Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Department
Academic Affairs
- Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2011.
- Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120.
- Required credits within the major: 63.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science.
The B.S. in communication prepares students to be effective communicators in many professional settings. Graduates can expect to find or create jobs in areas such as general corporate management, human resources, marketing, public relations, sports information, and technical communication. Communication graduates also may hold jobs as communication consultants, communication directors, event planners, political campaign leaders, public affairs officers, public information officers, publication designers and editors, speech writers, and online content managers.
The program provides transferable skills by emphasizing communication theory and practice in the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages. Students use communication strategies to create publications (newsletters, brochures, flyers, news releases, communication plans), design online resources, plan events, and manage projects.
The concentration area lets students select courses to focus their professional career preparation.
Program outcomes: students will demonstrate
- proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing professional contexts
- technology proficiencies in computer applications
- critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication
- proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership
- understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in professional contexts
- awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions Web site.
All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the graduation requirements.
Students must complete 40 upper division credits.
Liberal Education Requirements
A minimum of 40 liberal education credits required. Students must complete the 10 goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with the following specific liberal education courses required:
COMP 1011 - Composition I, COMMUNICAT (3.0 cr)
COMP 1013 - Composition II, COMMUNICAT (3.0 cr)
SPCH 1101 - Public Speaking, COMMUNICAT (3.0 cr)
Technology Requirements
Take 3 credits of any CA courses.
CA 1xxx
Communication Core
Communication Core - 27 credits
COMM 3000 - Communication Theory (3.0 cr)
COMM 3001 - Communication in Human Relationships, HUMAN DIV (3.0 cr)
COMM 3258 - Research Methods in Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 3303 - Writing in Your Profession (3.0 cr)
COMM 3431 - Persuasion (3.0 cr)
COMM 3704 - Business and Professional Speaking (3.0 cr)
COMM 3900 - Internship (3.0 cr)
COMM 4703 - Communication Ethics (3.0 cr)
COMM 4704 - Organizational Communication (3.0 cr)
Concentration Courses
Select 18 credits in consultation with an adviser, focusing on a defined area of study.
Communication Electives
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
COMM 2002 - Interpersonal and Group Processes (3.0 cr)
COMM 2223 - English Grammar and Usage (3.0 cr)
COMM 2334 - Communication Topics (3.0 cr)
COMM 2434 - Oral Interpretation and Performance Techniques, HUMANITIES (3.0 cr)
COMM 3008 - Business Writing (3.0 cr)
COMM 3537 - Visual Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 3804 - Individual Studies (1.0-3.0 cr)
COMM 3855 - Topics in Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 4800 - Crisis Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 4802 - Publication Design and Management (3.0 cr)
COMM 4900 - Public Relations (3.0 cr)
Technology Electives
Choose 6 credits from Computer Application (CA) courses.
Open Electives
Students must take enough Open Electives credits to satisfy the 120 credit graduation requirement.
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Department
Academic Affairs
- Minor Related to a Major
- Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2011.
- Required credits in this minor: 18.
The communication minor complements all UMC degree programs by preparing students to be effective communicators in any profession. The minor emphasizes communication theory and practice as well as the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages.
The minor provides students with the flexibility to select courses that enhance their professional career preparations.
Program outcomes: students will
- demonstrate proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing in the profession
- demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication
- demonstrate proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership
- demonstrate understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in the profession
- demonstrate awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups
Required Courses (12 cr)
COMM 3000 - Communication Theory (3.0 cr)
COMM 3001 - Communication in Human Relationships, HUMAN DIV (3.0 cr)
COMM 3303 - Writing in Your Profession (3.0 cr)
COMM 3704 - Business and Professional Speaking (3.0 cr)
Electives (6 cr minimum)
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
COMM 2002 - Interpersonal and Group Processes, COMMUNICAT (3.0 cr)
COMM 2223 - English Grammar and Usage (3.0 cr)
COMM 2334 - Communication Topics (3.0 cr)
COMM 2434 - Oral Interpretation and Performance Techniques, HUMANITIES (3.0 cr)
COMM 3008 - Business Writing (3.0 cr)
COMM 3431 - Persuasion (3.0 cr)
COMM 3537 - Visual Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 3804 - Individual Studies (1.0-3.0 cr)
COMM 3855 - Topics in Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 3900 - Internship (3.0 cr)
COMM 4703 - Communication Ethics (3.0 cr)
COMM 4704 - Organizational Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 4800 - Crisis Communication (3.0 cr)
COMM 4802 - Publication Design and Management (3.0 cr)
COMM 4900 - Public Relations (3.0 cr)
SOC 3001- Social and Behavioral Science Research Methods (3.0 cr)
