Program Overview

Communication BA, Applied Visual Communication Emphasis

Overview

The Communication BA with an Applied Visual Communication Emphasis is designed to help students master the art of telling stories and effectively communicating information through digital media. This emphasis area covers digital audiovisual media production, providing practical instruction in areas such as camera work, location shooting, digital video editing, directing, and performance for the camera.

Requirements

To complete the degree, students must satisfy the university and college general education requirements. The college's foreign language requirement may be taken in any language. Communication courses may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

• At least 18 credit hours must be taken at UMSL.
• At least 12 credit hours of the communication courses completed must be numbered 3000 or above for students seeking a general communication degree, as well as for students pursuing an emphasis area.
• All students must earn a C or better in each of the required core courses of the major and maintain a 2.0 grade point average in all of the courses applied to the communication degree.

Required Courses

The following courses are required:

• COMM 1030: Interpersonal Communication I (MOTR COMM 120) - 3 hours
• COMM 1050: Introduction to Mass Communication - 3 hours
• COMM 2231: Communication in the Organization - 3 hours
• COMM 2332: Intercultural Communication - 3 hours
• COMM 2235: Professional Communication - 3 hours
• COMM 3330: Research Methods in Communication I - 3 hours
• COMM 4920: Practicum in Applied Communication - 3 hours or COMM 4950: Internship in Applied Communication Total Hours: 21

Emphasis Area Requirements

The applied visual communication emphasis area offers hands-on learning related to media production, focusing on developing skills to convey information and tell stories through time-based digital media. 15 credits are needed.

Choose five of the following courses:

• MEDIA ST 1070: Introduction to Cinema
• MEDIA ST 2113: Media Production I
• THEATR 2020: Acting for the Camera
• MEDIA ST 2210: Video Production I
• MEDIA ST 3310: Video Production II
• MEDIA ST 3313: Advanced Video Editing
• MEDIA ST 2225
• MEDIA ST 3113: Media Production II
• THEATR 4020: Directing for the Camera Total Hours: 15

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Recognize and apply the fundamental principles of effective visual communication
• Design, implement, and critique media content based on appropriate production, design, and aesthetic principles
• Light, block, and record digital video footage in studio and location settings
• Edit digital footage into a coherent narrative or persuasive message, including the addition of titles and graphic effects
• Produce work that contributes knowledge and creativity with effective communication skills in all forms of media: written, visual, and oral
• Effectively work in groups as both leaders and collaborators

Career Outlook

New graduates often enter this career path as video editors or camera operators. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these occupations is expected to grow faster than average, in part because of increasing demand for audio-visual media on internet-only platforms such as streaming services. The job outlook for more experienced positions in the field, such as producers and directors, is also robust.

Sample Four Year Plan

A sample four-year plan for the Communication BA with an Applied Visual Communication Emphasis is provided below:

First Year

• Fall: INTDSC 1003 (1 hour), COMM 1030 (3 hours), COMM 1050 (3 hours), ENGL 1100 (3 hours), CORE: Mathematics Proficiency (3 hours), CORE: US History & Government (3 hours)
• Spring: COMM 2231 (3 hours), EXPLORE: Mathematics & Life/Natural Sciences (3 hours), EXPLORE: Humanities & Fine Arts (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours)

Second Year

• Fall: COMM 2235 (3 hours), CORE: Information Literacy (3 hours), EXPLORE: Mathematics & Life/Natural Sciences (3 hours), FGN LANG 1001 (5 hours)
• Spring: COMM 2332 (3 hours), EXPLORE: Humanities & Fine Arts (3 hours), EXPLORE: Mathematics & Life/Natural Sciences (3 hours), FGN LANG 1002 (5 hours)

Third Year

• Fall: COMM 3330 (3 hours), ENGL 3100 (3 hours), FGN LANG 2102 (3 hours), Global Perspectives Requirement (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours)
• Spring: COMM XXXX: Applied Visual Communication Emphasis Course (3 hours), COMM XXXX: Applied Visual Communication Emphasis Course (3 hours), COMM XXXX: Applied Visual Communication Emphasis Course (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours)

Fourth Year

• Fall: COMM 1950 (1 hour), COMM XXXX: Applied Visual Communication Emphasis Course (3 hours), COMM XXXX: Applied Visual Communication Emphasis Course (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours)
• Spring: COMM 4920 or 4950 (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours), Elective or minor (3 hours) Total Hours: 120