Communication Composite (B.A., B.S.)

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Sample Degree Plan

Program Learning Outcomes

Media Studies

Students will understand the factors that impact communication in various media contexts.
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for scholarly research as well as the in current communication professions, industries, and outlets and effectively serve their audiences.
Students make connections among ideas and experiences and can synthesize and transfer their learning to new, complex situations that apply to real-world and industry 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 are able to explain how theory and models can be used to communicate effectively in public and private contexts
Students will demonstrate an understanding of current media technologies and their capabilities, limitations and implications from multiple perspectives, including that of producer, participant, and audience.
Students strategically and responsibly employ appropriate technologies to explore, create, collaborate, and organize in a digital context.

Messaging & Human Interaction

Students will be able to apply leadership, social media, and critical thinking skills to solve problems, reach objectives, and prepare for future career opportunities.
Students will understand the factors that impact communication in various contexts.
Students will demonstrate communication skills connected to researching, organizing, and disseminating messages orally and in writing.
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 are able to explain how theory and models can be used to communicate effectively in public and private contexts

Strategic Communication

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

Strategic Message Design and Human Interaction

Students will be able to research, organize, create, and present relevant messages to inform, persuade, entertain, or build rapport with selected and specific audiences.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the composite 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 , as they are prerequisites for required major courses and/or requirements for graduation. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree. These courses may or may not need to be taken before starting any major courses; consult a Student Success Advisor for details.

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 Composite Curriculum Summary (62 Credits)

The Composite Major requires 62 minimum credits for a composite of two emphases in the major. For students using Communication Studies as a composite with another communication emphasis, they must take the Communication Core (6) and the required courses (15) and at least three more credits in communication studies for a minimum of 24 credits in the area. Please consult with your advisor concerning specific requirements, and check with the department about recommended elective credit for the composite degree.

Free Electives (7-28 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.