Communication Studies

Program Objectives

The Communication Studies department offers an online and on-campus major and minor, leading to either a BA or BS degree in Communication Studies.

Students majoring in Communication Studies select from a list of core program requirements and electives that explore the scope of human communication including written, oral, interpersonal, organizational, visual and digital media communication. Through program coursework and a final capstone project, students focus on authoring messages, interpreting meaning, and reasoning solutions to achieve goals that respond to the needs of diverse audiences and contexts.

Learning to manage and build personal and professional relationships, students are prepared for entry into communication-related fields in business, education, government, media technology, community organizations, health care services, entertainment, social services, or for entry into more specialized graduate programs.

Learning Outcomes

Content Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the principles of effective new media design. Effectively research, question, argue and interpret evidence in the support of conclusions.
Communication: Demonstrate competency in oral, written and visual communication. Evaluate the opportunities available in the field of communication. Explore new ways of communicating through the use of technology. Design effective new media communication using text, graphics and emerging digital platforms. Apply and evaluate communication theory in the creation and interpretation of messages. Practice only positive and ethical communication strategies to influence and inform audiences.
Critical Thinking: Critically analyze media products in both oral and written format. Critically analyze communication in a variety of contexts e.g. intercultural, interpersonal, visual and mass media.

Programs

Major(s)

Communication Studies Major

Minor(s)

Communications Minor