Communication Studies

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This major offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the processes and effects of human communication and develop excellent communication skills.  As a Communication Studies major you will learn how to use communication theories and methods to critically examine and improve communication processes in a variety of settings, from families to the workplace to the political sphere.  The knowledge and skills you acquire will be invaluable to you in personal, academic, and professional settings.

All majors in this concentration must elect the following six core courses:

1. COM 1010 (OC) Oral Communication: Basic Speech. Cr. 3
2. COM 2000 Introduction to Communication Studies. Cr. 3
3. COM 2110 (CT) Argumentation and Debate. Cr. 3
4. COM 3400 (WI) Theories of Communication. Cr. 3
5. COM 4190 Rhetorical Criticism. Cr. 3

OR

COM 4210 Research Methods in Comm. Studies and Public Relations. Cr. 3

6. COM 5900 Senior Project in Communication Studies. Cr. 3

An additional eighteen credits in communication studies elective courses are required and should be selected in consultation with a department adviser as follows:

 

  
  At least six credits/2 courses from the courses listed below at the 2000/3000 level:  
 
  • COM 2160 (PL) Contemporary Persuasive Campaigns and Movements. Cr. 3
  • COM 2170 Persuasive Speaking. Cr. 3
  • COM 2200 Interpersonal Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 3170 Fundamentals of Public Relations. Cr. 3
  • COM 3250 Introduction to Organizational Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 3270 Group Communication and Human Interaction. Cr. 3
  • COM 3300 (WI) Business and Professional Presentations. Cr. 3
  
  At least six credits/2 courses from the courses listed below at the 4000 level:  
 
  • COM 4040 Diversity in Interpersonal Communication. (AFS 5040) Cr. 3
  • COM 4110 Studies of Legal Argument. Cr. 3
  • COM 4130 Communication Ethics. Cr. 3
  • COM 4140 Pop and Celebrity Culture. Cr. 3
  • COM 4200 Nonverbal Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 4300 Intercultural Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 4500 Leadership and Team Communication. Cr. 4
  
  And 3) At least six credits/2 courses from the courses listed below at the 5000 level:  
 
  • COM 5050 Special Topics. Cr. 3 (Max. 9).
  • COM 5120 Public Address. Cr. 3
  • COM 5130 Communication and Social Marketing. Cr. 3
  • COM 5180 Family Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 5320 Health Communication. Cr. 3
  • COM 5330 Rhetoric of Visual Culture. Cr. 3
  • COM 5360 Gender and Communication. (W S 5360) Cr. 3
  • COM 5370 Social Science Theories of Persuasion. Cr. 3
  
  For a sample plan of work, required prerequisites and course descriptions, see page 15 of the department's undergraduate handbook.