Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Slippery Rock University

Strategic Communication and Media, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Strategic COMMUNICATION and media, BA

  • Research & Analysis: Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in research and analysis relevant to the communication discipline.
  • 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.
  • Advanced Skills: Knowledge of Communication Discipline: 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.
  • Ethics and legal issues: Students will understand ethical and legal issues facing communicators in the 21st century. 
  • Research and analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement research studies and critically analyze research data. 

RELATED LINKS

Strategic Communication and Media, BA Program Page

Strategic Communication and Media Department Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

CURRICULUM GUIDE

GPA REQUIREMENT

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

SUMMARY*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Modern Language Requirement0-9
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Computer Competency0-3
Major Requirements39
Electives39

* 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

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Sciences Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Total Hours42
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.

Complete 0-9 credits0-9
Total Hours0-9

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.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

Computer Competency

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 Hours0-3

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 110COMM 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
Strategic Communication & Media Core
COMM 110Communication Concepts 1,23
COMM 310Communication Research Methods 1,23
COMM 413Communication Theory 13
COMM 497Senior Capstone Seminar 13
Subtotal12
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 1,2
Persuasion 1
Subtotal9
Strategic Communication & Media Electives
Select any six additional Strategic Communication & Media courses. At least 2 must be at the 300-level or above.18
Subtotal18
Total Hours39
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 2022
Revision date: 04.15.22
UCC: 3.1.2022

RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
COMM 110 Communication Concepts 3
Communication Elective 3
ENGL 102 Critical Writing 3
ESAP 101 FYRST Seminar * 1
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 3
Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry 3
 Hours16
Spring
COMM 200 Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice 3
Communication Elective 3
ENGL 104 Critical Reading 3
MATH 117 Quantitative Reasoning 3
MODL 101Modern Language Requirement
 Hours12
Second Year
Fall
Communication Elective 3
MODL 102Modern Language Requirement 3
SCI 101
Science of Life
or Understanding the Physical World
3
Social Science Inquiry 3
Elective 3
Declare a Thematic Thread 2
 Hours15
Spring
Communication Elective 3
MODL 103Modern Language Requirement 3
Humanities Inquiry 3
SCI 102
Understanding the Physical World
or Science of Life
3
Elective 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall
COMM 310 Communication Research Methods 3
Communication Elective 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 6
Electives 3
 Hours15
Spring
Communication Studies Requirement 3
Communication Elective 3
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Electives 6
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Communication Studies Requirement 6
Thematic Thread Requirement 3
Electives 6
 Hours15
Spring
COMM 413 Communication Theory 3
COMM 497 Senior Capstone Seminar 3
Electives 9
 Hours15
 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.