Undergraduate Catalog 2012-13

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Communication Majors

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication Studies

The communication studies program provides: (1) a strong general background in practice, theory, history, and criticism of communicative acts; (2) opportunities for students to improve their communication skills; (3) a variety of courses to enrich the programs of students in other disciplines; (4) training for students who plan to enter professional fields such as public relations, human resources, sales, training/development, law, ministry, teaching, business, and politics; and (5) a background for graduate study in communication studies or related fields. This program also is offered in a fully online format.

Students majoring in communication studies must complete 39 credit hours of study as outlined below, earn a grade of C or better in each course for the major or a GPA of 2.50 overall in courses for the major, and take "CMST 101: Public Speaking" or "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" for the oral communication requirement of their general education program. "CMST 101: Public Speaking" and "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" cannot be used for elective credit in the major.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Communication Studies

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Electronic Media and Broadcasting

The electronic media and broadcasting program fully embraces the department’s academic-and-applied mantra by encouraging students to become electronic storytellers. Students will develop the theoretical and aesthetic foundations that define effective media, learning to write and create stories using media from radio to corporate video to documentaries to live television to digital cinema and more. Successful students will graduate with the conceptual proficiencies and practical skills to build a body of work, showcasing individual achievement and preparation for a mediated future.

Students majoring in electronic media and broadcasting must complete 48 credit hours of study as listed below, earn a grade of C or better in each course for the major or a GPA of 2.50 overall in courses for the major, take "CMST 101: Public Speaking" or "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" for the oral communication requirement of their general education program, and take "EMB 100: Media Literacy" for the culture and creativity requirement of their general education program.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Electronic Media and Broadcasting

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Journalism

Journalists will always provide the news that people need by finding out what is happening in their neighborhoods, their cities, their states, and their nation and by informing citizens about items they need to know. Students who study journalism learn how to write well and quickly. They learn how to do research and analyze what they find. They learn how to ask the right questions, find the right documents, and communicate what they've discovered in an engaging way. Changing technology has opened opportunities for journalists such as blogging, editing, and shooting video and photos for newspapers, radio, television, and online news organizations. They also find work in related fields, such as public relations and advertising. Many journalism majors also go on to graduate school or law school.

Students majoring in journalism must complete 39 credit hours of study as outlined below, earn a grade of C or better in each course for the major or a GPA of 2.50 overall in courses for the major, and take "CMST 101: Public Speaking" or "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" for the oral communication requirement of their general education program.

Students are strongly encouraged not to use "JOU 110: Introduction to Mass Communication" to fulfill a general education requirement.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Journalism

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Media Informatics

The media informatics program can be found at the intersection of communication, arts, and technology, culminating in the relatively new field of digital media. Numerous exciting opportunities in multimedia development and production have emerged in the new millennium, stemming from advances in several sectors including the web, mobile communications, video gaming, and animated entertainment. Students seeking a career in one of these newly evolving industries will need a basis in both theory and practice in multimedia design, development, and deployment.

The media informatics curriculum will prepare students to create and deliver content with the end goal of developing engaging and effective interactive storytelling.

Students majoring in media informatics must complete 45 credit hours of study as outlined below, earn a grade of C or better in each course for the major or a GPA of 2.5 overall in courses for the major, and take "CMST 101: Public Speaking" or "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" for the oral communication requirement of their general education program.

In addition, they are required to take "EMB 100: Media Literacy" or "JOU 110: Introduction to Mass Communication" to fulfill their culture and creativity or individual and society requirement of their general education program.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Media Informatics

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Public Relations

Students electing to major in public relations will enter a program of interdisciplinary study leading to career opportunities within organizations and PR firms. The major has an academic and applied orientation where students learn principles, skills, and practices that prepare them for entry to mid-level positions in public relations. Students take courses in public relations, communication studies, journalism, and electronic media and broadcasting. Skills emphasized in these courses are research, strategic planning, writing, presenting, analyzing, and creating.

Students majoring in public relations must complete 42 credit hours of study as outlined below, earn a grade of C or better or a GPA of 2.50 in courses for their major, and take "CMST 101: Public Speaking" or "CMST 110: Introduction to Communication Studies" for the oral communication requirement of their general education program.

Students are strongly encouraged not to use JOU 110 or EMB 100 to fulfill both the major and general education requirements.

Click here for a 4-year plan showing one way a student can complete the program below in 4 years if the student requires no remedial courses.

Degree Requirements: B.A. – Public Relations

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