The Department of Communication

Communication Major (B.A.)

Program objectives for a B.A. in Communication are: (a) to understand communication processes and practices; (b) to analyze and interpret the dynamics of messages; (c) to appreciate the aesthetic dimensions of communication; (d) to recognize the value of diverse views and communication forms; (e) to evaluate the consequences of communication acts.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours)

See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements.

B. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (18-19 hours)

The Bachelor of Arts requirements are in addition to the University General Education Program requirements.

C. The Major (33-37 hours)

1. Major Core (6 hours)

All students must take COMM 1780 and 2381 (included in the University General Education Program). A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required for all courses completed in the major. In addition, all students must fulfill the requirements for one of the following concentrations:

2. Concentrations (24-28 hours):

a. Broadcast and Electronic Media (27-28 hours): one of COMM 3003, 4360 or 4850; COMM 3800, 4857; three of: COMM 4810, 4811, 4812, 4831, or 4871; two of: COMM 3321, 3322, 3330, 3371, 4011, 4013, or 4854; one of: COMM 3820, 3821, or 3823; and three additional hours in Communication.

b. Communication (27 hours): COMM 3001 or 3002, 3003, 3321, 3330, 4381; and 15 additional hours in Communication.

c. Film and Video Production (25 hours): one of COMM 3003, 4360, or 4850, COMM 3823, 3824, 3842; three of 4822, 4824; 4825, 4841, 4842, 4891, 4960, or 4970; one of: (Selection may not include course used to satisfy core) COMM 3003, 4220-29, 4850, 4851, 4853, 4854, 4856, 4857, or 4858.

D. Electives (2 - 20 hours)

Completion of courses to bring the total to 120 semester hours.

E. Honors Program

To be eligible for admission to the Communication Honors program a student must meet the following requirements: (1) declare a major in Communication, (2) have completed 12 hours of Communication coursework, (3) have Department of Communication faculty member as an adviser, and (4) make an honors application to the adviser. Applications may be obtained from the director of the honors program or from the department office.

To be awarded departmental honors at graduation with the designation “With Honors in Communication,” a student must fulfill the following requirements: (1) maintain a 3.5 GPA in communication coursework, (2) maintain a 3.5 GPA overall, (3) complete all Department of Communication major requirements, (4) complete an independent thesis or an independent film/video project sponsored by a Department of Communication faculty member consisting of six hours over two semesters: three hours in research preparation (COMM 3330, 4381, or 4891), and three hours in completing the thesis project (COMM 4999), and (5) successful defense of the thesis.

Communication Minor

Any student wishing to minor in any area in the Department of Communication should see the department chair who will assign an appropriate advisor. The minor must consist of at least 18 hours of approved coursework, 9 of which must be upper division. Coursework for all minors will be determined by the student in conference with the advisor with the approval of the department chair.

Typical 4-Year Broadcast and Electronic Media Concentration Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

**Students presenting a language to meet University admission requirements cannot receive credit for 1010 in that language.

Typical 4-Year Film and Video Production Concentration Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

**Students presenting a language to meet University admission requirements cannot receive credit for 1010 in that language.

Typical 4-Year Communication Concentration Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120

* Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

**Students presenting a language to meet University admission requirements cannot receive credit for 1010 in that language.