The Bachelor’s Degree

The undergraduate degree in Communication has three main objectives:

1. Instruct the student in general communication theory and technology;
2. Provide the student an opportunity for more intensive study in a specific area of communication; and
3. Ensure the student 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.

Advising

Faculty members work with new students to plan courses of study. Based on instructors’ assessments of writing ability in required courses, advisors may require advisees to take remedial courses. Generally, advisors assist students in developing personal programs of study and in identifying all necessary requirements.

Grading Policy

Communication majors and minors may not take any COM course as part of the requirements for the major or minor on a CR/NC basis.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits from other institutions may not be used to substitute for introductory core courses. However, students may file a Student Petition Form to use them to satisfy other parts of the major or minor, provided the credit is for an upper-division course equivalent to one offered by the Communication Department and that the grade earned was a C or better (grades of C- or lower will not be accepted).

Course Repetition

COM 380 and COM 480 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 Tutorial will be accepted for the degree. All other Communication courses may be repeated for grade improvement only once.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students with extensive life or work experience in some area of communication may apply for academic credit through Internships and Prior Learning (IPL). The Communication Department awards such credit in each of its two topical areas (Interpersonal Communication, and Journalism/Media) through COM 431 and COM 451. Prior learning credit is not awarded for specific courses. The Department will award a maximum of four hours of credit for prior experiential learning in any one topical area and a maximum of 8 hours of IPL credit to any undergraduate student.

Degree Requirements

Communication majors must complete 32 hours in the major. In addition, they may take up to eight hours in Communication courses to satisfy the upper-division general electives. COM 302 and COM 303 should be taken prior to or concurrent with any other course work in their respective curricular areas.

All undergraduate students are required to take a department assessment examination during their first semester and during their last semester before graduation. The entrance examination is normally administered during a regular class and is used by the department to assess its curriculum. It does not affect students’ grades in any way.

Students should consult with general education advisors for specific guidance regarding completion of general education requirements.

*Topical areas consist of Interpersonal/Organizational or Journalism/Media Studies. Topical area information may be found under “course descriptions.”

Course Offerings

Cross-listed courses from other departments used as part of the 32-hour major must bear the COM course prefix.