Program Overview
The degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in communication requires the successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (2) 40 upper-division hours; (3) a major and related course requirements as described below; and (4) a minor as arranged through the student’s minor advisor.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Communication enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.
Program Outline
Major in Communication (34 hours)
Required Communication Core Courses (15 hours)
- COMM 2308 Perspectives in Communication
- COMM 2313 Introduction to Communication Research
- COMM 3301 Organizational Communication [UD UCA Core: C, R]
- COMM 3307 Interpersonal Communication [UD UCA Core: D]
- COMM 3310 Advanced Public Speaking [UD UCA Core: I]
Required BS Communication Core Courses (12 hours)
- COMM 3312 Strategic Message Design
- COMM 4315 Communication and Leadership
- COMM 4318 Crisis Communication
- PRLS 2305 Introduction to Public Relations
Electives BS Communication Courses (3 hours)
- COMM 3V21 Communication Internship (variable credit)
- COMM 3308 Argumentation and Advocacy
- COMM 3315 Professional Communication
- COMM 3330 Event Planning
- COMM 3341 Small Group Communication
- COMM 3370 Intercultural Communication
- COMM 4316 Special Topics in Communication
- COMM 4325 Health Communication
- COMM 4328 Computer Mediated Communication
- COMM 4334 Political Communication
- MCOM 3301 Media Law and Ethics
- WRID 3305 Writing for Information Design
- WRID 3310 Technical Writing
- WRID 3315 Center for Writing and Communication Practicum
Required BS Capstone Courses (4 hours)
- PRLS 4305 Public Relations Cases and Campaigns [Note 1] OR
- WRID 4308 Writing for Change [Note 2]
- COMM 4130 Communication Practicum [UD UCA Core: Z]
Note 1
PRLS 4305 has the following prerequisites: JOUR 2300, PRLS 3305, and PRLS 3310 and is the most efficient capstone for students pairing this degree with a PR major or minor.
Note 2
WRID 4308 has no prerequisites and is the most efficient capstone for students pairing this degree with other majors or minors.
Related Course Requirements (6–8 hours)
Students have two options for completing the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Related Course Requirements.
Option 1
In addition to the Lower-Core requirements in mathematics and science, complete two courses in mathematics (MATH) or two courses in laboratory science (e.g., BIOL, CHEM, etc.) or any combination of the two (e.g., one MATH and one BIOL).
Option 2
Complete one of the following courses in statistical methods (PSYC 2330 Psychology Statistics, PSCI 2312 Statistical Methods for Political Analysis, or SOC 2321 Social Statistics) and PRLS 3315 Applied Research Methods in Public Relations.
Minor in Communication (21 hours)
Required Courses (9 hours)
- COMM 2308 Perspectives in Communication
- COMM 2313 Introduction to Communication Research
- COMM 3312 Strategic Message Design OR
- COMM 3308 Argumentation and Advocacy
Electives (12 hours, chosen from the following, with at least 9 hours at the 3000-/4000-level)
- COMM 3301 Organizational Communication [UD UCA Core: C, R]
- COMM 3303 Gender Communication
- COMM 3307 Interpersonal Communication [UD UCA Core: D]
- COMM 3310 Advanced Public Speaking [UD UCA Core: I]
- COMM 3V21 Communication Internship (variable credit)
- COMM 3330 Event Planning
- COMM 3341 Small Group Communication
- COMM 3370 Intercultural Communication
- COMM 4315 Communication and Leadership
- COMM 4316 Special Topics in Communication
- COMM 4318 Crisis Communication
- COMM 4320 Nonverbal Communication
- COMM 4325 Health Communication
- COMM 4330 Family Communication
- COMM 4334 Political Communication
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
