Program Objectives


  • Bachelor of Science Degree
  • Master of Arts Degree
  • Goal A. Students will understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information. (NCA-LOC #4; create messages appropriate for audience/purpose/context)
    • SLO#A.1 – the student understands the components and purpose of the Communication Senior portfolio.
    • SLO#A.2 – the student demonstrates acceptable portfolio presentation. (LEAP - professionalism, organization, aesthetics)
  • Goal B. Students will think critically, creatively and independently. (NCA-LOC #5 & #6; critically analyze messages; demonstrate self-efficacy)
    • SLO#B.1 – the student demonstrates intellectual/practical skills. (LEAP - inquiry/analysis, critical/creative thinking, written/oral communication, quantitative literacy, information literacy, teamwork/problem solving)
    • SLO#B.2 – the student demonstrates the ability to apply communication theories in a variety of contexts.
  • Goal C. Students will identify and apply appropriate tools and technologies for the integrated fields of communication. (NCA-LOC#1; describe communication and its central questions)
    • SLO#C.1 – the student is able to identify all communication emphasis areas.
    • SLO#C.2 – the student can describe employment opportunities in communication.
    • SLO#C.3 – the student demonstrates an understanding of integrated learning. (LEAP - synthesis and advanced accomplishment across studies)
  • Goal D. Students will understand the lifelong value of civic/community engagement. (NCA-LOC #7 & #8; ethical communication; utilize communication to embrace difference)
    • SLO#D.1- the student demonstrates knowledge of communication as a broad-based discipline with a deep connection to community/civic engagement.
    • SLO #D.2 – the student demonstrates personal/social responsibility. (LEAP - civic knowledge/engagement, intercultural knowledge/competence, ethical reasoning/action, foundation skills for lifelong learning)

Program Guide (PDF)

  • Goal A: Students will demonstrate understanding of scholarly writing.
    • SLO#A.1—the student will be able to identify both established and emerging areas of scholarly research in communication and related areas.
    • SLO#A.2—the student will be able to read and evaluate scholarly research (i.e., journal articles, scholarly books).
  • Goal B: Students will conduct independent research applying appropriate research methodology.
    • SLO#B.1—the student will be able to identify the main theoretical and methodological approaches used by communication scholars, and be able to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of each approach.
    • SLO#B.2—the student will be able to identify research problems in communication and the relevant sources of evidence.
    • SLO#B.3—the student will be able to complete and defend a thesis if the student chooses Option I to complete his/her graduate program.
    • SLO#B.4—the student will be able to complete and present a graduate level applied research project in the form of a research paper or creative project if the student chooses Option II to complete his/her graduate program.
    • SLO#B.5—the student will be able to complete and present a graduate level seminar paper if the student chooses Option III to complete his/her graduate program.
  • Goal C: Students will demonstrate graduate-level comprehensive communication competency.
    • SLO#C.1—the student will demonstrate writing competency at the graduate level.
    • SLO#C.2—the student will demonstrate oral competency at the graduate level.

Program Guide (PDF)