UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG - UMUC Europe

Communication Studies
Students may seek either an academic major or minor in
communication studies.
Major in Communication Studies
The major in communication studies provides students
with an appropriate balance of theoretical knowledge and
sophisticated, practical communication skills. Students learn
how people create and use messages to generate meaning
within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and
media. The multidisciplinary curriculum covers speech
communication, mass communication and new media,
journalism, public relations, business writing, and technical
writing. It encourages students to develop written, oral, and
visual communication skills; to apply communication theories
to both personal and professional situations; and to increase
their understanding of human interaction. Students with
a major in communication studies are prepared for a wide
variety of careers in areas such as journalism, public relations,
marketing, communication, and professional writing.
objectives
The student who graduates with a major in communication
studies will be able to
G Apply communication theories—including both speech
communication and mass communication theories—to
various situations and contexts.
G Identify and apply effective strategies for creating, editing,
and presenting effective written messages to different
audiences and within different contexts.
G Explain the role media and mass communication play in
society.
G Describe and use effective interaction styles in
communication with others across a variety of contexts.
G Analyze any communication situation and be able to apply
appropriate oral and/or written communication skills as
needed.
G Use tools and technology to gather information, as well as
to develop and deliver messages.
G Critically analyze information for creating effective oral or
written messages and for evaluating messages.
degree Requirements
A degree with a major in communication studies requires the
successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including
30 credits for the major (indicated by F); 41 credits in general
education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor,
electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in
the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered
300 or above).
requirements for the Communication
Studies Major
Coursework for a major in communication studies
includes the following:
G Required foundation courses (6 credits):
COMM 300 and COMM 302
G Writing and language arts course (3 credits):
Chosen from COMM 380 and WRTG 288/288X,
289, 388, 390, 391/391X, 393/393X, 394/394X,
and 489
G Mass communication course (3 credits):
Chosen from COMM 400 and any JOUR
courses
G Speech communication course (3 credits):
Any SPCH course
G Capstone course (3 credits): Chosen from
COMM 495, SPCH 397, and WRTG 493
G Supplemental major courses (12 credits):
Chosen from PSYC 334 and 424; HRMN 302
and 367; MRKT 310 and 465; and any COMM,
JOUR, SPCH, or WRTG courses
Recommended Sequence
The following course sequence will fulfill all of the
requirements for the BA in communication studies.
Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one
requirement, substituting courses for those listed may
make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree
requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor
whenever taking advantage of other options.
Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill
general education requirements (in communications, arts
and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and
physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues)
may be found on p. 67.
www.ed.umuc.edu 83
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