B.A. in Communication
The communication major is an interdisciplinary major. Designed to empower students through the development of critical thinking and effective communication, students will focus on understanding the complex communication challenges in the 21st century and effectively communicating across a variety of mediums.
The strong and varied curriculum enhances and develops multi-dimensional communication skills including speaking, writing, and multimedia content creation. Theory and practice come to life in an individualized and challenging learning environment.
Filming the action on the St. Johns River.
Scouting locations at Kingsley Plantation.
Learning to compose a great shot.
Visiting Venice, Italy as a multimedia journalist.
Hosting a podcast.
Degree Requirements
The curriculum includes a core of courses blending theory and practice with multimedia content development. The communication core includes courses in public speaking, multimedia and video storytelling, news writing, strategic communications, mobile and social media, and legal and ethical issues in business.
Beyond the core, students choose any nine (9) credit hours of approved 300–400 level communication electives to build a customized area of emphasis based on their own interests and career goals.
Communication Core
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 101 | Introduction to Mass Communication and Society | 3 |
| COMM 201SI or MGT 308WI SI |
Introduction to Public Speaking / Business Communications |
3 |
| COMM 207WI | Online Newswriting | 3 |
| COMM 217 | Mobile and Social Media Video | 3 |
| MKG 301 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| COMM 325 | Social Media Management and Strategy | 3 |
| MGT 321 | Legal Ethical Environment | 3 |
| COMM 390(1-12) or COMM 490 (3-6) |
International Communication Internship / Communication Internship |
3-12 |
| Total credit hours | 24 | |
Communication majors must also complete the University core, or general education curriculum appropriate to the degree they seek. Academic Advising offers a downloadable degree plan that outlines the specific courses required for the B.A. in Communication.
Customized Area of Emphasis
In addition to the Communication Core, students complete a minimum of nine (9) credit hours of approved 300–400 level communication electives, to build a customized area of emphasis around individual interests and career goals.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 395 | Communication Practicum | 1-3 |
| COMM 397 | Communication Leadership Practicum | 1-3 |
| COMM 302SI | Persuasive Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 332WI | Social Media Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 302WI | Writing: Exposition/Argumentation | 3 |
| COMM 401 | Communicating to the Public | 3 |
| COMM 416 | Social Media Case Studies | 3 |
| COMM 417 | Advanced Mobile and Social Media Video | 3 |
| COMM 452 | Special Topics in Communication | 3 |
| MKG XXX | Any one 3-credit upper-level (300 or 400) MKG course beyond MKG 301 | 3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours (customized area of emphasis) | 9 | |