Communication Major (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Communication major at the University of New Hampshire equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage effectively with communication patterns, issues, and practices. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication abilities, and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for careers in various fields, including media, public relations, marketing, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Communication major at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and engage effectively with communication patterns, issues, and practices in their personal, professional, and civic lives. It emphasizes developing sophisticated perspectives and workable orientations for analyzing, reflecting upon, and addressing communication phenomena.

Objectives:

• To foster students' understanding of the Communication discipline, its central questions, and its history and theories.
• To cultivate critical thinking skills and the ability to apply communication theories and concepts to real-world situations.
• To develop effective communication abilities, including message construction, evaluation, and argumentation.
• To prepare students to become thoughtful, proficient, and ethical communicators in various contexts.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The Communication major requires the completion of ten courses (40 credits) with a minimum 2.0 overall average in the major.
• The program consists of three introductory courses, three 500-level communication analysis courses, four upper-division courses, and a capstone requirement.
• Introductory courses provide foundational knowledge in media studies, propaganda and persuasion, and language and social interaction.
• Communication analysis courses explore specific areas of communication research and theory, such as visual rhetoric, public relations, and interpersonal communication.
• Upper-division courses delve deeper into communication topics, including media and technology, culture and communication, and communication law and ethics.

Course Modules:

• Introductory Courses:
• CMN 455: Introduction to Media Studies
• CMN 456: Propaganda and Persuasion
• CMN 457: Introduction to Language and Social Interaction
• Communication Analysis Courses:
• Choose three courses from the following options with different 400-level prerequisites:
• CMN 501: Rhetoric of Public Address
• CMN 502: Communication and Social Change
• CMN 503: Gender and Communication
• CMN 505: Visual Rhetoric
• CMN 507: Public Relations
• CMN 508: Interpersonal Communication
• CMN 510: Communication and Technology
• Upper-Division Courses:
• Choose four courses from the following options, including at least one 700-level course:
• CMN 610: Communication Law and Ethics
• CMN 620: Communication and Culture
• CMN 630: Global Communication
• CMN 640: Organizational Communication
• CMN 650: Health Communication
• CMN 670: Special Topics in Communication
• CMN 701: Seminar in Communication
• CMN 702: Seminar in Media Studies
• CMN 703: Seminar in Language and Social Interaction
• Capstone Requirement:
• Students can fulfill the capstone requirement by completing any 700-level communication course (except CMN 796 Comm-Entary Journal) or with department approval, through CMN 795 Independent Study (up to 8 credits).

Assessment:

• Grading: Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in each introductory course and a grade of C- or better in all three analysis courses and upper-division courses.
• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams (midterms, finals)
• Quizzes
• Papers and essays
• Presentations
• Participation
• Research projects

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs a combination of teaching methods to promote student engagement and understanding, such as:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Group work
• Hands-on exercises
• Simulations
• Guest speakers
• Faculty: The Communication department comprises experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are actively involved in research and publication.
They provide students with mentorship, guidance, and individualized support.
• Unique Approaches: The program incorporates innovative teaching approaches, such as:
• Experiential learning opportunities (e.g., internships, research projects)
• Case studies and real-world examples
• Technology-enhanced instruction

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates with a Communication degree from UNH are prepared for a wide range of careers in various fields, including:
• Media and journalism
• Public relations and corporate communication
• Marketing and advertising
• Education and training
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government and public service
• Career Outcomes: The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills that are highly valued in the job market, such as:
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Research and analysis abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ethical decision-making