Strategic Communication and Media, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Our program maintains the tradition of study of communication as a liberal art and recognizes the often-blurred boundaries among communication specialties. Since communication underlies all human pursuits, it's necessary for you to be prepared with the ethical standards to preserve the ideals of democratic free expression. Your ability to produce, distribute, analyze and critically consume communication will be developed through your coursework. SRU also offers an integrated minor in Communication.
WHY CHOOSE COMMUNICATION STUDIES?
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is organized so that you can, in collaboration with your advisor, develop a program of study that best suits your interests. The degree requirements are flexible, allowing transfer students and those who change majors to complete a Communication Studies degree in four years.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will learn about the historical development of the practice and study of human communication. You will gain a working knowledge of the concepts and principles that underlie all forms of human communication. You will develop an understanding of how these concepts and principles apply to a variety of specific communication contexts, including interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass media, and intercultural settings.
Your coursework will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively in both personal and professional settings. You will understand the principles of interpersonal and group dynamics and will develop effective small group work behaviors. In doing so, you will develop effective communication strategies that include oral, written, visual, and electronic skills.
CAREERS IN COMMUNICATION
When you graduate with a major in Communication Studies from SRU, you be able to demonstrate proficiency in skills relevant to obtaining an entry-level position in a wide range of communication-related positions.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
- Lamda Pi Eta
- PRSSA
- The Rocket
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Strategic COMMUNICATION and media, BA
- Research & Analysis: Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in research and analysis relevant to the communication discipline. (SRU SLO 2)
- Applied Skills: 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. (SRU SLO 1, SRU SLO 5, SRU SLO 10)
- Advanced Skills: Knowledge of Communication Discipline: Develop knowledge and understanding of the history, evolution, and fundamental theories of the discipline of communication. (SRU SLO 5, SRU SLO 8)
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT, OVERALL
- Writing competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to write and present messages clearly and effectively. (SRU SLO 1)
- Ethics and legal issues: Students will understand ethical and legal issues facing communicators in the 21st century. (SRU SLO 8)
- Research and analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement research studies and critically analyze research data. (SRU SLO 2)
RELATED LINKS
CURRICULUM GUIDE
GPA REQUIREMENT
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
SUMMARY*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 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 2 REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 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
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
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 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Communication & Media Core | ||
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 242 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 413 | Communication Theory 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Strategic Communication & Media 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 | ||
| Persuasion 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Strategic Communication & Media Electives | ||
| Select any five additional Strategic Communication & Media courses. At least 2 must be at the 300-level or above. 1 | 15 | |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| 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
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA- BA (2 15)
This program is effective as of Summer 2024
Revision date: 05.16.2024
UCC: 04.16.2024
RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts | 3 |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 200 | Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MODL 101 | Modern Language Requirement | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| MODL 102 | Modern Language Requirement | 3 |
| SCI 101 or SCI 102 |
Science of Life or Understanding the Physical World |
3 |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communication Elective | 3 | |
| MODL 103 | 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** | 118 | |
- 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.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
Major Code: 2 15
Revision date: 05.03.2022
** 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.