Student Learning Outcomes

Students who major in communication studies will learn:

• to understand the rhetorical and historical contexts of communication
• to understand how communication and theories about it have differed over time and place
• to understand the role and impact of media in society
• to understand the nature and practice of persuasion
• to comprehend and demonstrate in practice the fundamental ethical principles of the communication discipline
• to write for a variety of audiences and situations
• to understand their own and others' writing practices
• to edit writing
• to be computer literate
• to understand, evaluate, and respond appropriately to others' communication
• to speak well in public

To meet these objectives, all majors must demonstrate proficiency in a number of competencies that form the core of the communication studies major.

Written Communication Competency: COMM 204 (Composition Theory and Practice)
Media Literacy Competency: COMM 210 (Media and Society)
Oral Communication Competency: COMM 230 (Public Speaking)
Theoretical Competency: COMM 325 (Art of Persuasion)
Capstone Experience: COMM 498 (Senior Seminar)
Experiential Learning Component: Either three credits of COMM 205/206 (Practicum) or COMM 480 (Internship)

Students then choose a concentration or may pursue an individualized degree in consultation with a COMM advisor.  Lastly, students choose two elective courses in communication or approved cognate areas.  During the fall of their senior year, students will assemble and present a portfolio of their work to be judged by the communication faculty as a whole.