Students think about creating communication messages across platforms - social media, multimedia journalism, broadcasting/film, and public relations/advertising campaigns. Our innovative approach to teaching provides countless opportunities to learn industry skills, gain broad theoretical knowledge, and get hands-on experience for knowledge in all aspects of the communications industry.
Our graduates tackle complex issues with their critical thinking and decision-making skills. The faculty challenge students to think about contemporary ethical dilemmas in society and to gain global experience through study abroad opportunities.
Graduates are prepared for jobs in media, business, health care, advertising, public relations, sports broadcasting and communication, journalism, graphic design, event planning, human resources, and the non-profit arena.
Every field requires strong interpersonal communication, writing and research skills, and persuasive public speaking. Communication studies majors are prepared to make a positive contribution in any professional environment.
You have the flexibility to choose a specific concentration tailored to your personal interests.
- Advertising and Public Relations: students study strategic communications and work with others to plan and implement creative strategies for clients.
- Broadcasting: students gain professional experience in our state-of-the art television studio and production suites in front of the camera, on the microphone, and behind-the-scenes.
- Film Studies: students learn cinematography, storytelling, and editing and create pieces using industry-standard equipment.
- Graphic Design: students learn design concepts and applications including Adobe Creative Suite for advertising, television/film, motion graphics, web design, and interactive media.
- Multimedia Journalism: students engage in journalistic storytelling using current and emerging multi-media platforms.
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Core Courses (19 Credits)
- COMS 130 - Mass Media and Society 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 180 - Public Speaking and Presentation 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 213 - Visual Literacy 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 220 - Media, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 230 - Communication Theory 3 Credit(s)
- PRWR 100 - Fundamentals of Professional Writing (W) 3 Credit(s)
or
- ENGL 102 - Literature and Critical Writing (W) 3 Credit(s)
- FRS 101 - First Year Seminar 1 Credit(s) (COMS section)
Related Subjects (6 Credits)
(two of the following related subjects)
- PSY 105 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- SOC 105 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit(s)
- ANTH 105 - Cultural Anthropology 3 Credit(s)
- EC 101 - Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Credit(s)
- POLS 101 - American Government and Politics 3 Credit(s)
Communication Studies Advanced Electives (6 Credits)
- COMS Elective I 3 Credit(s)
- COMS Elective II 3 Credit(s)
Courses must be 200-level and above nonstudio and nonwriting core classes and cannot be counted toward concentration or applied coursework. They may include only 3 credits of COMS 420 Practicum.
Applied Coursework (12 Credits)
Two writing and two studio courses required. Courses counted here may not be counted toward concentration.
Writing Core (6 Credits)
(two of the following writing core courses)
- COMS 217 - Broadcast Newswriting 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 277 - Integrated Marketing Communications Writing 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 285 - Screenwriting (W) 3 Credit(s)
Studio Core (6 Credits)
(two of the following studio core courses)
- COMS 260 - Video Production I 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 262 - Digital Photography 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 264 - Layout and Design 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 265 - Radio and Audio Production 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 266 - Basic Web Design 3 Credit(s)
Research Sequence (10 Credits)
- COMS 382 - Communication Research (W) 4 Credit(s)
- COMS 409 - Senior Capstone I (S) 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 410 - Senior Capstone II (S) 3 Credit(s)
Advertising & Public Relations (12 Credits)
Advertising and public relations concentration students must take COMS 277 as one of their two writing core classes and COMS 264 as one of their two studio core classes, and they must complete one of the nonrequired concentration electives.
- COMS 201 - Social Media Informatics 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 275 - Introduction to Public Relations 3 Credit(s) (required)
- COMS 280 - Introduction to Advertising 3 Credit(s) (required)
- COMS 375 - Event Planning and Public Relations 3 Credit(s)
- COMS 380 - IMC Campaigns 3 Credit(s) (required)
- COMS 390 - Organizational Communication 3 Credit(s)
