Catalog 2012-2013

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Communication Studies (B.A.)

BA-AH COM

Communication Department

Bachelor of Arts (HEGIS 0601)

Bishop Hall 210 (716) 878-6008

This major allows students much flexibility to tailor a program of theory-based and applied courses. It meets the needs of students preferring a generalist approach to communication, as well as for students seeking a more academic, less applied approach. Compare this major with journalism, media production, and public communication. Like these other majors within the Communication Department, the Communication Studies major adheres to the standards of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Career Opportunities: Students in Communication Studies prepare for careers in organizational communication, research, media analysis, public relations, lobbying, speechwriting, fundraising, and other fields that require a liberal arts education enhanced with communication expertise. The major also provides a base for graduate education in communication, law, management, and other professional areas.

The profile of a successful communication studies graduate is a person with strong writing and speaking proficiency, keen ethical insight, competence in analyzing and thinking critically, and skill in working effectively both independently and in teams.

Admission Requirements: Incoming freshman and transfer students can declare the major. A 2.6 in the major is needed to register for certain required upper-division courses (300- and 400-level).

See www.buffalostate.edu/communication for application forms and additional information, including a list of equivalent core courses at community colleges. Transfer students from two-year schools may apply only core courses toward this major for a maximum of 12 credits. Students generally require four semesters of study after completing communication core courses.

Academic Standards: Only grades of C or higher may be applied toward requirements for any communication degree; courses with lower grades must be repeated. Consistent with standards of the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the number of communication courses that students may take is capped, encouraging a broad-based liberal arts education. The department encourages students to take minors or second majors, and requires evidence of an academic concentration or area of expertise outside the Communication Department.

A. Communication Core (12 cr)

Note: Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.6 in the major to register for certain upper-division courses (330- and 400-level).

B. Upper-Level Oral Communication Course (3 cr)

Select one course from the following:

C. Upper-Level Written Communication Course (3 cr)

Select one course from the following:

D. Upper-Level Visual Communication Course (3 cr)

Select one course from the following:

E. Communication Theory and Criticism (6 cr)

Select two courses from the following:

F. Senior Seminar (3 cr)

G. Communication Electives (12 cr)

Academic Road Map for Communication Studies, B.A.

Student Learning Outcomes for Communication Studies, B.A.

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