Course Requirements for the Communication Major

A major in Communication requires 42 credits of coursework. All students are required to complete courses in four categories: Communication Core Curriculum (18 credits), Perspectives (9 credits), Applications (9 credits),  Communication Electives (6 credits). 

Communication Core Curriculum (18 credits)

The Communication Core is required of all majors in the Communication Department. The goal of the core curriculum is to introduce all students to the history, research and theory in Communication and to provide students with a general understanding of how research in Communication is conducted.

COM 100 Introduction to Communication 3 credits
COM 102 Media Literacy
COM 120 Introduction to Media Production 3 credits
COM 200 Communication Theory and Research 3 credits
COM 350 Senior Seminar I (typically taken in fall of senior year) 3 credits
COM 352 Senior Seminar II (typically taken in spring of senior year) 3 credits

Perspectives (3 courses required, 9 credits)

This category of courses provides students with the opportunity to explore the range of Communication as an academic discipline.

COM 130 Women in Games 3 credits
COM 140 Introduction to Film 3 credits
COM 150 Introduction to Journalism 3 credits
COM 207 Social Media and Fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations 3 credits
COM 210 Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
COM 212 Intercultural Communication 3 credits
COM 215 Organizational Communication 3 credits
COM 216 Public Relations and Society 3 credits
COM 244 Topics in Film 3 credits (can only be taken once in this category, and no more than twice toward the major)
COM 240 History of Cinema 3 credits
COM 245 Topics in Popular Culture 3 credits (can only be taken once in this category, and no more than twice toward the major)         
COM 246 Women in Digital Culture 3 credits
COM 252 Digital Journalism 3 credits
COM 255 Media Law and Ethics 3 credits
COM 260-265 Special Topics in Communication 3 credits (advisor permission is needed to use Special Topics courses to count toward major requirements)
COM 270 Race and Gender in the Media 3 credits
COM 272 Children and the Media 3 credits
COM 275 Persuasion and Propaganda 3 credits
COM 278 Debate and Argumentation 3 credits
COM 280 Social Media: Promises and Pitfalls 3 credits
COM 282 Intro to Health Communication 3 credits
COM 285 Global Issues in New Media 3 credits
COM 300 Readings in Communication and Culture 3 credits
COM 310 News Media in America 3 credits

Applications (2 courses required; 6 credits minimum. Only 3 credits may be satisfied through an internship)

The courses in this category provide students with practical experience in various applications connected with Communication.

COM 107 Digital Imaging with Photoshop 3 credits
COM 108 Digital Design with Adobe Illustrator 3 credits
COM 121 Introduction to Animation 3 credits
COM 133 Introduction to Game Design 3 credits
COM 209 Motion Graphics 3 credits
COM 224 Intro to Video Production 3 credits
COM 225 Digital Photography 3 credits
COM 260-265 Special Topics in New Media 3 credits
COM 324 Video Production II 3 credits
COM 325 Advanced Digital Photography 3 credits
COM 370 Internship up to 6 credits

Electives in the Major (2 courses required; 6 credits minimum

Two classes (6 credits) to be chosen from the above courses.