Communication Studies (B.A.)

Major Courses

• COM 100 - Introduction to Communication Credit Hours: 3
• COM 110 - Communication Technology Credit Hours: 3
• COM 212 - Rhetoric Credit Hours: 3 (see General Education below) ^π
• COM 214 - Communication Theory Credit Hours: 2
• COM 301 - Communication, Spirituality, and Service Credit Hours: 3
• COM 324 - Web Content and Management Credit Hours: 3 *
• COM 399 - Communications Portfolio Credit Hours: 1
• COM 415 - Design Thinking Credit Hours: 3
• COM 480 - Senior Seminar Credit Hours: 1 *
• WRT 216 - Writing for the Media Credit Hours: 3

•  

• Choose from the following elective courses to total 9 credit hours

• APR 311 - Corporate Communication Credit Hours: 3 *
• COM 317 - Digital Influence Credit Hours: 1 (may be repeated one time)
• COM 354 - Applied Social Media Credit Hours: 3
• COM 368 - Intercultural Communication Credit Hours: 3
• COM 404 - Persuasion Credit Hours: 3 *
• COM 450 - Internship Credit Hours: 1-4
• Other COM courses may be offered that can apply to this elective section. 

Communication Studies Major Credit Hours 35

General Education

B.A. in Communication Studies Total Credit Hours 120

Symbol Key

^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets a General Education requirement.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.

Communication Studies Program Learning Outcomes

In this program, students develop foundational skills in speaking, writing, and influencing. Graduates are prepared to excel in communication, leadership, and collaboration. The program is ideal for those who want a broad perspective, or who plan to go to graduate school. Working with advisors, students will supplement the major foundation with electives in digital, corporate, or intercultural communication. Students will experience an emphasis on spirituality and service in this program.

COM 212 Rhetoric Requirement for Transfer Students

Students who transfer to SAU or who transfer from a different major at SAU to the communication studies major and have previously taken a public speaking course may fulfill the COM 212 - Rhetoric  requirement with the public speaking course and by taking the 1 credit hour COM 232 - Readings in Rhetoric  course.

Upper-level Course Requirements

Depending on which courses students choose in the communication studies major, they may not acquire 36 upper-level credit hours (numbered 300-499) in their major coursework required for graduation. Students should include upper-level courses where possible to meet graduation requirements.

Program Progress Check

Progress will be assessed by the department at the freshman and sophomore years (first year for transfer students). A cumulative 2.5 GPA and passing the progress check are required to continue in the program.

Study Abroad

Students may substitute coursework from certain off-campus semester or semester abroad programs. Admission to these programs may require applications. Students should consult their academic advisor before proceeding with the application process and to determine which requirements can be satisfied through these programs.

Complementary Programs

Students in the communication studies major are encouraged to select a complementary minor and/or endorsement that will enhance their preparation for future careers.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Students may participate in student media including The Arbor as well as opportunities to create content for clients, chapel, and short films, and to promote department and campus events.

Program Oversight

The communications major is overseen by the Department of Communication. Courses with APR, COM, SPE, and WRT numbers are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the department chair.