Communication Studies

COMM – Communication Studies course descriptions

Faculty

Lori Witt (chair), Shelley Bradfield, Mary Donato, Linda Laine, Stavros Papakonstantinidis

 

Statement of philosophy

The Communication Studies program provides students with broad-based exposure to the academic discipline that examines the process of creating messages, meaning, and relationships in a broad array of contexts.  To cultivate critical thinking, clear writing, articulate speaking, and proficiency with technology, our students study communication in a variety of contexts, particularly those related to professional engagement, interpersonal, and media citizenship.  Through a combination of theoretical grounding and applied experience, we prepare our majors for a range of careers, enable them to participate productively in a democratic culture, and instill in them a desire for lifelong learning.  Coursework is supplemented by internships, and service learning experiences.

 

Communication Studies Major Requirements (39-42 credits)

  1. Complete all of the following:
    COMM 160       Communication in Everyday Life (3)

    COMM 180       Introduction to Communication Theory (3) 
    COMM 280       Communication Research and Writing (4) 

           

  1. Complete at least 1 credit from the following:
    COMM 383       Service Learning Module in Communication Studies

    COMM 397       Internship in Communication Studies
         Internships completed as part of off campus programs may count if pre-approved by the department.

 

  1. Complete 8 elective courses in communication studies, including a minimum of 3 upper-level courses at the 300-level or above. Students are encouraged to take a diverse range of upper-level courses representative of the communication discipline.  An additional 3-4 credits of COMM 397 or 383 may be used in place of one elective course if pre-approved by the department.   

        

Communication Studies Minor Requirements (19-22 credits)

Students interested in pursuing a minor in Communication Studies should meet with a faculty member in the department for advisement early in their program.

  1. Complete the following:
    COMM 160       Communication in Everyday Life (3) 

    COMM 180       Introduction to Communication Theory (3)

 

  1. Complete 4 elective courses in communication studies, including a minimum of 2 courses at the 300 level or above.