The School of Communication offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts both in Communication, as well as a combined B.A. and M.A. program known as the Accelerated Master’s Program.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Advertising and Public Relations
Human Communication Studies
Media and Journalism
Master of Arts in Communication
Accelerated Master of Arts in Communication
Our undergraduate program requires 36 credit hours. In addition to the core curriculum, students focus their studies on one of our three areas of emphasis:
Our Advertising and Public Relations program prepares students with the knowledge for entry-level advertising, public relations and marketing positions. Writing, analysis, and research skills are developed across the full range of coursework. And our students produce portfolio-level work for local clients in our campaigns classes and by participating in national competitions sponsored by the American Advertising Federation and the Public Relations Student Society of America.
Learning Outcomes for the BA in Communication (Advertising and Public Relations)
1) Students will demonstrate the ability to write effectively in a variety of formats used in the field of communication.
2) Students will prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
3) Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and describe major theories of communication.
4) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and define the major sub-disciplines in the field of communication.
5) Students will demonstrate awareness of ethical dilemmas in the field of communication.
6) Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use credible sources of information on communication topics and issues.
7) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the research methods used in a scholarly journal article.
8) Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the advertising and public relations disciplines expected for entry level employment.
9) Students will demonstrate the ability to produce materials commonly used in the advertising and PR fields.
10) Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate production and analysis that contribute substantively to advertising and PR campaign development.
College graduates who have effective communication skills and knowledge of communication processes will be qualified for a variety of employment options. Our Human Communication Studies emphasis is designed to enhance students’ skills in group collaboration and leadership, conflict management, team presentations, and adapting to communication media. These skills are valuable for entry-level positions and beyond in corporate training, human resources, sales, corporate and employee communications, and management as well as being in demand at non-profit organizations and agencies. In addition, coursework in Human Communication Studies helps students understand essential processes such as verbal and nonverbal communication, conflict, and persuasion.
Learning Outcomes for the BA in Communication (Human Communication)
1) Students will demonstrate the ability to write effectively in a variety of formats used in the field of communication.
2) Students will prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
3) Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and describe major theories of communication.
4) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and define the major sub-disciplines in the field of communication.
5) Students will demonstrate awareness of ethical dilemmas in the field of communication.
6) Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use credible sources of information on communication topics and issues.
7) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the research methods used in a scholarly journal article.
8) Students will demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts in human communication.
9) Students will demonstrate the ability to illustrate human communication concepts.
10) Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze situations through the application of human communication theories/concepts.
11) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze human communication problems and generate and evaluate solutions.
The Media and Journalism emphasis prepares students to launch a career in news or entertainment or other media industries. They learn how the media operate and their role and impact in our society and discover how changing technology alters existing media and creates new forms. In addition, students enhance their skills in producing messages for a variety of media outlets along with skills in analysis and critique of media. We offer coursework in television and radio production, multimedia, media criticism, sports journalism and sports television, and broadcast and print journalism.
Learning Outcomes for the BA in Communication (Media and Journalism)
1) Students will demonstrate the ability to write effectively in a variety of formats used in the field of communication.
2) Students will prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
3) Students will demonstrate the ability to understand and describe major theories of communication.
4) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and define the major sub-disciplines in the field of communication.
5) Students will demonstrate awareness of ethical dilemmas in the field of communication.
6) Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use credible sources of information on communication topics and issues.
7) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the research methods used in a scholarly journal article.
8) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the structure of media industries.
9) Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate media content and impact.
10) Students will demonstrate the ability to apply media theories to critique media content.
11) Students will demonstrate the ability to produce messages for print/electronic media.
The Master of Arts requires 33 credit hours plus the completion of a thesis or written comprehensive exam. Conveniently scheduled in the evenings, our classes have a rich mixture of traditional full-time graduate students as well as working professionals taking a class or two each term. In addition to the two required courses, CMM 650 Seminar in Communication and CMM 655 Communication Research Methods, students can take courses in Media, Human Communication Studies, and/or Integrated Communication. The flexibility of the program enables students to create an individualized program of study.
Learning Outcomes for the MA in Communication (Thesis Track)
1) The student will demonstrate mastery of the subject matter pertaining to at least one area of expertise in communication.
2) The student will complete an original research project on a topic in the discipline of communication.
3) The student will demonstrate understanding of the relationship of theory to research by articulating a theoretical approach in the study.
4) The student will implement an appropriate research methodology and analytical tools to examine the study topic.
5) The student will and be able to report and describe the results of the study in a clear and organized manner in writing.
6) The student will and be able to orally report and describe the results of the study in a clear and organized manner and answer questions about the project.
Learning Outcomes for the MA in Communication (Non-Thesis Track)
1) The student will demonstrate mastery of the subject matter pertaining to at least one area of expertise in communication.
2) The student will demonstrate knowledge of a research methodology that is related to the student's area of specialization.
3) The student will be able to describe, analyze, and apply theories relevant to the area of expertise.
4) The student will be able to articulate the subject matter in the area of expertise clearly and in an organized manner both orally and in writing.
5) The student will and be able to report and describe the results of a study in a clear and organized manner in writing.
The School of Communication hosts its own website with more information.
