Return to: Department of Communication

Department Chair Matt Barton – EVT 213G – (435) 586-7970	Faculty & Staff
Associate Department Chair Jonathan Holiman – EVT 213D – (435) 865-8037	Student Success Advisors
Administrative Assistant Paige Smith – EVT 213 – (435) 586-7861	Website

Overview of Programs

The department offers a choice of three emphases within the communication major, three minors related to the emphases, and two certificates in speech writing and sports communication. A grade of “C-” or better is required for any course counted toward a major, minor, or certificate.

Required Credits: 42 credits for the communication major and 62 minimum credits for a composite of two emphases in the major. (Check with department about recommended elective credit for the composite degree.)

Speech Writing Certificate

The Speech Writing Certificate requires the completion of 21 credit hours of coursework including an internship involving speech preparation. The certificate prepares students for speech composition and delivery. Evaluation of the students will be in each of the specific courses in the form of written assignments, speech preparation, and delivery. This certificate is available only upon degree completion.

Sports Communication Certificate

The Sports Communication Certificate requires the completion of 18 credit hours of coursework and can include an internship related to sports writing and other activities in the SUU athletic department. The certificate prepares students to work in a variety of sports-related jobs. This certificate is a University-approved certificate and is available only upon degree completion.

Mission

The Southern Utah University Communication Department provides opportunities for its students to apply the principles and theories of human communication and mass media in situations that simulate the professional world. The department operates in a student-centered environment to foster ethical behavior, superior communication skills, leadership abilities, and critical thinking.

Goal Statement

The curriculum of this department consists of a careful blend of classroom courses in theory, methods, histories, and laboratory experiences in the various emphases with hands-on applications. The intent is to produce a well-rounded graduate who is conversant with the material in communication-related areas of employment and who can also proficiently apply that material. To this end, internships are strongly encouraged in the department. The department prepares students for careers in advertising, broadcasting, interpersonal communication, journalism, and public relations. Through general education offerings at SUU in the communication core, and the humanities and social and behavioral sciences knowledge areas, the Department of Communication endeavors to give SUU general education students’ strong presentational skills and a background in communication principles and practices.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

1. The general education courses offered by the communication department will align with the essential learning outcomes established by the University.
2. Communication students will pass their courses with a minimum grade of “C-“ as assessed by testing measures within each course.
3. Communication courses will contain activities that enable students to demonstrate a reasonable level of proficiency in communication skills.
4. All Communication majors must take COMM 1010  and the writing course, ENGL 2010 . These two courses will prepare students for study in Communication.
5. Communication majors must take the core COMM 3020 - Communication Research  course. This course is a prerequisite to two (2) capstone courses, one of which must be taken. Communication Studies students must take COMM 4350 - Communication Theory . Media Studies students must take COMM 4050 - Mass Media Theory and Effects . Strategic Communication students must take either COMM 4050 - Mass Media Theory and Effects  or COMM 4350 - Communication Theory . Students complete a capstone assignment for these classes. Composite majors are able to select a single capstone course that best fits their program of study regardless of emphasis.
6. Additional assessment is measured through successful completion of practicum courses in the various emphases. 

Other Information

Internships

Internships are strongly encouraged. Only communication majors or minors with a junior or senior standing and with the appropriate prerequisite courses may enroll for internship credit within the department. Students must contact the department for internship prerequisites and other information in advance of internship work. Only three (3) internship credits can be applied toward the required credits in the major. Additional internship credit may be counted as elective credit with the approval of the department chair.

Programs

• Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Communication - Media Studies Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Communication - Strategic Communication Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)
• Communication Composite (B.A., B.S.)

• Certificate in Sports Communication
• Certificate of Proficiency in Communication Speech Writing

• Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis (Minor)
• Communication - Media Studies Emphasis (Minor)
• Communication - Strategic Communication Emphasis (Minor)

Return to: Department of Communication