BA in Communication Concentrations
All students must declare a concentration in their pursuit of the BA in Communication and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in approved coursework. Concentrations include:
- Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
- Journalism
- Media Production and Criticism
- Persuasive and Political Communication
- Public Relations
Interpersonal & Organizational Communication
Approved Courses | This concentration examines communication in a variety of contexts ranging from dyads to small groups to larger organizations and institutions. It focuses on theories, concepts, and practices appropriate to these settings. Coursework focuses on the study of personal as well as professional relationships and explores such issues as conflict, diversity, and managing change.
Journalism
Approved Courses | Focusing on cross-platform journalism, this concentration is for students interested in information-gathering techniques, both traditional and through electronic databases; writing for the mass media; publication editing and design; mass media law and ethics; and newscast performance. The concentration offers instruction in both the preparation and presentation of information for mass consumption, workshops in print production, and opportunities to work with campus media organizations.
Media Production and Criticism
Approved Courses | Courses offered in this concentration emphasize electronic production and critical assessment of our mass communication society. Audio and video production are featured, including writing, performance, direction and overall management. Media criticism, using different comparative and ideological frameworks, provides a grounding in the study (both critical and traditional) of media content, processes, and effects.
Persuasive and Political Communication
Approved Courses | Emphasizing the critical public role of communication in society, this concentration examines social movements and political controversies, focusing on different communication strategies, techniques and perspectives that shape public policy. Analysis of arguments, free speech ethics, and effective persuasive communication are featured.
Public Relations
Approved Courses | The Public Relations Concentration provides a general overview of principles of promotion, advertising and crisis management, and offers a critical focus on specific types of organizations and select case studies. Effective writing for public relations is featured, as well as persuasive strategies and issues of free speech and ethics.