Bachelor of arts In COMMUNICATION
The undergraduate degree program in Communication has three main objectives:
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To instruct the student in general communication theory and technology
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To provide the student with an opportunity for more intensive study in a specific area of communication
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To ensure that the communication graduate is capable of applying knowledge of general communication theory and technology to specific social problems
The baccalaureate curriculum covers two topical areas, interpersonal communication and journalism/media studies.
Please consult the following for more information:
- Entrance Requirements
- Advising
- Program Requirements
- Electives
- UIS Requirements
- Credit for Prior Learning
- Credit/No Credit
- Course Repetition
- Download the Undergraduate Student Handbook
Entrance Requirements
Requirements for admission to the department as a candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree are identical to general UIS requirements. Students who are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination must achieve a score of 580 or above to be admitted to the department.
Advising
The department works with new students in planning courses of study. Based on instructors' assessments of writing ability in required courses, advisers may require advisees to take remedial courses. Generally, advisers assist students in developing personal programs of study and in identifying all necessary requirements.
Department Requirements
At the Bachelor's level, candidates must satisfy general UIS and elective requirements and also complete 32 hours in Communication courses for their major. All undergraduate students are required to complete the following:
- COM 302 Introduction to Interpersonal/Organizational Communication
- COM 303 Introduction to Mass Media
- Communication emphasis requirements: At least 16 hours of coursework in one of the program's two topical areas (in addition to COM 302 and COM 303)
- Communication distribution requirements: At least eight additional hours in any other topical area(s).
COM 302 and 303 must be taken prior to or concurrent with any other coursework in the students’ respective curricular areas.
Electives
At least eight hours of coursework must be taken outside of the Communication major.
UIS Requirements
All undergraduate students are required to take a minimum of 13 hours in the Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE), a set of courses tied to UIS' heritage, mission, vision, and values. These courses provide a distinctive element to the baccalaureate education at UIS, and encourage a commitment to making a difference in the world. Read More
Credit for Prior Learning
Students with extensive life or work experience in some area of communication may apply for academic credit through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). The Communication Department awards such credit in each of its two topical areas (interpersonal communication and journalism/media studies) through COM 431 and COM 451. Prior learning credit is not awarded for specific department courses. The department will award a maximum of four hours of credit for prior experiential learning in any one topic area and a maximum of eight hours of CPL credit to any student.
Credit/No Credit
Communication majors may not take any COM course as part of the requirements for the major on a credit/no credit basis.
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Course Repetition
Communication courses numbered 491-498 (experimental courses listed in the course schedule only) may be taken for credit more than once provided the course topic is different each time. No more than eight semester hours of credit for COM 499 (tutorials) will be accepted for the degree. All other Communication courses may be repeated for grade improvement only once. No Communication course may be repeated for additional credit.
Undergraduate Student Handbook
