Communication

About this Major

This major explores the dynamic and evolving field of communication, and allows students to experience a wide array of communication experiences needed to find success in the diverse job market. With courses spanning the corporate, digital marketing, and media worlds, students will be prepared with highly desired skills in the job market today. Offering both online and on-campus courses, this major can be completed on campus or from a distance.

Within this major, students choose an area of focus. The three areas of focus include:

Corporate Concentration: Explores organizational, intercultural, and interpersonal skills in marketing, training, and development.
Digital Media Management Concentration: Explores digital media formats and management while developing skills in public relations, social media management, communication theory and website design.
Journalism and Media Concentration: Explores print, broadcast, and digital communication formats while developing skills in journalism, public relations, digital media, and media convergence.

"This degree is so diverse. You can do so many things with a communication degree (grad school, work force, etc.), so I think it is the perfect degree for those who might even have the smallest interest in Communication." Sarah Monilaws, Communication Major

Jobs with a Communication Degree

- Last year, there were 23,721 regional communication jobs posted. Of all communication jobs posted, 92% require a bachelor’s degree.

With “communication” ranking as the #1 desired skill in job applicants across all industries, effective communicators will always find somewhere they’re wanted for work. Career opportunities with a Communication degree can include:

Public Relations Manager
Content Creator
Event Planner
Social Media Strategist
Radio/TV Announcer
Reporter
Media Planner
Sports Information Director
Corporate Trainer

Practical Experience

You will gain many skills throughout your time in this program including: public speaking confidence, interviewing skills, ability to write for a variety of media, tools for effective interpersonal communication, ability to communicate with people from a variety of cultures, and creating new technology including podcasts, web pages, video streaming, and other digital media.

During your junior or senior year, you will have the opportunity to practice your skills and gain hands-on experiences through an internship. Students have recently completed internships through areas such as television stations, radio stations, newspapers, marketing departments, public relation firms, realty offices and social media management departments.

Contact Information

Department Chair & Faculty Contact

Dr. Shannon VanHorn, shannon.vanhorn@vcsu.edu, (701) 845-7471

Department Location

McFarland Hall 205, (701) 845-7301

Schedule your visit today!

http://visit.vcsu.edu/

(701) 845-7101 or (800) 532-8641

General Education Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
English Composition
Select one of the following:		6
ENGL 110	College Composition I
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
or
ENGL 120	College Composition II
or ENGL 125	Introduction to Professional Writing
ENGL 210	College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Speech Communication
Select one of the following:		3
COMM 110	Fundamentals of Public Speaking
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication
Mathematics
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 103	College Algebra
MATH 104	Finite Mathematics
MATH 107	Precalculus
MATH 110	Mathematics in Society
MATH 165	Calculus I
MATH 210	Elementary Statistics
Lab Science
Select two of the following, one must come from the Natural and Physical Sciences category		8
Natural and Physical Sciences (ND:LABSC)
BIOL 111	Concepts of Biology
BIOL 150	General Biology I
BIOL 151	General Biology II
BIOL 170	General Zoology
CHEM 115	Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 116	Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
CHEM 121	General Chemistry I
CHEM 122	General Chemistry II
GEOL 100	Introduction to Earth Science
GEOL 106	The Earth Through Time
PHYS 100	Concepts of Physics
PHYS 110	Introductory Astronomy
PHYS 211	College Physics I
PHYS 212	College Physics II
PHYS 251	University Physics I
PHYS 252	University Physics II
Additional Sciences (ND:SCI)
PSYC 240	Cognition and Brain Science
TECH 161	Technology, Engineering, and Design
TECH 165	Technology Solutions for Society
Wellness
Select one of the following:		2
HPER 100	Concepts of Fitness and Wellness
HPER 212	Introduction to Stress Management
Computer Science and Literacy
Select one of the following:		3
CIS 147	Principles of Information Security
CIS 170	Introduction to Computer Information Systems ¹
CSCI 120	Introduction to Programming
CSCI 127	Introduction to Programming in Java
CSCI 160	Introduction to Structured Programming I
CSCI 289	Social Implications of Computer Technology ¹
SE 110	Discovering Computing
Humanities
Literacies
Select one of the following:		3
ASL 101	American Sign Language I
ASL 102	American Sign Language II
COMM 211	Oral Interpretation
ENGL 220	Introduction to Literature
ENGL 225	Introduction to Film
ENGL 231	Bible as Literature
ENGL 232	Mythology
ENGL 236	Women and Literature
ENGL 241	World Literature I
ENGL 242	World Literature II
ENGL 261	American Literature I
ENGL 262	American Literature II
HUM 201	Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
PSYC 200	Ethics and Philosophy of Science
SPAN 101	1st Year Spanish I
SPAN 102	1st Year Spanish II
SPAN 201	2nd Year Spanish I
SPAN 202	2nd Year Spanish II
THEA 110	Introduction to Theatre Arts
Art and Music
Select one of the following:		3
ART 110	Introduction to the Visual Arts
ART 115	Introduction to Digital Media
ART 210	Art History I
ART 211	Art History II
ART 233	History of Craft
HUM 202	Fine Arts and Aesthetics
MUS 100	Music Appreciation
MUS 101	Music Fundamentals
MUS 201	World Music
MUS 207	History of Popular/Rock Music
Social Science
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 112	Understanding Media and Social Change
COMM 114	Human Communication
ECON 201	Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 202	Principles of Macroeconomics
GEOG 151	Human Geography
HIST 103	United States to 1877
HIST 104	United States to Present
HIST 211	World Civilizations to 1500
HIST 212	World Civilizations since 1500
HIST 267	Environmental History
HIST 270	Native American Studies
POLS 115	American National Government
POLS 116	State and Local Government
PSYC 111	Introduction to Psychology
SOC 110	Introduction to Sociology
SOC 111	Introduction to Anthropology
Additional Humanities or Social Science
Select one additional course from Humanities or Social Science or select from the following:		2
ART 122	Two-Dimensional Design
ART 130	Drawing I
ART 150	Ceramics I
ART 180	Photography I
GEOG 111	Survey of Geography
MUS 104	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 105	Group Piano for Non-Majors
MUS 130	Valkyries
MUS 131	Concert Choir
MUS 140	Athletic Band
MUS 141	Concert Band
PHYS 275	Planetarium Science
THEA 201	Theatre Practicum
Total Credits		39

¹: Course satisfies the Digital Literacy graduation requirement.

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
COMM 212	Interpersonal Communication	3
COMM 216	Intercultural Communication	3
COMM 312	Gender Communication	3
COMM 360	Group Dynamics	3
COMM 411	Communication Theory	3
COMM 491	Senior Capstone	1
COMM 497	Internship	3
or COMM 487	Field Experience
Total Credits		19

Students Choose from One of the Following Cognates:

Corporate Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
COMM 311	Communication and Interviewing	3
COMM 304	Corporate Training	3
COMM 314	Public Relations	3
COMM 444	Event Planning	3
COMM 483	Organizational Communication	3
Electives
Students should choose 2 COMM courses at 200 level or above in consultation with their advisor		6
Total Credits		21

Journalism & Media Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
COMM 200	Introduction to Media Writing	3
COMM 311	Communication and Interviewing	3
COMM 314	Public Relations	3
COMM 414	Social Media Management	3
COMM 415	Sports Information	3
Electives
Students should choose 2 COMM courses at 200 level or above in consultation with their advisor		6
Total Credits		21

Digital Media Management Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
COMM 200	Introduction to Media Writing	3
COMM 314	Public Relations	3
COMM 315	Digital Communication	3
COMM 414	Social Media Management	3
COMM 444	Event Planning	3
Electives
Students should choose 2 COMM courses at 200 level or above in consultation with their advisor		6
Total Credits		21

Total General Education 39 Hrs
Total Major Requirement 19 Hrs
Total Concentration Requirement 21 Hrs
Total Credits Needed to Graduate 120 Hrs

Note: This major requires a minor

For degree and graduation requirements, visit degree requirements and graduation requirements.

Corporate Concentration

o Communication students working on a group project at the outside Gazebo on campus.

This concentration in the Communication major explores organizational, intercultural, and interpersonal skills in marketing, training, and development. This major provides background for public relations, corporate training, organizational communication, and professional public speaking, as well as continued education in communication. The wide variety of classes, combined with an internship, make these graduates highly marketable in today’s job market. Examples of projects you may complete with this major are the creation of training and public relations materials, group problem-solving, service learning projects along with development and implementation of marketing plans.

Alumni from our program work in a variety of fields and positions. Students graduating with this major will be prepared for a variety of careers including:

Corporate trainer
Executive recruiter
Admission counselor
Motivational speaker
Marketing manager
Communication consultant
Corporate education developer
Technical writer and researcher
Special events coordinator
Corporate spokesperson

Plan of Study - Corporate Concentration

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3	COMM 212	3
COMM 110 (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	MATH 104 (Gen Ed)	3
	14		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3	Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
COMM 216	3	COMM 312	3
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3	Directed Elective	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	Elective (Consult Advisor)	3
Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 304	3	COMM 314	3
COMM 311	3	COMM 444	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	Directed Elective	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 360	3	COMM 411	3
COMM 497	3	COMM 483	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	COMM 491	1
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Directed Elective	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
		Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	15		16
Total Credits 120

Digital Media Management Concentration

Picture of student in the social media room.

This concentration in the Communication major explores digital media formats and management while developing skills in public relations, social media management, communication theory and website design. This program is offered both face-to-face and completely online. The wide variety of classes, combined with an internship, make graduates highly marketable in today’s job market. Alumni from our program work in a variety of fields and positions.

Examples of projects you may complete with this major are digital public relations projects for clientele, creation of public relations materials for organizations, creation and management of a digital media campaign and web page development.

Students graduating with this major will be prepared for a variety of careers including:

Social media manager
Public relations practitioner
Advertising and marketing specialist
Public affairs officer
Director of media relations
Multi-media writer
Media sales representative
Campaign director
Professional blogger
Digital media manager

Plan of Study - Digital Media Management Concentration

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3	COMM 212	3
COMM 110 (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
COMM 212	3	HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	MATH 104 (Gen Ed)	3
	13		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 200	3	COMM 312	3
Directed Elective	3	Directed Elective	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	Elective (Consult Advisor)	3
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3	COMM 314	3
COMM 360	3	COMM 444	3
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Directed Elective	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 315	3	Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
COMM 497	3	COMM 411	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	COMM 414	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	COMM 491	1
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	15		13
Total Credits 117

Journalism and Media Concentration

o VCSU student intern with camera equipment and video editing software with the Director of Sports Information.

This concentration in the Communication major explores print, broadcast, and digital communication formats while developing skills in journalism, public relations, digital media, and media convergence. This program is offered both face-to-face and completely online. The wide variety of classes, combined with an internship, make these graduates highly marketable in today’s job market.

Examples of projects you may complete with this major are analysis and application of concepts from movies or television programming, creation of public relations materials for organizations, beat reporting, web page development and creation of digital media.

Alumni from our program work in a variety of fields and positions. Students graduating with this major will be prepared for a variety of careers including:

Newspaper reporter
Public relations practitioner
Advertising and marketing specialist
Public affairs officer
Director of media relations
Multimedia writer
Media sales representative
Campaign director
Research specialist
Columnist

Plan of Study - Journalism Concentration

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CIS 170 (Gen Ed)	3	COMM 212	3
COMM 110 (Gen Ed)	3	ENGL 125 (Gen Ed)	3
ENGL 110 (Gen Ed)	3	HPER 100 (Gen Ed)	2
Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4	Lab Science (Gen Ed)	4
UNIV 150	1	MATH 104 (Gen Ed)	3
	14		15
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 200	3	COMM 312	3
COMM 216	3	COMM 314	3
Directed Elective	3	Directed Elective	3
Literacies (Gen Ed)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
Social Science (Gen Ed)	3	Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Art and Music (Gen Ed)	3	COMM 414	3
COMM 311	3	COMM 415	3
COMM 360	3	Elective (Consult Advisor)	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
COMM 497	3	Additional Humanities or Social Science (Gen Ed)	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	COMM 411	3
Elective (Consult Advisor)	3	COMM 491	1
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Elective (Consult Advisor)	3
Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3	Minor Course (Consult Advisor)	3
	15		13
Total Credits 117

Please note: This plan is intended for general information only. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor each semester before registration.

Learning Outcomes

Practices professional and ethical communication strategically
Researches, evaluates, and synthesizes information effectively
Engages in and appreciates diverse thoughts and ideas
Competently works well with others in interpersonal and group situations