Communication Studies and Theatre Arts
B.A. in Communication Studies
About the Program
Students who major in communication studies learn how communication functions in social and professional contexts. Students may focus their study in one of three functional areas:
Interpersonal relationship management: This area focuses on the importance of communication in human relationships. Students develop competencies that allow them to explore human interactions, assess barriers to communication in relationships and acquire communication skills necessary for successful personal and professional development. Study in this area prepares students for careers in social and human services such as counseling, public administration, health service management and the ministry.
Leadership and social influence: This area focuses on the importance of communication in a democratic society. Students develop competencies that allow them to understand the public deliberative process, to assess and create messages, and to enhance their leadership skills. Study in this area prepares students for careers in government, law, public information, speechwriting, lobbying, campaign direction, or elective office.
Organizational communication: This area focuses on the importance of communication in business and professional settings. Students develop competencies that allow them to understand communication in professional organizations, develop professional communication skills, and to train others to communicate effectively in professional settings. Study in this area prepares students for careers in personnel management, sales, executive management, industrial and labor relations, employee training or as a development officer.
Required Courses
General Education Requirements - (General Education requirements of the university apply to this major.)
25.103 Public Speaking
Requirements for the Major
Core requirements: A total of 9 semester hours are required from the following:
25.104 Interpersonal Communication
25.207 Investigating Communication
25.220 Intercultural Communication (diversity)
Areas of Concentration: All majors are required to take five of six courses in their chosen area of concentration, which must include the appropriate required course for that area, plus a minimum of one course from each of the other two areas of concentration, for a total of 21 semester hours. Students may take additional courses as free electives.
Interpersonal Relationship Management
25.215 Communication Theory (required)
25.309 Gender Issues in Communication (diversity)
25.313 Communication and Conflict
25.419 Communication in the Family
25.425 Communication in Relationships
25.426 Leadership and Team Building
Leadership and Social Influence
25.205 Understanding Social Influence (required)
25.315 Persuasion
25.321 Argumentation
25.413 Community Leadership
25.417 Evaluating Media Influence
Organizational Communication
25.210 Organizational Communication Theory (required)
25.306 Computer Applications for Professional Communicators
25.307 Communication for Business Professionals
25.407 Interviewing
25.423 Communication Training in Organizations
25.424 Corporate Communication
Capstone Experience: The capstone experience is required of all students in the major regardless of the area of concentration. After completing 80 or more semester hours, students with a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average are eligible to register for an internship that will serve as their capstone experience. Students may register for 3 to 12 internship semester hours. Additional internship credit beyond the required 3 hours cannot be substituted for other coursework, but would be considered as electives. Students academically ineligible for Internship in Communication should consult their academic advisor to arrange a suitable alternative experience, such as additional specialized coursework.
25.497 Internship in Communication
Elective Courses:
25.108 Forensics Practicum
25.206 Oral Interpretation
25.218 Discussion
25.470 Independent Study
25.492, 25.493, 25.495 Advanced Studies in Communication 25.494 Advanced Studies in Communication (diversity)
