Major Requirements

Our graduates develop skills for communicating effectively with diverse audiences through the variety of channels available today. They have insight into audience analysis, are familiar with technology, are able to think about problems clearly, and demonstrate the ability to write and speak with precision and power. Additionally, our students consider the field from a Christian perspective, understanding what it means to be an ethical communicator.

Entry into the Major

A student desiring to enter the communication major will make a formal application to do so at some point following the successful completion of three college semesters.

Entry to the major will be granted based on the following qualifications:

1. Achievement of at least a 2.8 GPA in all of the pre-major communication requirements.
2. Successful completion of an interview with a committee of communication faculty in which the applicant demonstrates potential to make substantial progress in each of the competencies around which the communication program is built.

Special circumstances may be considered by the communication division faculty.

Pre-major requirements should ordinarily be taken in the first two college years:

• COMM111 Fundamentals of Speech
• COMM212 Interpersonal Communication
• COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
• COMM297 Audio/Video Production
• ENGL110 College Writing I
• ENGL210 College Writing II

One of the following:

• COMM230 Argument and Advocacy
• PHIL201 Logic and Critical Thinking

Core Requirements

All communication majors will be required to pass each of the following six core courses with at least a C- grade:

• COMM314 Information: Discovery and Management
• COMM318 Small Group Communication
• COMM320 Language, Thought and Meaning
• COMM325 Processes of Criticism
• COMM340 Rhetorical Traditions
• COMM440 Communication Theory

Major Electives

At least 33 upper division (300-400 level) communication (COMM) courses are required for graduation with a communication major. While not required to do so, students may with advance planning create "Areas of Emphasis" consisting of groups of three or four upper division courses focusing on a particular aspect of communication studies. Emphases may consist of COMM offerings combined with courses that deal with communication in other disciplines — these courses all count toward the 33 credit requirement.

Areas of Emphasis

"Emphases" (groups of three or four upper division courses also focusing on a particular aspect of communication studies) provide communication majors maximum flexibility in tailoring programs to fit their interests and needs. Emphases make the communication major truly interdisciplinary, since courses can be drawn not only from communication (COMM) offerings, but from other curricular areas as well.

Internship Requirements

An essential component of the communication program, fieldwork experiences (internships) provide opportunities for students to apply classroom learning in real-life situations, explore career options, and build meaningful resumes.

Communication internships are available only to communication majors COMM499. At least three UNPAID internship credits are required for graduation and count toward major requirements. As many as seven additional credits may be earned as upper division electives.

Students who minor in communication and desire an internship experience should pursue one within their chosen major.