2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Communication, BA


Banner Code: LA-BA-COM

Web: communication.gmu.edu

The bachelor of arts 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


Students pursuing a BA in communication must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Students pursuing this degree must complete 36 credits with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course.

Of the 36 credits applied to the BA in communication, at least 3 must be in a course designated presentation-intensive; there is a list of such courses at the end of this section. Of the 18 credits of concentration (12 credits) and electives (6 credits), at least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level and no more than 6 credits may be in COMM 450 - Internship.

Of the 120 credits applied to a degree, no more than 9 credits may be from an internship and no more than 10 credits may be from courses listed at the end of this section.

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, or 305. Students then have to complete two of COMM 300, 301, 302, and 305 with a grade of C (2.00), before enrolling in COMM 400.

Elective courses in communication (6 credits)


Students choose any COMM course in consultation with an advisor keeping in mind the limitations that apply to the whole degree (no more than 9 credits may be from an internship (COMM 450 or GOVT 450) and no more than 10 credits may be from courses listed at the end of this section).

One approved concentration (12 credits)


Students complete one concentration. They must declare their 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 may be applied toward a concentration when the topic is relevant to the concentration with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.

▲ Concentration in Journalism (JNL)


▲ Concentration in Public Relations (PR)


Total: 36 credits


Presentation-Intensive Courses


Students must complete a presentation-intensive course chosen from the following courses. The presentation-intensive course may simultaneously fulfill the requirements for a concentration or for elective courses in communication.

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.