Department of Communication

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication offers a broad background in theory and skills applicable to all communication contexts. Based on the premise that communication is a foundational aspect of society, the communication program is designed for students to acquire knowledge about effective interaction with others in a variety of environments.

The general communication concentration may be used as a basis for continued study in graduate school, or for management, sales, the ministry, marketing and other professional fields relying on strong presentation skills. The public relations concentration prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of settings including business, non-profit agencies, government, military, professional and trade associations, and sports information.

Also see the Department of Communication web page.

Expected Outcomes

Communication graduates will have:

• Communication skills (e.g., writing, speaking and listening).
• Production skills (e.g., computer graphics, Internet sites, public relations).
• Research skills (e.g., library, surveys).
• Adaptability in responding to persons (e.g., age, gender, cultural differences) and situations.Knowledge of communication history, theory and career opportunity.

Course Requirements

BA Communication

Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45

Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18

• COMM 1105 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 1136 Group Communication
• COMM 1137 Mass Media and Society
• Foreign Language 1002
• Foreign Language 2001
• Select three semester hours from Areas A-E of the core.

Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 12

• COMM 3125 Mass Communication
• COMM 3141 Public Relations 1
• COMM 3145 Family Communication
• COMM 3147 Intercultural Communication
• COMM 4000 Communication Exit Assessment

Area H - Program Electives - Required Hours: 18

• Select from the following:
  • COMM 3116 Business and Professional Speaking
  • COMM 3135 Persuasion
  • COMM 3136 Nonverbal Communication
  • COMM 3137 Couples Communication
  • COMM 3146 Political Communication
  • COMM 3242 Public Relations 2
  • COMM 4155 Communication Research
  • COMM 4156 Communication Theories
  • COMM 4555 Selected Topics in Communication
  • COMM 4698 Internship
  • COMM 4899 Independent Study
  • COMM 5145 Organizational Communication
  • COMM 5146 Communication Training and Development

Area I - General Electives - Required Hours: 30

Total Hours Required 123

BA Communication - Public Relations Concentration

Areas A-E and Wellness Courses - Required Hours: 45

Area F - Courses Related to Major - Required Hours: 18

• COMM 1105 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 1136 Group Communication
• COMM 1137 Mass Media and Society
• Foreign Language 1002
• Foreign Language 2001
• Select three semester hours from Areas A-E of the core.

Area G - Program Requirements - Required Hours: 18

• COMM 3125 Mass Communication
• COMM 3141 Public Relations 1
• COMM 3242 Public Relations 2
• COMM 3145 Family Communication
• COMM 3147 Intercultural Communication
• COMM 4000 Communication Exit Assessment
• COMM 5145 Organizational Communication

Area H - Program Electives - Required Hours: 12

• Select from the following:
  • COMM 3116 Business and Professional Speaking
  • COMM 3135 Persuasion
  • COMM 3136 Nonverbal Communication
  • COMM 3137 Couples Communication
  • COMM 3146 Political Communication
  • COMM 4155 Communication Research
  • COMM 4156 Communication Theories
  • COMM 4555 Selected Topics in Communication
  • COMM 4698 Internship
  • COMM 4899 Independent Study
  • COMM 5146 Communication Training and Development

Area I - General Electives - Required Hours: 12-15

Area J - Minor Requirement - Required Hours: 15-18

• Complete requirements for one of the minors listed in the Undergraduate Minors section of this catalog.

Total Hours Required 123