PROGRAM TYPE
On Campus
DEGREES
BA
Contact

Travis Maruska
Communications | BA
Program Overview
The discipline of communications is an examination of the various processes of human communications and their application to human behavior. The major in Communications Studies requires all students to take a comprehensive introductory course that is designed to give students a general survey of the discipline of communications by integrating social and cultural diversity. In addition, three other courses are mandatory, along with a senior seminar and an internship. A minimum of 39 credits are required for the major, 15 of which must be at the 300 level or above. The courses provide students with an overview of the theoretical and practical applications of the various fields of Communications Studies, which encompass four types of communication: written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual.
In this age of global citizenship, the major is designed to cultivate students’ communication skills in the arenas of their personal, professional, and civic life, preparing them for careers such as Media, Law, Journalism, Business, Marketing, Advertising, Social and Human Services, Education, and Government and Politics.
Public Relations Track
Large and small businesses, government agencies, community nonprofits, academic institutions, and just about any successful organization must create and maintain a positive image with the general public. A public relations representative is at the heart of this. Whether speaking with reporters, overseeing a brand or logo design, or drawing in followers on social media, a public relations representative is a great communicator on paper and in person.
The Public Relations Track in the Communications Major requires all students to take the following four elective courses in addition to their core courses: Strategic Public Communications, Public Communications Tactics, Crisis Communications, and Public Speaking.
Communications Studies is also offered as a minor.
More Information
Course of StudyCourse Of Study
Curriculum Map
Click here to download the Communications Studies Curriculum Map.
Minor
The discipline of communications is an examination of the various processes of human communications and their application to human behavior. The minor in Communications Studies requires all students to take a comprehensive introductory course that integrates social and cultural diversity, as well as an intercultural communications course. These courses provide students with an overview of the theoretical and practical applications of the various fields of Communications Studies.
From there, the courses in this minor encompass the four types of communication: written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual. For writing, courses in this strand include Journalism and Business Writing in the Digital Age. In the field of verbal communication, courses include Public Speaking and Consumer Behavior. Courses in the non-verbal and visual communications strand include Intro to Media Studies and Intro to Graphic Design.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the major communication theories and practices across the field of human communication and apply them to a variety of settings including small businesses, major corporations, and non-profits.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the history of human communication and how it has evolved through various media.
- Apply ethical standards and judgment to the field of human communication, including the ability to manage conflict, listen attentively and objectively, and facilitate large and small groups.
- Apply research methods and locate and utilize primary academic sources relative to human communication.
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
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