Communication Minor – 20 cr
Required courses:
COM1005, 2107, 3106, 3107, 4105; workshops – two enrollments selected from BEM, CMC, COM, JOU, SPE, THE courses numbered 1625, 2625 – 2627, 3625, 3629, 4625 – 4627. Remaining credits to be selected from courses with COM prefix.
Communication Major – Bachelor of Arts
The Communication Studies major is designed to prepare students for careers in communication consulting and analysis, speech writing, sales, or organizational administration, as well as further graduate education in the areas of law, higher education, and ministry. The major combines practical skill development with breadth of study in the discipline of communication. The degree is granted upon completion of 125 credits as specified on page 42 of the catalog (40 credits must be in 3000- or 4000-level courses).
Communication Core 18 – 19 cr
COM1005 Introduction to Communication Studies 2
COM2107 Communication Theory 4
COM3106 Communication in Groups and Organizations (OCE) 4
COM3107 Intercultural Communication 4
COM3835 Communication Careers Seminar 0 – 1
COM4105 Mass Media and Society (WCE) 4
Communication Studies Required Courses: 16 – 19 cr
COM3105 Gender and Family Communication 4
COM4207 Global Communication and International Relations 4
COM4308 Communication Research Methods 4
SPE3175 Persuasion or 4
SPE3176 Advanced Public Speaking and Speech Writing
Workshops: 0-3
Five enrollments selected from BEM, CMC, JOU, SPE, THE courses numbered 1625, 2625-2627, 2629, 4625-4627. A maximum of three workshop credits may be applied to the major.
Courses selected from the following 10 – 13 cr
COM4805 Special Topics in Communication is recommended
Choose from upper level courses with BEM, CMC, COM, JOU, PRL, SPE, THE prefix. Other courses may be applied with approval of department chairperson.
Foreign Language 0 – 8 cr
Must achieve second semester of first-year language sequence or higher. See pages 40 and 41 of the catalog.
The associate of arts degree program, is designed for adults who have zero or minimal college credits. Students complete foundational course work in communication, history, art, literature, mathematics, science, and Bible in approximately 34 months. The actual program may take longer to complete once breaks are included. Course work is designed with a Christian worldview to help participants integrate faith with learning. Students finishing the degree will be eligible to move directly into one of the existing FOCUS degree-completion programs in Business Administration, Business Management, Christian Counseling, Communication Studies, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Ministries, Psychology (Criminal Justice, Marriage and Family, or Health Psychology emphasis).
Students will:
Build a foundation for completing a baccalaureate degree
Develop analytical skills
Study with other adults and integrate faith with learning
Develop skills applicable in the workplace
Communication Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies provides a conceptual knowledge of communication and develops basic communication skills in speaking, writing, and document design. This degree program promotes the effective and ethical practice of a Christian communicator in a civil and democratic society. Communication is an academic field that focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. In a report on fastest growing careers, the U.S. Department of Labor states that communication skills will be in demand across occupations well into the next century. This communication studies degree prepares students for opportunities in a variety of fields that require or value analytical, critical and creative thinking skills; the ability to conduct research (library, survey, interviews, etc.); a skill in writing, speechmaking, group facilitation, and interviewing; capacity for leadership, collaborative (team) as well as independent work; and ability to learn new ways of thinking and working.