Communication Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Learning Outcomes
Communication Studies, BA
- Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in research and analysis relevant to the communication discipline.
- Develop additional communication competencies through course selection within their degree requirements and through free electives. These additional competencies may include: Design skills, Media Production skills; Intercultural Skills, Journalistic skills, and Public Relations writing skills; or skills related to a minor program of study.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the history, evolution, and fundamental theories of the discipline of Communication.
Strategic Communication and Media Department, Overall
- Writing competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to write and present messages clearly and effectively.
- Context of the field: Students will understand the history, concepts, and principles of the field and critically apply these elements to current issues within the discipline.
- Career readiness: Students will demonstrate proficiency in message production required for entry-level positions in the field.
- Ethics and legal issues: Students will understand ethical and legal issues facing communicators in the 21st century.
Related Links
Communication Studies, BA Program Page
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Computer Competency | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 39 | |
| Electives | 39 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | University Seminar 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| 1 | Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject. |
| 2 | From at least 3 Categories; no more than 6 credits from one department; 6 credits must be 300-level or above |
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Computer Competency
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate "computer competency" by one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Pass Computer Competency Exam OR | ||
Select one of the following at SRU or another post-secondary institution: | ||
| Introduction to Computing for Liberal Arts | ||
| Computer Concepts | ||
| Introduction to Computing and Programming | ||
| Technology for Wellness | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
Major Requirements
- Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in COMM 110, COMM 310, and COMM 413. At least 40 % (48 hours) of the entire degree and 50% (20 hours) of courses in the major must consist of upper level coursework.
- Students must complete 50% of credits required for the major from a PASSHE university.
- 20 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 20 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Core | ||
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 413 | Communication Theory 1 | 3 |
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Communication Studies Requirements | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | 9 | |
| Small Group Communication 1 | ||
| Communication and Media Ethics 1 | ||
| Argumentation 1 | ||
| Interpersonal Communication 1 | ||
| Organizational Communication 1 | ||
| Communication Law 1,2 | ||
| Persuasion 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Communication Electives | ||
| Select any six additional Communication courses. At least 2 must be at the 300-level or above. | 18 | |
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 39 | |
| 1 | Course counts for 50% of Major and Major GPA |
| 2 | A grade of 'C' or higher must be earned in these courses |
| * | Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course. |
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
COMMUNICATION - BA (2 14)
This program is effective as of Fall 2019.
Revision date: 10.28.21
UCC RISP 2019
Recommended Four-year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| SUBJ 139 | University Seminar 1 | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts | 3 |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| INDS 101 | FYRST Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 200 | Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3 | |
| SCI 101 or SCI 102 |
Science of Life or Understanding the Physical World |
3 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| SCI 102 or SCI 101 |
Understanding the Physical World or Science of Life |
3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 6 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communication Studies Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Communication Studies Requirement | 6 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 413 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 121 | |
| 1 | Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject. |
| 2 | Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year. Click here to declare a thread. |
| * | Students are encouraged to take INDS 101 as a Free Elective. |
Major Code: 2 14
Revision date: 11.18.20
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.