Bachelor of Arts

Program Description

Using a management centered approach, this program combines the theoretical concepts of persuasion, public opinion formation, and mass communication with applied research, planning, communication, and evaluation of comprehensive public relation campaigns. These campaigns are developed for non profit organizations within the community so as to provide real-world professional experiences.

Career Opportunities

• Public/Community Relations
• Marketing Specialist
• Campaign Director
• Media Planner
• Corporate Affairs 

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:
COMM 1115 On-Set Film Production
COMM 2105 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 2110 Inter-Ethnic Cultural Communication
COMM 2136 Group Communication
COMM 2137 Introduction to Mass Communication

Area G Program Requirements Required Hours: 9
COMM 3256 Communication Theory
COMM 4000 Exit Assessment
COMM 4116 Communication Law & Ethics

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

Area H Program Electives Required Hours: 33

Area H1 Media Production Required Hours: 9 
COMM 3235 Interactive Media Production
COMM 3257 Video Production l
COMM 4259 Integrated Web Design

Area H2 Writing Required Hours: 9
COMM 3242 Writing for Media
COMM 4108 Social and Digital Media Writing
COMM 4143 Strategic Media Writing

Area H3 Communication Electives Required Hours: 12
COMM 3141 Introduction to Public Relations
COMM 4141 Public Relations Management
COMM 4142 Public Relations Campaigns

Select one of the following courses:
COMM 3125 Modern Media and Culture
COMM 3135 Persuasion
COMM 3146 Political Communication
COMM 4135 Crisis Communication
COMM 4145 Organizational Communication
COMM 4147 Advertising Campaigns
COMM 4257 Video Production II

Area H4 Non-Communication Electives Required Hours: 3
Select one of the following courses:
MGMT 3109 Principles of Management for Non-Business Majors
MKTG 3109 Principles of Marketing for Non-Business Majors

Area I General Electives Required Hours: 18
Select any other 1000 level or above courses. Recommendations:
COMM 2498 On-set Internship
COMM 3498 Practicum (up to 3 times)
COMM 3698 Junior Internship
COMM 4698 Senior Internship

Total Hours Required: 123