communication
• COM 422 - Professional Communication Training and Development
• COM 430 - Communication Strategies in the Workplace
• COM 440 - Cultural Influences on Communication
• COM 450 - Communication Capstone
• COM 459 - Advanced Studio Production
• COM 468 - Visual Effects in Film, Television, and Digital Production
• COM 472 - Advertising and Promotional Campaigns
• COM 480 - Narrative Filmmaking
• COM 481 - Applied Perspectives in Personal and Professional Communication
• COM 485 - Documentary Filmmaking
• COM 490 - Practicum in Personal and Professional Communication
• COM 492 - Practicum in Film, Television, and Digital Production
• COM 497 - Communication Field Experience
• COM 499 - Independent Study

Faculty

The Communication department is comprised of experienced faculty members, including:

• Michael Bay, Associate Professor
• Sara Baker, Assistant Professor
• Bonnie Farley-Lucas, Professor
• Richard Glinka, Assistant Professor
• Annette Madlock Gatison, Associate Professor
• Jane McGinn, Professor
• David Petroski, Associate Professor
• Linda Sampson, Associate Professor
• Margaret Sargent, Associate Professor
• Derek Taylor, Associate Professor

Department Information

The Communication department is an Apple Macintosh-based department, and a Macintosh computer is recommended for all communication majors. The department offers a minor in Communication and various courses that cater to different interests and career goals.