Communications, Bachelor of Arts

Students majoring in communications will take courses that emphasize the integration of oral, written, and multimedia communications.  In addition to the completion of core courses in such areas as digital communications and design, integrated marketing and communications, and communications law and theory, majors will also select one of the following concentrations: Business, Psychology, Sociology, or Writing.  As an interdisciplinary field of study, the communications major provides graduates with both practical and theoretical tools that can be used across a wide range of careers and cultures.

Major In Communications

Degree requirements

Required Courses

COM 105	Intro to Media Communications	3
FA 142	Introduction to Design	4
COM 110	Effective Speaking	3
COM 130	Digital Communications & Design	3
COM 220	Interpersonal Communication	3
COM 232	Multimedia Communications and Design	3
COM 233	Integrated Marketing and Advertising	3
COM 303	Media Law and Ethics	3
COM 304	Media Theory and Methods	3
COM 310	Women in the Media	3
COM 332	Web Communications and Design	3
COM 355	Internship	3
COM 400	Assessment Portfolio	2

In addition to the core competencies listed above, each student majoring in Communications will select an area of concentration for the list below.  The student competes this concentration by completing a minor in the listed field.  The specific focus of a student's concentration will be determined by the program advisor in consultation with relevant faculty.

Business Communications

Students who choose this concentration will complete a minor in Business in addition to the core in Communications. Students interested in such areas as advertising and public relations, human resources, and marketing management will study the field of business and its relationships to contemporary communications and cultures.  For the Minor in Business, students will take BUS 124 plus five courses above the 100-level (at least one of which must be at the 300 level or above).

Cultural Communications

Students who choose this concentration will complete a minor in Psychology or Sociology in addition to the core in Communications.  Students interested in such areas as consumer research, health science, and social services will study the field of psychology or sociology and its relationships to contemporary communications and cultures.  For the Minor in Psychology, students will take PSY 110 and five additional courses in psychology (at least one at the 300 level or above).  For the Minor in Sociology, students will take SOC 120 and five additional courses in sociology (at least one at the 300 level or above).

Written Communications

Students who choose this concentration will complete a minor in Writing in addition to the core in Communications.  Students interested in such fields as copy and grant writing, journalism, philanthropy, and media relations will study the field of writing and its relationships to contemporary communications and cultures. For the Minor in Writing, students will take four courses from Writing options in English, as well as one literature class at the 200 level or higher.  At least one class in the minor must be at the 300 level.