Undergraduate Studies

The structure of the Communication major has been revised to allow students to select either a specialized major within one of the department's career options, or to create a broader career path for themselves. The new structure reflects career opportunities that increasingly call for flexibility and a wide range of communication skills.

The Core Requirements (15 credit hours)
The core for all majors is divided into two parts -- basic requirements (ten credit hours) and advance requirements (five credit hours). The basic core courses introduce majors to a theoretical and historical summary about the communication field, while enhancing students' written and oral communication skills.

The advanced segment of the core requirements are "Theories of Human Communication" and "Communication Careers in Society." The theories course attempts to develop a theoretical base for designing communication strategies. The careers course teaches students to prepare for entry-level positions while helping them develop a wider understanding of the role communication plays in our society.

Professional Career Courses (nine credit hours)
This section provides a three-course segment in each of our seven career tracks -- advertising, broadcasting, communication education, journalism, photojournalism, public relations, and theatre.

Applied Communication (six credit hours)
Two courses, from a list of 22, designed to enhance students' skills in specific areas of communication.

Communication Management (three credit hours)
One course, from a list of 14, designed to introduce students to management careers within specific communication fields.

Communication and Society (three credit hours)
One course from a list of 12, designed to increase students' awareness about the effect our discipline has on society.

Communication Practices (three credit hours)
Practical experience in either on-campus department activities such as theatre, student publications, and radio/television, or off-campus internship programs with area media organizations.

Free Elective (three credit hours)
Students are urged to consult with their advisors to select one additional course that would strengthen their career preparation.