Communications

Degree

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
School of Arts and Humanities

Contact

Sarah Gorham, M.F.A., M.A.T.
Assistant Academic Director, School of Arts and Humanities
sgorham@une.edu

Michael Cripps, Ph.D.
Academic Director, School of Arts and Humanities
mcripps@une.edu

 

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications is to provide exceptional and supportive faculty and to offer relevant curricula that will help prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world. More specifically, the degree strives to:

  • Prepare students for ethically and socially responsible roles in their chosen professions and society
  • Develop in students the ability to recognize, analyze, and solve problems
  • Help students achieve their personal and career goals
  • Prepare students for entry-level positions in either the private or public sector and/or to prepare students for coursework at the graduate level

Curricular Requirements

CAS Core Requirements (MAT 120 Recommended)Credits
Total Credits42–43
Program Required CoursesCredits
ART 230 – Graphic Design3
CMM 110 – Intro to Communications3
CMM 122 – Oral Communication or SPC 100 – Effective Public Speaking3
CMM 210 – Understanding Media3
CMM 300 – Documentary Video3
CMM 311 – Digital Video Production3
CMM 320 – Intercultural Communication or CMM 416 – Global Communication3
CMM 410 – Writing for the Screen3
CMM 430 – Internship in Communication3
LIL 420 – Arts & Humanities Capstone3
Six (6) credits of program-specific electives from List A6
Six (6) credits of program-specific electives from List A or List B6
Total Credits42
Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits)Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

Program-Specific Elective Options

List A ElectivesCredits
CMM 130 – Media Literacy3
CMM 135 – Evolution of Television3
CMM 170 – Evolution of Documentary Film3
CMM 201 – Digital Media & Software Tools3
CMM 211 – Introduction to Journalism3
CMM 220 – Organizational Communication3
CMM 225 – Topics in Digital Storytelling3
CMM 240 – Social Media: Theory & Practice3
CMM 305 – Public Relations in the Digital Age3
CMM 340 – Women and Film3
CMM 350 – Video Game Studies3
CMM 411 – Communication Law & Regulation3
CMM 420 – Senior Project3
WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Communication3
WRT 304 – Read & Write in Digital Env.3
WRT 317 – Proposal and Grant Writing3
List B ElectivesCredits
ART 105 – Elements of Acting3
ART 106 – Two-Dimensional Design3
ART 111 – Scientific Illustration3
ART 214 – Color Digital Photography3
ART 234 – Digital Animation3
BUMK 200 – Marketing3
BUMK 310 – Advertising3
ENG 110 – English Composition4
ENG 140 – Indigenous Film and Literature3
ENG 208 – Narrative Medicine & Writing3
ENV 321 – Env Comm: Expert Prac Eco3
HIS 150 – Telling Tales of the Past3
HIS 295 – Medicine and the Media3
LIL 120 – Intro Arts & Humanities Sem3

Academic and Technical Standards

  • Communication majors must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
  • Communication minors must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

Learning Outcomes

The program goals of the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications are strongly focused on providing our students with the oral, written, technical and critical thinking skills that are necessary for them to function effectively in the professional world and their personal lives. Learning outcomes for the degree relate to the teaching of communication skills and practices that extend across different communication contexts. The learning outcomes listed here are built upon the core competencies that are inherent in each course required for the degree.

  • Demonstrate oral communication skills expected of a future professional in the field.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Effectively speak in public settings.
    • Apply advanced decision-making processes within groups.
    • Negotiate and collaborate effectively.
  • Demonstrate written communication skills expected of a future professional in the field.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Write for specific purposes and situations.
    • Write informatively, persuasively and clearly.
  • Use current technology related to the communication field effectively and ethically.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Use a range of applications software effectively.
    • Use communication technology effectively and ethically in a professional setting.
    • Understand the limitations of technology.
  • Competently employ digital media in professional settings as an effective communication tool. Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Have a working knowledge of media story structure.
    • Create media content that communicates effectively using a variety of tools.
    • Contribute to the production of media content by serving in different roles and working effectively in teams.

Minor

The Minor in Communications examines questions about society, business, and communication practices with critical attention to the newest media and computer-related technologies. Students will explore communications theory and also learn how to communicate effectively using a full range of media channels including new media technology. Upon completion of the minor, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history and evolution of communication and the role of societies and institutions in shaping communications.
  • Articulate and apply the theories and best practices for the use and presentation of images and digital information including audio and video.
  • Apply tools and technologies used in the communications professions.
Program Required CoursesCredits
CMM 110 – Intro to Communications3
CMM 210 – Understanding Media3
Six (6) credits of Communication Theory Electives6
Six (6) credits of Communication Practice Electives6
Minimum Total Required Credits18

Program Specific Elective Options

Communication Theory ElectivesCredits
CMM 130 – Media Literacy3
CMM 135 – Evolution of Television3
CMM 220 – Organizational Communication or WRT 233 – Professional and Technical Communication3
CMM 240 – Social Media: Theory & Practice3
CMM 305 – Public Relations in the Digital Age3
CMM 320 – Intercultural Communication or CMM 416 – Global Communication3
CMM 340 – Women and Film3
CMM 350 – Video Game Studies3
CMM 411 – Communication Law & Regulation3
Communication Practice ElectivesCredits
BUMK 200 – Marketing3
BUMK 310 – Advertising3
CMM 122 – Oral Communication or SPC 100 – Effective Public Speaking3
CMM 201 – Digital Media & Software Tools or ART 230 – Graphic Design3
CMM 211 – Introduction to Journalism3
CMM 225 – Topics in Digital Storytelling3
CMM 300 – Documentary Video3
CMM 311 – Digital Video Production3
CMM 410 – Writing for the Screen3
CMM 420 – Senior Project3
CMM 430 – Internship in Communication3
LIL 420 – Arts & Humanities Capstone3
WRT 304 – Read & Write in Digital Env.3
WRT 317 – Proposal and Grant Writing3

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant scholarly, creative, or experiential activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor. 

Transfer Credit

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Admissions

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.