Communication Studies
The Communication Studies program offers training in the practice and theory of communication across a variety of contexts. Among these are public communication, interpersonal communication, small group communication, organizational communication, public relations and mass communication. In addition, students examine specific types of communication such as argumentation, debate and persuasion.
The minor in Communication Studies consists of 21 semester hours, which must include: two core courses, COMM 1101 (Introductory Speech) and COMM 1107 (Introduction to Communication Contexts); a required course within the track of study; and an additional 12 semester hours to be selected from a list of approved courses. Additional electives are possible with prior approval of the Communication Studies Coordinator. COMM 3050 (Topics in Communication Studies) and/or COMM 3880 (Independent Study) may be included as part of the 12 hours of electives with prior approval of the Coordinator, although these courses may not be substituted for a required course. A maximum of six hours of electives may be crossapplied between tracks for students pursuing double minors. Students must attain an overall GPA of 2.5 in all coursework within the minor. In addition, students must fulfill general education requirements and requirements for their major. Students planning to declare a Communications Studies minor should consult with the Program Coordinator.
Communication Theory and Process is a track of study designed for students to obtain a broad understanding of the theory of the human communication process. It is especially beneficial for students planning to pursue advanced study in the field of communication. In addition to COMM 1101 and 1107, each student must take COMM 2100, and 12 hours of electives selected from: COMM 2101, 2107, 3101, 3120, 3130, 3141, 3145, 4141, 4145; ENGL 4165; and ANTH 4120.
Mass Media is a track of study designed for students interested in the development of the media as a cultural force and contemporary issues in media criticism. In addition to COMM 1101 and 1107, each student must take COMM 3120, and 12 hours of electives selected from: COMM 2491 (limit three hours), COMM 3101, 3121; POLS 3104; JOUR 2160; EDUC 4135; and ARSC 3400 (limit three hours). (Prior approval by the Coordinator is required for ARSC 3400.)
Organizational Communication is a track of study designed for students anticipating careers involving communication in organizational settings. In addition to COMM 1101 and 1107, each student must take COMM 3141, and 12 hours of electives selected from: COMM 2105, 2107, 3101, 4141; SOCY 4115; ENGL 2116; MGMT 3160; and PSYC 2171.
Public Advocacy is a track of study designed for those students seeking a welldeveloped background in the general theory and practice of public communication. In addition to COMM 1101 and 1107, each student must take COMM 2102 and 12 hours of electives selected from: COMM 2101, 2103, 3101, 3130, 3403 (limit four hours) and EDUC 4135.
Public Relations is a track of study designed for students anticipating careers in the public relations context. The track emphasizes understanding the theory and practice of the role of public relations in society. In addition to COMM 1101 and 1107, each student must take COMM 3145, and 12 hours of electives selected from: COMM 2102, 3101, 4145; ENGL 2116, JOUR 2160, 3160, 3161; POLS 3103; EDUC 4135, HUSV 3190; and ARSC 3400 (limited three hours). (Prior approval by the Coordinator is required for ARSC 3400.)