Major and Minor in Communication

The communication major provides students with theoretical knowledge to understand how communication influences social interaction in a variety of contexts, including organizations, groups, relationships, media and culture.

Students will improve their writing and speaking skills and learn how to understand, analyze and critique messages and human behavior. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills through internships, providing the experience necessary for future job placement. This major is recommended for students who plan to pursue public relations, project management, media analysis, or graduate degrees in communication or other social science disciplines.

All students take a core of six courses and then, with the assistance of an academic advisor, select appropriate courses from an area of concentration.

Required Core Courses

  • COM 114 Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 213 Public Speaking
  • COM 315 Intercultural Communication
  • COM 316 Communication Theory
  • COM 319 Business and Professional Communication
  • COM 490 Senior Seminar: Topics in Communication or
    COM 498 Internship: Capstone

With the assistance of their academic advisor, students will select appropriate courses from the following groups of course offerings:

COM 219 Introduction to Public Relations is required, along with six additional courses chosen from:

  • COM 260 Media Writing
  • COM 305 News Reporting
  • COM 306 Advanced Reporting
  • COM 311 Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 312 Small Group Communication
  • COM 317 Persuasive Communication
  • COM 320 Organizational Communication
  • COM 321 Case Studies in Crisis Communication
  • COM 327 Environmental Communication
  • COM 328 Event Management
  • COM 353 Special Topics in Communication Studies
  • COM 405 Digital Journalism
  • COM 419 Business and Professional Communication in Online Contexts
  • COM 420 Ethics in Communication
  • COM 450 Leadership and Communication
  • COM 413 Presentation Skills Practicum
  • COM 419 Business and Professional Communication in Online Contexts
  • COM 468 Internship

COM 211 Media and Society OR COM 219 Introduction to Public Relations is required, along with six additional courses chosen from:

  • COM 311 Interpersonal Communication
  • COM 312 Small Group Communication
  • COM 317 Persuasive Communication
  • COM 318 Gender and Communication
  • COM 320 Organizational Communication
  • COM 322 Conflict Management
  • COM 323 Family Communication
  • COM 326 Health Communication
  • COM 327 Environmental Communication
  • COM 329 Media and Cultural Identity
  • COM 353 Special Topics in Communication Studies
  • COM 413 Presentation Skills Practicum
  • COM 419 Business and Professional Communication in Online Contexts
  • COM 420 Ethics in Communication
  • COM 450 Leadership and Communication
  • COM 468 Internship

COM 211 Media and Society is required, along with six additional courses chosen from:

  • COM 260 Media Writing
  • COM 305 News Reporting
  • COM 306 Advanced Reporting
  • COM 317 Persuasive Communication
  • COM 318 Gender and Communication
  • COM 327 Environmental Communication
  • COM 329 Media and Cultural Identity
  • COM 405 Digital Journalism
  • COM 411 Media Seminar
  • COM 419 Business and Professional Communication in Online Contexts
  • COM 420 Ethics in Communication
  • COM 468 Internship

Minor in Communication

A minor in communication consists of a minimum of four courses. COM 492 cannot be counted toward a minor. The department chair must approve any exceptions.

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