Degrees & Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Designed to prepare students for work in the corporate world and/or graduate school and beyond, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides both strong theoretical foundations and opportunities for practical application.

Students who complete the core requirements for the B.A. in Communication will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Deliver effective oral presentations
2. Write and document papers correctly, free of grammatical, spelling and syntax errors
3. Develop and demonstrate research abilities
4. Analyze content of written and oral communication
5. Clearly identify problems and issues
6. Choose or create appropriate solutions or responses to problems and issues
7. Choose appropriate technology for communication tasks
8. Use technology effectively
9. Use communication terminology appropriately
10. Demonstrate understanding of communication processes
11. Demonstrate knowledge of discipline foundations
12. Demonstrate understanding of legalities related to various communication entities
13. Recognize ethical considerations for professional communicators and behave ethically

Core Requirements:

CO 201 Fundamentals of Public Speaking*................................................................ 3 hours
CO 221 Introduction to Mass Communication ............................................................ 3 hours
CO 231 Beginning Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 330 Communication Theory ................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 395 Communication Research Methods .............................................................. 3 hours
CO 477 Senior Seminar ............................................................................................. 1 hour
Total ...................................................................................................................... 16 hours
*also fulfills general education requirement
Concentration: Communication Arts

Students who complete the concentration in Communication Arts will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Effectively analyze an audience and determine presentation needs for that audience
2. Create and present effective public speeches or presentations
3. Effectively evaluate a public presentations
4. Read and correctly summarize articles in communication journal.
5. Analyze and apply communication theories to everyday and workplace communication
6. Articulate the function of communication in organizations
7. Display appropriate interpersonal skills in mono-cultural and multicultural contexts
8. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in group communication
9. Gather and utilize appropriate information using primary and secondary sources
10. Conduct basic original communication research

Concentration Requirements:

CO 320 Voice and Diction or CO 301 Effective Presentations .................................... 3 hours
CO 325 Interpersonal Communication ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 345 Small Group Communication ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 415 Organizational Communication or CO 425 Intercultural Communication ........ 3 hours
CO 421 Persuasion ................................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
Concentration Electives ........................................................................................... 15 hours
Total ...................................................................................................................... 33 hours

Elective Options for Communication Arts:

CO 232 Writing Non-fiction for Electronic Media ......................................................... 3 hours
CO 241 Principles and Practices of Public Relations ................................................. 3 hours
CO 301 Effective Presentations ................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 315 Mass Media Law ........................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 320 Voice and Diction .......................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 333 Feature Writing ............................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 342 Radio and Television Broadcasting ................................................................ 3 hours
CO 415 Organizational Communication ..................................................................... 3 hours
CO 425 Intercultural Communication .......................................................................... 3 hours
CO 435 Editing .......................................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................................. 1-3 hours
BA 302 Business Communication ............................................................................. 3 hours
EN 341 Professionall Writing ..................................................................................... 3 hours
Total hours in major ................................................................................................... 49 hours

Concentration: Public Relations
Students who complete the concentration in Public Relations will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Identify how advertising, marketing, and public relations work separately and together
2. Use principles of persuasion to influence publics
3. Determine target audiences for any given situation
4. Gather appropriate information using primary and secondary sources
5. Select appropriate sample groups(s) using formal & informal methods
6. Create, implement & interpret survey instrument
7. Use SWOT analysis to determine needs and create plans
8. Construct and implement a PR campaign or program using the correct PR model, mission, goals, objectives, and tactics
9. Incorporate proper use of new technologies when appropriate
10. Use correct sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and style
11. Use PR principles of readability and listenability
12. Create a message statement
13. Demonstrate knowledge of effective managerial skills
14. Exhibit sound decision–making skills
15. Create a program budget

Concentration Requirements:

AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
CO 241 Principles and Practices of Public Relations ................................................. 3 hours
CO 311 Principles of Advertising ................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 315 Mass Media Law ........................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 331 Public Relation Planning and Case Studies .................................................. 3 hours
CO 332 Writing for Public Relations ........................................................................... 3 hours
CO 332 Writing for Public Relations Lab .................................................................... 0 hour
CO 371 Public Relations Management** .................................................................... 3 hours
CO 373 Working with the Media in Public Relations .................................................. 3 hours
CO 401 Practicum in Public Relations or CO 403 Internship in Public Relations ........ 3 hours
Concentration Electives ............................................................................................. 6 hours
Total ...................................................................................................................... 33 hours
**Students with a management minor may substitute another class for this one.

Elective Options for Public Relations:

AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ....................................................................... 3 hours
CO 232 Writing Non-fiction for the Electronic Media ................................................... 3 hours
CO 301 Effective Presentations ................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 325 Interpersonal Communication ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 333 Feature Writing ............................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 401/402 Practicum in Communication or CO 403 Internship in Communication. 1-3 hours
CO 421 Persuasion ................................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 425 Intercultural Communication .......................................................................... 3 hours
CO 435 Editing .......................................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................................. 1-3 hours
EN 341 Technical Writing .......................................................................................... 3 hours
MK 301 Principles of Marketing ................................................................................. 3 hours
Total hours in major ................................................................................................... 49 hours
Minor required for each concentration .................................................................18-21 hours

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Media
Media is a multifaceted field ranging from the written word to the still and moving image. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Media prepares students for stimulating careers in broadcasting, photojournalism, and print journalism through theory, hands on assignments, and practical experiences.

Students who complete the core requirements for the B.A. in Communication Media will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of design principles and elements
2. Implement design concepts
3. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills
4. Demonstrate effective written communication skills

Core Requirements:

AR 101 Basic Design ................................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 201 Fundamentals of Public Speaking*................................................................ 3 hours
CO 221 Introduction to Mass Communication ............................................................ 3 hours
CO 231 Beginning Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 315 Mass Media Law ........................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 325 Interpersonal Communication ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 401 Practicum in Communication or CO 403 Internship in Communication .......... 3 hours
CO 477 Senior Seminar ............................................................................................. 1 hour
Total ...................................................................................................................... 22 hours
*also fulfills general education requirement

Concentration: Broadcast Journalism
Students who complete the concentration in Broadcast Journalism will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate strong written & oral competencies
2. Organize effectively, efficiently and practice punctuality
3. Pay attention to detail and show initiative
4. Write effectively and creatively for the electronic media
5. Create outlines and treatments and edit writing of others
6. Meet with customers and determine needs
7. Allocate resources to accomplish tasks and make creative input
8. Describe the roles of various technical categories (director, camera , sound, gaffer, grip, special effects, video editor, graphics, etc.)
9. Create work in various technical categories

Concentration Requirements:

CO 146 Fundamentals of Audio and Video Production ............................................... 3 hours
CO 232 Writing Non-fiction for Electronic Media ......................................................... 3 hours
CO 300 Introduction to Video Editing ......................................................................... 3 hours
CO 342 Radio and Television Broadcasting ................................................................ 3 hours
CO 346 Television Production .................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 350 Production Management ............................................................................... 3 hours
CO 360 Fiction and Dramatic Screen Writing ............................................................. 3 hours
CO 365 Fiction and Dramatic Film/TV Production ...................................................... 3 hours
Concentration Electives ............................................................................................. 3 hours
Total ...................................................................................................................... 27 hours

Elective Options for Broadcast Journalism:

AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ....................................................................... 3 hours
CO 211 Media Writing ............................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 242 Mass Communication and Society................................................................ 3 hours
CO 310 Advanced Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 333 Feature Writing ............................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 410 Broadcast Advertising ................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 316 Mass Communication Ethics ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................................. 1-3 hours
Total hours in major ................................................................................................... 49 hours

Concentration: PhotoJournalism
Students who complete the concentration in PhotoJournalism will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Identify and demonstrate comprehension of compositional principles and elements
2. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental black and white film and print development
3. Demonstrate an understanding of analog and digital camera operation, meter operation and evaluation
4. Demonstrate understanding of portrait and commercial lighting techniques
5. Demonstrate an understanding of photography as it relates to print journalism, and print/web design
6. Demonstrate an understanding of image manipulation and image filing software
7. Demonstrate a basic understanding of newspaper, magazine, book and newsletter layout as related to photographic imaging

Concentration Requirements:

AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ....................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
AR 217 Art Appreciation* ........................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 235 Photoshop/Digital Design Imaging ................................................................ 3 hours
AR 241 Digital Photography ....................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 341 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR 374 Studio Photography ....................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 431 Photojournalism ............................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 333 Feature Writing ............................................................................................. 3 hours
Concentration Elective (must be upper division) ......................................................... 3 hours
Total ........................................................................................................................ 30 hours
*AR 217 also fulfills 3 hours for general education humanities credit

Elective Options for PhotoJournalism:

AR 315 Visual Design Media ..................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 342 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR 401/AR 402 Practicum in Art/Photography ........................................................... 3 hours
AR 403 Internship in Art/Photography ........................................................................ 3 hours
AR 405 Special Projects ............................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 310 Advanced Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 316 Mass Communication Ethics ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 332 Writing for Public Relations ........................................................................... 3 hours
CO 415 Advanced Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 435 Editing .......................................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 490 or CO 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................. 1-3 hours
Total hours in major ................................................................................................... 52 hours

Concentration: Print Journalism
Students who complete the concentration in Print Journalism will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Organize thoughts clearly
2. Solve problems effectively with editing skills
3. Demonstrate use of Associated Press style
4. Demonstrate interviewing and research abilities
5. Develop news writing abilities for print
6. Analyze news content
7. Clearly identify strengths and weaknesses in news content
8. Clearly identify editorial strengths and weaknesses in print news content

Concentration Requirements:

CO 211 Media Writing ............................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 310 Advanced Reporting ...................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 316 Mass Communication Ethics ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 333 Feature Writing ............................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 435 Editing .......................................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 141 Fundamental of Photography ......................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
Concentration Electives ............................................................................................. 6 hours
Total ........................................................................................................................ 27 hours

Elective Options for Print Journalism:

AR 341 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR 431 Photojournalism ............................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 242 Mass Communication and Society................................................................ 3 hours
CO 320 Voice and Diction .......................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 325 Interpersonal Communication ........................................................................ 3 hours
CO 330 Communication Theory ................................................................................. 3 hours
CO 332 Writing for Public Relations ........................................................................... 3 hours
CO 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................................. 1-3 hours
BA 302 Business Communication ............................................................................. 3 hours
EN 341 Professional Writing ...................................................................................... 3 hours
Total hours in major ............................................................................................ 49 hours
Minor is required for each concentration ................................................................. 18 hours

Associate of Science in Art
Concentration: Commercial Art
This two-year program is designed to prepare students to make rapid application of their skills. The students concentrate on creating posters, banners, murals, and other publicity-type productions. Designs and layouts for books, magazines, advertisements, and other printed materials are studied in a practical manner to produce camera-ready art for printing. Students who complete the concentration in Commercial Art will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Identify and demonstrate comprehension of compositional principles and elements
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of newspaper, magazine, book and newsletter photography as related to layout and design
3. Demonstrate understanding of layout and design principles using compositional design elements and principles
4. Demonstrate understanding of computer layout and design programs, and image manipulation programs as related to newspaper, magazine, book and newsletter layout
5. Demonstrate drawing techniques with various media: pencil, charcoal, pen and ink as related to newspaper, magazine, book and newsletter layout

Major Requirements:

AR 101 Basic Design 2D .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 102 Basic Design 3D .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 111 Fundamentals of Drawing or AR 121 Fundaments of Painting ...................... 3 hours
AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ...................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
AR 217 Art Appreciation* ......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 235 Photoshop/Digital Design Imaging ................................................................ 3 hours
AR 315 Visual Media Design .................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 311 Advanced Drawing or AR 321 Advanced Painting .......................................... 3 hours
AR Electives (must be upper division) ....................................................................... 6 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 33 hours
*AR 217 also fulfills 3 hours for general education humanities credit

Concentration: Photography
This two-year program provides theory and practical experience with analog and digital cameras as well as professional light equipment that will prepare the individual to begin a rewarding career in the many facets of photography.

Students who complete the concentration in Photography will be proficient in the following student learning outcomes:

1. Identify and demonstrate comprehension of compositional principles and elements
2. Demonstrate understanding of black and white film and print development, camera operation and metering techniques
3. Demonstrate understanding of portrait and commercial lighting, and studio metering techniques
4. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced photographic techniques
5. Demonstrate an understanding of image manipulation and image filing software
6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of newspaper, magazine, book and newsletter layout as related to photographic imaging

Major Requirements:

AR 101 Basic Design 2D .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 102 Basic Design 3D .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ...................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic Design ......................................................... 3 hours
AR 217 Art Appreciation* .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 235 Photoshop/Digital Design Imaging ................................................................ 3 hours
AR 241 Digital Photography ...................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 341 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR 374 Studio Photography ...................................................................................... 3 hours
AR Electives (must be upper division) ....................................................................... 6 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 33 hours
*AR 217 also fulfills 3 hours for general education humanities credit

Minor in Art

AR 101 Basic Design ................................................................................................ 3 hours
AR 111 Fund. of Drawing or AR 121 Fund. of Painting .............................................. 3 hours
AR 141 Fundamentals of Photography ...................................................................... 3 hours
AR 204 Desktop Publishing for Graphic design ......................................................... 3 hours
AR 217 Art Appreciation* .......................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 311 Advanced Drawing, AR 321 Advanced Painting, or
AR 341 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR Electives (must be upper division) ....................................................................... 6 hours
Total .................................................................................................................. 24 hours
*AR 217 also fulfills 3 hours for general education humanities credit

Elective Options for AS degrees and Minor in Art:

AR 312 Advanced Drawing ........................................................................................ 3 hours
AR 235 Photoshop .................................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 342 Advanced Photography ................................................................................. 3 hours
AR 374 Studio Photography ...................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 401 Practicum in Art/Photography....................................................................... 3 hours
AR 403 Internship in Art/Photography ....................................................................... 3 hours
AR 431 Photojournalism ........................................................................................... 3 hours
AR 490 Research and Independent Study .............................................................. 1-3 hours

Minor in Communication

CO 231 Beginning Reporting ..................................................................................... 3 hours
CO 325 Interpersonal Communication ....................................................................... 3 hours
CO 421 Persuasion ................................................................................................... 3 hours
Electives (in one concentration; at least 9 upper division) ........................................ 12 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 21 hours

Minor in Communication Media

AR 101 Basic Design ................................................................................................ 3 hours
CO 221 Introduction to Mass Communication ........................................................... 3 hours
CO 231 Beginning Reporting ..................................................................................... 3 hours
Electives (in one concentration; at least 9 hours upper division) .............................. 12 hours
Total ..................................................................................................................... 21 hours