Program Overview

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Communication BA, Interpersonal Communication Emphasis

Overview

The Interpersonal Communication emphasis area focuses on communication processes in personal relationships. Students in this emphasis area will master the ability to communicate meaningfully with colleagues, clients, and loved ones in a variety of settings. Strong interpersonal skills are needed in almost any type of job and can truly transform your career and your life. Our faculty members are actively engaged in research and our students benefit from first-hand knowledge not currently offered at other institutions. Many faculty members have been recognized for excellence or innovation in teaching.

Requirements

Students majoring in communication must complete a minimum of 36 credit-hours in communication courses. Students may complete either a general communication degree or they may select one of four different emphasis areas as a focus for their studies: Interpersonal Communication, Mass Communication, Applied Visual Communication, or Strategic Communication. To complete the degree with one of these emphases, the student must complete the 21 credit-hour core and at least 15 hours of electives from within the selected emphasis area. In addition, the skills and knowledge applied in the required Practicum/Internship should be consistent with the selected emphasis area. Students seeking a general communication degree must complete the 21 credit-hour core and can select elective courses from any combination of the emphasis areas.

General Education Requirements

Majors 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.

Degree Requirements

At least 18 credit hours must be taken at UMSL. Furthermore, at least 12 credit hours of the communication courses completed must be numbered 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

• 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 interpersonal emphasis area focuses on communication between individuals and the impact of verbal and nonverbal communication on personal relationships. 15 credits are needed.

Up to six credit hours of Special Topics Courses, Directed Readings courses, and Supervised Research courses offered by the Communication and Media Department can be applied to the emphasis area if the specific topic of the course is relevant to the emphasis area.

Choose five of the following courses:

• COMM 1369: Introduction to Health Communication
• COMM 2230: Small Group Communication (MOTR COMM 125)
• COMM 2240: Persuasive Communication
• COMM 3130: Communication in Family, Dating, and Marriage
• COMM 3337: Communication and Gender
• COMM 3368: Advanced Health Communication
• COMM 4500: Seminar in Fundamental Communication Theory
• COMM 4650: Seminar in Fundamental Interpersonal Communication Theory Total Hours: 15

Learning Outcomes

• Explore the roles that communication plays in personal and professional relationships
• Evaluate situations and apply interpersonal communication strategies that will be effective to achieve one’s goals
• Apply theories and models of interpersonal communication phenomena to complex, real-life experiences
• Recognize and adapt to different cultures and perspectives
• Sharpen one’s self- and other-awareness in order to successfully navigate conflict, manage teamwork, and enhance interpersonal relationships

Four Year Plan

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
  • EXPLORE - Humanities & Fine Arts: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours Total Hours: 16 (Fall), 15 (Spring)

Second Year

• Fall:
  • COMM 2235: 3 hours
  • CORE - Information Literacy: 3 hours
  • EXPLORE - Mathematics & Natural Sciences: 3 hours
  • FGN LANG 1001: 5 hours
• Spring:
  • COMM 2332: 3 hours
  • EXPLORE - Humanities & Fine Arts: 3 hours
  • EXPLORE - Mathematics & Natural Sciences: 3 hours
  • FGN LANG 1002: 5 hours Total Hours: 14 (Fall), 14 (Spring)

Third Year

• Fall:
  • COMM 3330: 3 hours
  • ENGL 3100: 3 hours
  • FGN LANG 2101: 3 hours
  • Cultural Diversity: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
• Spring:
  • COMM XXXX: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis Course: 3 hours
  • COMM XXXX: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis Course: 3 hours
  • COMM XXXX: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis Course: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours Total Hours: 15 (Fall), 15 (Spring)

Fourth Year

• Fall:
  • COMM 1950: 1 hour
  • COMM XXXX: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis Course: 3 hours
  • COMM XXXX: Interpersonal Communication Emphasis Course: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
• Spring:
  • COMM 4920: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours
  • Elective or minor: 3 hours Total Hours: 16 (Fall), 15 (Spring)

Total Hours: 120

Please Note: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All requirements are subject to change.