University of West Florida Communication Program

The University of West Florida offers a comprehensive Communication program designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a rapidly changing world. This program is tailored to provide professional agility, enabling graduates to creatively manage professional communication challenges across various media platforms.

Program Overview

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• Major: Communication
• Specializations:
  • Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media
  • Communication Studies
  • Digital Storytelling and Journalism
• Minors:
  • General Communication
  • Leadership Communication
  • Strategic Communication for the Sciences
• Certificate: Social Media Communication

Program Requirements

Students must complete the Department of Communication core, which consists of 12 credit hours. The core includes:

• SPC 2608: Public Speaking
• COM 2713: Introduction to the Communication Professions
• COM 2203: Communication Dynamics
• COM 4301: Applied Communication Research

A maximum of 12 semester hours of lower-division coursework in the Department of Communication may be applied to degree requirements. No grade below a "C" in a Department of Communication course may be applied toward graduation. A minimum grade of "C" is also required for SPC 2608 Public Speaking and COM 2713 Introduction to the Communication Professions.

Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media Specialization

This specialization builds from a core of integrated advertising, public relations, and social media strategies and tactics. Students choose from concentrations in either Advertising or Public Relations while earning a certificate in Social Media Communication.

Advertising Concentration

• ADV 3101: Creative Strategy & Tactics I
• ADV 3213: Advertising Graphics II
• ADV 3300: Advertising Media Strategy & Planning
• 9 hours at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV
• Capstone: COM 4950 Strategic Communication Campaigns

Public Relations Concentration

• PUR 3100: Writing for Public Relations
• PUR 3404: International Public Relations
• PUR 4400: Crisis Public Relations
• PUR 4407: Managing Media Relations
• 6 credit hours at the 3000 level or above from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV
• Capstone: COM 4950 Strategic Communication Campaigns

Communication Studies Specialization

This specialization provides students with the flexibility to build their own areas of specialization according to their professional goals.

Communication Specialist Concentration

• COM 3014: Gender Communication
• COM 3461: Intercultural Communication
• COM 3465: Conflict Management
• COM 4110: Business and Professional Communication
• COM 4120: Organizational Communication
• SPC 3301: Interpersonal Communication
• 9 hours at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV
• Capstone: COM 4103 Leadership Communication

Communication Studies Concentration

• 27 hours at the 3000 level or above from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV
• Capstone: COM 4103 Leadership Communication

Digital Storytelling and Journalism Specialization

This specialization engages students in the theory, writing, production, and practice of journalistic, documentary, and cinematic storytelling in a converged media environment.

Multimedia Journalism Concentration

• JOU 3101: Digital and Multimedia Journalism
• JOU 4181: Public Affairs Reporting
• COM 3471: Fundamentals of Social Media Communication
• RTV 3533: Digital Video Production
• RTV 3511: Video Storytelling
• MMC 4201: Media Law and Ethics
• 9 hours at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV
• Capstone: JOU 3940 Practicum: Voyager Multimedia News

Digital Cinema & Film Concentration

• FIL 3427: Film Production I
• FIL 3833: Film Styles
• FIL 4036: History of Motion Pictures
• FIL 4102: Screenwriting for Film, TV, and Digital Media
• FIL 4364: Documentary Film and Television
• FIL 4435: Film Production II
• FIL 4514: Film Production III
• 9 hours at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV

Minors and Certificates

• General Communication Minor: Consists of at least 15 semester hours of communication courses.
• Leadership Communication Minor: Promotes leadership communication competencies, self-confidence, ethical character, and service to others.
• Strategic Communication for the Sciences Minor: Promotes competencies in developing communication strategies, tactics, and messaging of scientific knowledge for general audiences.
• Social Media Communication Certificate: Prepares students for the digitally converged communication industry, training them in key skillset areas including public relations, advertising, writing, branding, and the basics of social media.

General Education Requirements

Students must complete the General Education requirements, which include courses in Communication, Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals.

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation but are not required for admission to the program.

Lower Division Electives

Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 semester hours in the lower division.

The University of West Florida's Communication program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and agility required to succeed in today's fast-paced communication environment. With its comprehensive curriculum, specialized tracks, and commitment to hands-on learning, this program stands out as a premier choice for those aspiring to careers in communication and related fields.

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.