Requirements: (39 credits)
39 credits in the department and related courses, including core requirements (12 credits), one track (9 or 12 credits), directed electives (18 or 15 credits). 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected media production and performance courses.
Core Requirements:
Additional Requirements:
As part of their 39 credit major, students must take a total of 21 credits from 300/400-level courses, with a minimum of 9 credits from 400-level courses.
Courses are grouped according to certain emphases within the broad field of communication, allowing the student the choice of an emphasis that is compatible with his or her aims and interests. These emphases are:
- Media Production and Performance (for students wishing to emphasize all aspects of the production of stories, including study in theoretical, critical, and aesthetic foundations as well as instruction in technical approaches and innovations in media production);
- Media Studies (for students who want to gain a better understanding of the systems and institutions distributing mediated information in society);
- Promotion/Public Relations (for students who wish to develop communication skills for commercial, as well as non-commercial, employment in publicity, promotions, sales and corporate communication, and community services); and
- Organizational Communication (for students interested in pursuing consulting or in serving as managers for private and public institutions). In addition to these educational and occupational opportunities, a student might choose to pursue directions which could lead to an advanced degree in communication.
In addition to the 12 credit core, each track has the following selected requirements:
Media Production and Performance Track
[In this track, students create documentaries, public service announcements, podcasts, websites, films, blogs and learn about new trends in the field of media, including formats in entertainment and news for delivery across platforms.]
| COMM 405 | Principles and Processes of Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 227 | Introduction to Television Production | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM 228 | Introduction to Digital Film Production | 3 |
| and | |
| COMM 336 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM 338 | Analysis of News | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Directed Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected media studies courses.
Media Studies Track
[In this track, students focus primarily upon the critical, theoretical and aesthetical foundations of media and its institutions.]
| COMM 405 | Principles and Processes of Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 227 | Introduction to Television Production | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM 228 | Introduction to Digital Film Production | 3 |
| and | |
| COMM 336 | Media Literacy | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM 338 | Analysis of News | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Directed Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected media studies courses.
Public Relations/Promotions Track
| COMM 215 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 234 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 443 | Communication and Social Influence | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Directed Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected public relations courses).
Organizational Communication Track
| COMM 215 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 253 | Introduction to Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMM 453 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Directed Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected organizational communication courses.
Students should obtain a Curriculum Guide Sheet from the Department of Communication to determine the appropriate departmental electives for their emphasis area.
The Department of Communication maintains a policy for continuation in the major. Communication majors must complete COMM 140 and COMM 240 (with a C- or better) before they reach 60 credits. Majors must maintain an overall GPA of 2.00 or better to stay in the major.
Curriculum Guide Sheets listing required and recommended courses for each emphasis are available in the department. A maximum of 6 credits in related courses from outside the department may be counted toward the major. Furthermore, completion of a minor in a related field of study in another department at the University is required. Students should complete a Program Change form as soon as possible to declare their minor.