Communication BS Major

Jon Gordon	Distinguished Lecturer in Communication (jgordon@carrollu.edu)
Rebecca Imes	Chair of Communication, Criminal Justice and Sociology; Professor of Communication (rimes@carrollu.edu)
Barbara King	Associate Professor of Communication (bking@carrollu.edu)

Program Description

The Communication program offers a major in communication, as well as minors in liberal arts communication and secondary education speech communication. The goal of the program is to develop graduates who possess communication competence, in both theory and practice.

The communication major prepares students for careers in journalism, public relations, advertising, teaching, management, human resources and for advanced education in graduate school. The curriculum follows a sequence for student development. As freshmen, students learn the principles of, and have experiences in, various contexts of communication. They also become familiar with the methods of communication research (100-level courses). As sophomores, students become acquainted with specialized subject matters and hone skills in research, writing and critical thinking (200-level courses). As juniors, students engage in deeper exploration of theoretical and ethical perspectives (300-level courses). As seniors, students participate in advanced research and work-oriented experiences.

Learning Outcomes for Communication

Upon successful completion of major requirements, students are expected to demonstrate:

An understanding of the theories and principles of human communication that will facilitate their professional and personal effectiveness.
Skill in responsible and sensitive communication with diverse others.
The ability to conduct systematic inquiry skillfully.
The ability to develop and convey oral and written messages effectively.

Communication BS Major

Four Required Core Courses
Plus 16 credits of additional 100- or 200-Level Electives (non-Core Major courses) in Communication
Plus two additional 4-credit 300-Level Electives in Communication from the provided list
Plus two 4-credit Required Support Courses

Students looking to take an Internship (COM 380 or COM 480 ) for credit should speak with their program advisor.

Recommended Career-Course Tracks

Communication Majors may use a recommended curriculum ‘track’ as a guide for choosing courses to meet their Elective course requirements based on their emerging vocational interests and desired career goals. It is not necessary to take all listed courses to complete major requirements, and courses listed in other tracks may be taken as needed or desired. Majors are encouraged to select a secondary major, or multiple minors, that reflect their career and personal interests, and further prepares graduates for greater success in a more rapidly changing world.