Speech Communication Major

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Program Contact/Coordinator
Laurie Haleta, Head
Department of Communication Studies & Theatre
Pugsley Center 115, Box 2218
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007

Click here for additional information.

Program Description
A major in Speech Communication prepares students to understand the central role that communication plays in people’s lives. Graduates of this program with receive the training, expertise and background that will promote professional success in a wide variety of career areas where communication is a critical requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates in Speech Communication will be able to:

Appropriately analyze and adapt oral and written messages that are effective, clear, persuasive, given the audience and occasion.
Demonstrate the communication skills necessary to engage in personal, professional, civic and social relationships.
Critically evaluate verbal and nonverbal messages in differing social and cultural contexts in order to assess their effectiveness and ethical implications.
Demonstrate comprehension of concepts relative to the theory and criticism of human communication.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively gather information, research and analyze issues from a variety of perspectives.

Course Delivery Format
A wide range of course formats are available in this major including, lectures, laboratory, small group, seminar, interactive and collaborative partnerships.

Requirements for Speech Communication Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements*: 30

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
, and
ENGL 201
Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences Credits: 6

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5

Goal #1 First Year Experience:
SPCM 109**
Credits: 2
Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility
Credits: 3

College of Arts & Sciences Bachelor of Science Requirements: 34

Bachelor of Science

Natural Science Credits: 14
With 6 credits of Biological Sciences
With 8 credits of Physical Sciences
Social Sciences Credits: 12
Humanities Credits: 8

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Major Requirements: 36

SPCM 201 - Interpersonal Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 215 - Public Speaking (COM) * Credits: 3
SPCM 222 - Argumentation and Debate (COM) * Credits: 3
SPCM 305 - Communication Research (COM) (AW) Credits: 3
SPCM 405 - Theories of Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 410-510 - Organizational Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 434 - Small Group Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 465 - Capstone Course in Speech Communication Credits: 3
SPCM 470 - Intercultural Communication (COM) (G) Credits: 3

Choose 9 credits from the following:

SPCM 281 - Speech and Debate Activities (COM) Credits: (1-4)
SPCM 320 - Communication in Interviewing (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 340 - Oral Interpretation of Literature (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 415 - Communication and Gender (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 416-516 - Rhetorical Criticism (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 417 - Political Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 460 - Family Communication (COM) Credits: 3

Electives: 15-30

Total Required Credits: 120

Curriculum Notes

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.