Communication Studies (B.S.) - Speech Education Specialization

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Joshua Westwick, Interim Department Head
Department of Communication Studies
Pugsley Center 115, Box 2218
605-688-6131
E-mail: joshua.westwick@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information.

Program Information

This area of specialization is designed for the person who plans to become a communication educator. While the emphasis is primarily on secondary education, the area can serve as a specialization for teaching higher education as well.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be prepared to:

teach classroom speech.
direct drama activities.
coach individual speech events, debate and oral interpretation.

Academic Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” or better is required in all major courses.

Course Delivery Format

Courses utilize lecture, laboratory, small group, collaborative and integrative techniques.

Requirements for Communication Studies Major - Speech Education Specialization: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
and
ENGL 201
Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : recommended SOC 100 and/or PSYC 101 Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 6

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.
AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) Credits: 3
One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education 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.

Major Requirements

SPCM 201 - Interpersonal Communication (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 215 - Public Speaking (COM) [SGR #2] Credits: 3
or SPCM 311 - Business and Professional Communication Credits: 3
SPCM 222 - Argumentation and Debate (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 281 - Speech and Debate Activities (COM) Credits: 1-4 (3 credits required) (Complete over two consecutive semesters)
SPCM 305 - Communication Research (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 476 - 7-12 Speech Methods(COM) Credits: 3
SPCM 491-591 - Independent Study Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required) (Forensic Team Management)
THEA 131 - Introduction to Acting (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 3
THEA 241-241L - Stagecraft and Lab (COM) Credits: 3
THEA 351 - Directing (COM) Credits: 3
or THEA 355 - Children’s Theatre (COM) Credits: 3
SPCM and/or THEA Electives Credits: 8

Teaching Specialization Requirements

AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) Credits: 3
EDFN 101 - Exploration of Teaching and Learning (COM) Credits: 1
EDFN 351 - Teaching and Learning I Credits: 1
EDFN 352 - Teaching and Learning II Credits: 3
EDFN 352L - Teaching and Learning II Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 453 - Teaching and Learning III Credits: 5
EDFN 453L - Teaching and Learning III Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 454 - Teaching and Learning IV Credits: 11
EDFN 475 - Human Relations (COM) Credits: 3
SEED 450 - Reading and Content Literacy (COM) Credits: 2
SEED 456 - Capstone/Action Research Credits: 1
Content Methods
(Varies by Content Area) Credits: 3-4

Additional Requirements

Students must also receive a “C” grade or better in
SPCM 101
,
ENGL 101
, and
MATH 102
or higher.
There are GPA requirements for entry into and continuation within the teacher education program. For additional information please consult the Secondary Education Handbook.

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.