Communication Major

Communication, B.A.

Requirements for a Major in Communication

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, graduates pursue successful careers in business, law, education, nonprofit advocacy, ministry, public service, among others. The major provides instruction and practice in the skills of effective communication and collaborative problem-solving that employers are looking for – speaking, writing, reading, listening, utilizing media, and working in groups. Through engaged learning, students acquire tools to foster dialogue and craft messages for multiple situations and audiences.

The 36-hour major offers four tracks of study:

• Corporate Communication: Coursework specializes in organizational and interpersonal communication, such as small group communication, conflict management, interviewing, and leadership.
• Rhetoric and Public Discourse: Coursework specializes in the practice and criticism of rhetoric throughout public culture and life, including policy-making and government, social media, and entertainment, among others.
• Generalist: Coursework offers a well-rounded program of study across all areas of study including organizational, interpersonal, and rhetoric.
• Honors: Students fulfill advanced requirements for upper-level courses and complete an undergraduate thesis. For more information, contact Honors Track Director, Dr. Jacob Ford.

Students select courses from the track of study in addition to the following required courses:

• CSS 1301: Fundamentals of Public Communication, CSS 1302: Speech for Business and Professional Students, or CSS 1304: Argumentation, Discussion, and Debate
• CSS 1305: Introduction to Communication
• CSS 3302: Introduction to Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
• CSS 3310: Communication Theory