2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Communication, BA

Banner Code: LA-BA-COM

The bachelor of arts degree in communication prepares students for graduate study or entry-level positions in such fields as interpersonal and organizational communication, journalism, media production and criticism, persuasive and political communication, and public relations.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Communication .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements

In addition to satisfying university general education  requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students pursuing this degree must complete 36 credits with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course.

Six required courses (18 credits) in communication:

Students must complete COMM 200 with a grade of C (2.00) or better before enrolling in COMM 300, 301, 302, 305, or 400.

Elective courses in communication (6 credits)

Presentation-Intensive Requirement

Students must complete a presentation-intensive course chosen from the following courses (or COMM 399 when the topic is special occasion speaking). The presentation-intensive course may simultaneously fulfill the requirements for elective courses in communication or an approved concentration.

Approved concentration (12 credits):

Students must declare a concentration before they earn more than 75 credits. Transfer students with 60 or more credits are encouraged to declare a concentration by the end of their first semester. COMM 399 - Special Topics in Communication, when relevant, may be applied toward a concentration with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.

▲ Concentration in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication (IOC)

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from:

▲ Concentration in Journalism (JNL)

Three courses (9 credits) chosen from:
One required course (3 credits):

▲ Concentration in Media Production and Criticism (MPC)

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from:

▲ Concentration in Persuasive and Political Communication (PPC)

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from:

▲ Concentration in Public Relations (PR)

Four courses (12 credits) chosen from:

Notes:

Of the 6 credits of elective courses and 12 credits in an approved concentration, at least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level and no more than 6 credits may be in COMM 450 - Internship.

No more than 9 credits of internship (COMM 450 or GOVT 450) in total may be applied to the 120 credits required for a degree.

In addition, no more than 10 credits may be in these courses:

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in communication fulfill this requirement by successfully completing COMM 300.