BA in Communication Studies | BS in Communication Studies | Minor in Communication Studies | Course Descriptions
Chair: J. Donald Ragsdale (936) 294-1848
Faculty: Rick Bello, Frances Brandau-Brown, Patricia Capps, Debbi Hatton, Terry Thibodeaux, Shaun Zhang
Information: (936)294-1497; 212C Dan Rather Communications Building
Website: www.shsu.edu/~commstudies_www
Communication Studies 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
Communication Studies 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.
Academic Programs
BA in Communication Studies
BS in Communication Studies
Teacher Certification
Highlights
The Department of Communication Studies 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 Communication Studies. Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career needs. Common minors include English, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
Career Opportunities
The Department of Communication Studies 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 in such areas as relationship maintenance and repair and visual persuasion. 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.
Communication Studies 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 Communication Studies graduate programs and in law schools.
Student Organizations
Students may take advantage of the department’s student organization, Speakeasies. 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 COM 477 <COMS 4377> (described below).
Scholarships
The Department of Communication Studies offers several scholarships. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Major
Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Communication Studies (COM <COMS>) 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: COM 161 <COMS 1361>, COM 231 <COMS 2331>, COM 286 <COMS 2386>, COM 481 <COMS 4381>, COM 486 <COMS 4386>.
COM 282 <COMS 2382> does not count toward the 30 hour requirement for majors. COM 384 <COMS 3384> does not count toward the 30 hour requirement for majors unless the student is seeking teacher certification.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts |
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Major in Communication Studies |
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SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 |
|
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 |
|
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences with labs) | 8 |
|
| Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) | 9 |
|
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
|
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
|
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| PHL <PHIL> elective | 3 |
Freshman |
| Fine Arts Course | 3 |
|
| Foreign Language (one field) | 14 |
|
| Major Core | ||
| COM 161 <COMS 1361> | 3 |
|
| COM 231 <COMS 2331> | 3 |
|
| COM 286 <COMS 2386> | 3 |
|
| COM 481 <COMS 4381> | 3 |
|
| COM 486 <COMS 4386> | 3 |
|
| Major | ||
| Electives (Advanced) | 15 |
|
| Minor (required) | 18 |
|
| Electives | 10 |
|
| Total Hours: | 120 |
|
| Notes: Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind. | ||
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies
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Bachelor of Science
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Major in Communication Studies |
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SHSU Course Number |
Hours |
Recommended Sequence |
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Component Area I (Communication) | 6 |
|
| Component Area II (Mathematics) | 3 |
|
| Component Area III (Natural Sciences with labs) | 8 |
|
| Component Area IV (Humanities/Visual/Performing Arts) | 9 |
|
| Component Area V (Social/Behavioral Sciences) | 15 |
|
| Component Area VI (Institutionally Designated Option) | 1 |
|
| Degree Specific Requirements | ||
| MTH <MATH> or CS <COSC> elective | 3 |
Somphomore |
| PHL <PHIL> | 3 |
Junior |
| Natural Sciences | 8 |
|
| Major Core | ||
| COM 161 <COMS 1361> | 3 |
|
| COM 231 <COMS 2331> | 3 |
|
| COM 286 <COMS 2386> | 3 |
|
| COM 481 <COMS 4381> | 3 |
|
| COM 486 <COMS 4386> | 3 |
|
| Major | ||
| Electives (Advanced) | 21 |
|
| Minor (required) | 18-24 |
|
| Electives | 10 |
|
| Total Hours: | 120 |
|
| Notes: Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind. | ||
Minor in Communication Studies
Students choosing a minor in Communication Studies must complete at least 18 hours in the program, including COM 161 <COMS 1361>, COM 231 <COMS 2331>, COM 286 <COMS 2386>, and at least 6 advanced hours.
Communication Studies with
Secondary Teaching Certification
Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Communication Studies as the major (first teaching area) must complete the same requirements as for the major listed above, with the addition of COM 490 <COMS 4390> (as part of the 30 COM <COMS> hours for the major) and MCM 130 <MCOM 1330>. COM 282 <COMS 2382> does not count toward the 30 hour requirement for majors.
Students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Texas with Communication Studies as the minor (second teaching area) must complete 24 COM <COMS> hours. In addition to the requirements for the non-teaching minor listed above, COM <COMS> secondary education minors must complete an additional 6 advanced credit hours, including COM 490 <COMS 4390>, for a total of 12 advanced hours of the 24 COM <COMS> hours.