Communication studies prepare students to participate in the professional, social, and civic life in an ethical, intellectually curious, and engaged manner. The discipline of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media.
Students who complete the major will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication research paradigms; media industry structure and practices; prevailing criticism of media practice and performance; media influence on individuals and groups; the interplay of media systems in a global context; roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; conventions of public address and advocacy; and the impact and ethics of persuasion.
Students will be able to think critically; develop and present arguments; communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; and invent, arrange, and deliver effective and ethical messages via oral, print, and electronic modes.
Journalism Option:
The Journalism AS option offers practical experience and coursework to develop students’ writing and reporting skills for broadcast, print, online, and emerging media. Students will create original content for publication as well as analyze and critique mass media. Students will gain additional experience through placement in internship programs. This option prepares students for employment or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the Communication discipline and its central questions
- Employ Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts
- Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context
- Critically analyze messages
- Apply ethical communication principles and practices
- Influence public discourse
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