DEPARTMENT OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

Major in Speech Communication | Minor in Speech Communication | Speech Communication with Secondary Teaching Certification | Speech Communication with Elementary Teaching Certification

Course Descriptions

Chair: J. Donald Ragsdale (936) 294-1848

Faculty: Rick Bello, Frances Brandau-Brown, Patricia Capps, Mary Evelyn Collins, Debbi Hatton, Terry Thibodeaux, Shaun Zhang

Information: (936)294-1848; 212C Dan Rather Communications Building

Website: www.shsu.edu/~scm_www

Speech communication is the modern heir to one of the world’s oldest disciplines. Its connection to thought and language is fundamental, and its primacy in marriage and the family, in obtaining employment, and in advancing a career regardless of one’s field are well documented.

Mission

Speech Communication students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication. They also study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the intricacies of argumentation and debate, the details of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, the dynamics of communication in the family, the principles of persuasion, and both historical and contemporary speakers and theories of rhetoric and communication.

Academic Programs

• BA in Speech Communication
• Teacher Certification

Highlights

The Department of Speech Communication provides a rich climate in which to pursue the study of communication. All classrooms are equipped with VHS/DVD playback, television monitors, and Internet-connected computers, and have software available for media-based presentations.

Suggested Minors

There is no preferred minor for Speech Communication. Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career needs. Common minors include English, History, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Career Opportunities

The Department of Speech Communication offers coursework which provides for a wide variety of career choices; however, its focus is on family communication. Faculty members and students have ongoing research programs into such areas as relationship maintenance and repair in the family and child and family advocacy. The program is actively involved in advising students about course sequences available to prepare them for careers in public and private agencies which specialize in family matters.

Speech Communication graduates enter a variety of fields, including teaching at all levels, public advocacy and public relations, governmental relations, the ministry, motivational speaking, and website development and marketing. Some become ministers and motivational speakers. Many continue their studies in Speech Communication graduate programs and in law schools.

Student Organizations

Students may take advantage of the department’s student organization, National Communication Association Sam Houston (NCASH). The department is also home to the Lambda Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association.

Internships

The department offers internship opportunities for qualified students through SCM 477 (described below).

Scholarships

The Department of Speech Communication offers several scholarships. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year. Contact the Speech Communication Chair for information and applications.

Curriculum

Speech Communication students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication. They also study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the intricacies of argumentation and debate, the dynamics of communication in the family, the principles of persuasion, and both historical and contemporary speakers and theories of rhetoric and communication.

Required Courses for Major
Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Speech Communication must complete at least 33 hours of credit in Speech Communication (SCM) courses, including at least 15 hours of advanced courses in the program. To satisfy the foreign language requirement, all hours must be taken in the same language. All students must take the following courses: SCM 161, 231, 286, 481,486.

Major in Speech Communication
Bachelor of Arts

* Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind.

Minor in Speech Communication

Students choosing a minor in Speech Communication must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including SCM 161, SCM 231, 286, and at least 6 advanced hours.

Speech Communication with
Secondary Teaching Certification

Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Speech Communication as the major (first teaching area) must complete the same requirements as for the major listed above, with the addition of SCM 490 (as part of the 33 SCM hours for the major) and RTV 178. Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Speech Communication as the minor (second teaching area) must complete 24 SCM hours. In addition to the requirements for the non-teaching minor listed above, SCM secondary education minors must complete an additional 6 advanced credit hours, including SCM 490, for a total of 12 advanced hours of the 24 SCM hours.

Speech Communication with
Elementary Teaching Certification

Students seeking Elementary Teacher Certification in Texas with a Specialization in Speech Communication must complete 24 SCM hours. Required courses include: SCM 131, 233, 286, 384, and 9 hours advanced SCM electives.

Course Descriptions:

• Speech Communication (SCM)