2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Communication Studies (B.A./B.S.)



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Joshua Westwick, Associate Director
School of Communication and Journalism
Pugsley Center 115, Box 2218
605-688-6131

Program Information

A major in Communication Studies prepares students to understand the central role that communication plays in people’s lives. Graduates of this program will 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 Communication Studies will be able to:

  • appropriately analyze and adapt oral and written messages that are effective, clear, and 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.

Academic Requirements

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

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 Communication Studies Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


  • 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

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

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, Humanities & Social Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 39 Credit Hours
Electives** 42 Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 39 Credit Hours
Electives** 44 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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