Communication - Strategic Communication Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)

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Sample Degree Plan

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the factors that impact communication in various contexts.
Students will demonstrate the ability to share and create knowledge and ideas effectively.
Students will be able to formulate an effective, balanced perspective on an issue or topic.
Students will be able to think beyond the conventional wisdom, solve problems creatively, know how to integrate passion with empirical analysis, and adapt to new situations.
Students will be able to research, organize, create and present relevant messages to inform, persuade, entertain or build rapport with selected and specific audiences.
Students majoring in the Strategic Communications will be able to utilize research skills and methodologies to generate knowledge.
Students are able to explain how theory and models can be used to communicate effectively in public and private contexts.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major.
A maximum of three (3) internship credits (COMM 4890 ) count toward major hours. Credit for internship will not be given unless approved by the department chair at the beginning of the semester. See department for details.

Program Prerequisites

The Department of Communication strongly recommends that students complete the following courses as part of their General Education requirements, as they are prerequisites for required major courses. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree.

COMM 1010 - Introduction to Communication (can be used to fulfill General Education Humanities Knowledge Area)

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)

See General Education for course options.

Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
Knowledge Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Knowledge Area requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree Type: Arts or Science Requirement (12* or 16** Credits)

Select one degree type from either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science:

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)

Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education Core and Knowledge Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

or

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Foreign Language Requirement 16 Credits

** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. These credits are typically counted in the degree total at the bottom of the page. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Communication - Strategic Communication Curriculum Summary (42 Credits)

Required Core Courses (9 Credits)

COMM 1130 - Writing for Communication 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3100 - Communication Theory 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4000 - Research for Communication Careers 3 Credit(s)

Strategic Communication Emphasis Required Courses (27 Credits)

COMM 1030 - Introduction to Social Media 3 Credit(s)
COMM 1450 - Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations 3 Credit(s)
COMM 2030 - Social Media Branding 3 Credit(s)
COMM 2900 - Strategic Communication Writing 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3080 - Digital Copy Layout and Design 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3110 - Persuasion 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3501 - Practicum-PR/Ad Lab 1 Credit(s) (total of 3 credits required)
COMM 3900 - Strategic Campaigns 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4040 - Advertising Psychology 3 Credit(s)

Strategic Communication Emphasis Electives (6 Credits)

Select 6 credits from the following courses or any other approved communication courses:

COMM 1070 - Introduction to Visual Communication Graphics 3 Credit(s)
COMM 2200 - Video Production 3 Credit(s)
COMM 2507 - Reporting and Writing for Sports Media 3 Credit(s)
COMM 2950 - Public Analysis 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3030 - Social Media Strategies 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3060 - Website Development 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3090 - Photojournalism 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3502 - Practicum News Writing Lab 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3507 - Sports Public Relations 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3850 - Communication in Organizations 3 Credit(s)
COMM 3930 - Crisis Communication 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4030 - Social Media Management 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4070 - Advanced Visual Communication Graphics 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4280 - Advertising Strategies 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4440 - Multimedia Storytelling 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4502 - Political Communication 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4504 - Health Communication 3 Credit(s)
COMM 4600 - Topics in Communication 3 Credit(s) (variable topics - repeatable with different topic up to 9 credits toward major)
COMM 4890 - Internship in Communication 1 Credit(s)

Free Electives (27-48 Credits)

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.