COURSE CURRICULUM

The Communication major is designed to help students understand how meaning is created, shared, and influenced across different social, cultural, and technological contexts. To complete the program, students must earn 40 credits across ten courses and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major. The curriculum is structured to build both foundational knowledge and advanced analytical skills in communication theory, media, and human interaction. Students begin with two introductory courses selected from options such as Introduction to Media Studies (CMN 455), Propaganda and Persuasion (CMN 456), or Introduction to Language and Social Interaction (CMN 457). These courses provide a broad overview of how communication operates in society, including how media systems shape public opinion, how language influences relationships, and how persuasion functions in political and everyday contexts. Building on this foundation, students take three 500-level communication analysis courses, which develop more advanced critical thinking skills and focus on examining communication processes in greater depth, such as media effects, discourse analysis, and cultural communication patterns. Students then complete four upper-division courses that allow for specialization in areas such as media production, rhetoric, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, or digital communication systems. These advanced courses emphasize applied skills and theoretical understanding, preparing students to analyze and produce effective communication in professional and academic settings. In addition, students select one elective course at any level, providing flexibility to explore related interests or broaden their academic experience. Throughout the program, students learn how communication shapes relationships between individuals, institutions, industries, and cultures, while also developing strong writing, speaking, and analytical abilities. The degree prepares graduates for careers in fields such as media, marketing, public relations, journalism, business, government, and nonprofit work, as well as for graduate study in communication, media studies, law, or related disciplines.