Bachelor of Arts

Program Description

Built upon the theoretical foundations of interpersonal, group and rhetorical communication, this program explores concepts and applications designed for students wanting careers in organizational communication, training and development, and rhetorical analysis. It has proven to be an excellent preparation program for students desiring to continue their education in a variety of graduate and professional schools.

Career Opportunities

• Communication Management
• Human Resources
• Community Relations Specialist/Organizer
• Nonprofit Research 

Admission Requirements

There are no program specific admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop:

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

Additional Program Requirements

There are no program specific academic regulations.

Program of Study

Area A Essential Skills Required Hours: 9
ENGL 1101 (with a grade of "C" or better)
ENGL 1102 (with a grade of "C" or better)
Select one of the following courses:

Area B Institutional Options Required Hours: 4-5
COMM 1110
Select two of the following courses:

OR
Select one of the following courses:

Foreign Language 1001, 1002, 2001, or 2002
Any Area C-E course with a study abroad component.

Note: Students must complete Area B and Area D with a combined total of 15 credit hours within the following ranges: Area B, 4-5 hours; Area D1, 7-8 hours; Area D2, 3-4 hours. Any additional hours may be applied to Area F or beyond, depending on the program of study. Students should consult their advisors.

Area C Humanities/Fine Arts/Ethics Required Hours: 6
Select one of the following humanities courses:

Select one of the following fine arts courses:

*ITDS 1145, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

Area D Science/Math/Technology Required Hours: 10-11
D1: Select two science courses from the list below, one of which must include a lab.

D2: Select one of the following courses or a science course from above:

Note: Students must complete Area B and Area D with a combined total of 15 credit hours within the following ranges: Area B, 4-5 hours; Area D1, 7-8 hours; Area D2, 3-4 hours. Any additional hours may be applied to Area F or beyond, depending on the program of study. Students should consult their advisors.

Area E Social Sciences Required Hours: 12
Select one course from the following two courses:
HIST 2111
HIST 2112
Take the following course:
POLS 1101
Select one behavioral science course from the following courses:

Select one world cultures course from the following courses:

Wellness Requirement Required Hours: 3 

PHED 1205
Select any one PEDS course.

Area F Courses Related to Major Required Hours: 18

Take the following courses:
Foreign Language 1002
Foreign Language 2001

Select one of the following:
COMM 2545 Selected Topics in Communication
ENGL 2158 Advanced Writing for the Non-English Major
Foreign Language 2002

Select 9 hours from the following courses:

COMM 3256 Communication Theory
COMM 4000 Exit Assessment

Select one of the following:
COMM 3157 Qualitative Communication Research
COMM 3255 Communication Research
COMM 4115 Rhetorical Criticism
COMM 4155 Communication Research

Area H Program Electives Required Hours: 33
Select any 3000 or 4000 level communications courses.

Area I General Electives Required Hours: 21
General Electives

Total Hours Required: 123