Communications Program

Amplify your career

The Communications Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media (JDM).

The JDM Check Sheet lists the courses you must complete to earn this degree. It includes both General Education courses, which students usually take as freshmen and sophomores, and Journalism and Digital Media courses, which students usually take as juniors and seniors. 

The check sheet details when courses are offered, how many credits each is worth, and whether you must pass a related class before enrolling in the course.

If you want to complete your degree in four years, power through the JDM four-year plan schedule of classes. 

Internships

An internship is an off-campus, part-time placement in a professional setting where you gain practical experience in your career path or interests in the communications field.

All JDM majors must complete an internship to graduate. Internship policies are explained in the Internship Handbook.

About our courses 

Foundation and career development

COM 2200. Introduction to Mass Communication (I; 3): This course introduces students to the history, theories, and models of the mass communication process; and the structure, dynamics, and effects of print and electronic media on the individual and society. The course includes discussions of the structure and development of minority and international media with an emphasis on social, cultural, economic, and political implications. Prerequisite: ENG 1102. Equivalent to TAG OCM0006.

COM 2230. Professional Development (I, II; 1): This course covers professional ethics, etiquette, and dress. Students learn job search strategies, networking skills, and interview techniques. They learn how to write a cover letter and resume. They also learn how to research graduate schools, prepare for the graduate exam, and apply to graduate school.

COM 2272. Principles of Electronic Media (II; 3): This course introduces students to the history, characteristics, and practices of major electronic media including radio, television, movies, the internet, and other telecommunications. Prerequisite: COM 2200.

COM 3894. Practicum in Journalism and Electronic Media: (I, II; 1): The practicum is an on-campus pre-professional activity related to the student’s career path or interests in the field of communication. Prerequisites: COM 2200, 2219, and permission of the program director. Total practicum hours may not exceed two credit hours toward graduation. Required of all majors and for graduation.

COM 4447. Media Law and Ethics (II; 3): This course covers the history and structure of media regulation and its socio-political ramifications. It includes extensive discussion of First Amendment rights and ethical issues relating to mass media. Prerequisites: COM 2200 and COM 3319 or permission of the instructor.

COM 4895. Senior Capstone and Portfolio Assessment (II; 3): This course is a 192 comprehensive assessment of student knowledge and work in the major field. Students complete a professional-quality portfolio under the direction of a faculty member. Required of all majors and for graduation. Prerequisite: Senior status.

COM 4896. Internship in Journalism and Electronic Media (I, II, III; 3): An internship is an off-campus, part-time placement in a professional setting for students to gain practical experience in the student’s career path or interests in the field of communication. Students are expected to learn operational and managerial skills that are required for entry-level positions. Complete internship guidelines are available from the program director, who assigns the course grade. Prerequisite: COM 4892, junior status, and permission of the program director. Total internship hours may not exceed three credit hours toward graduation. Required of all Communication majors and for graduation.

Research and writing

COM 2214. Public Speaking (I, II; 3): Students learn message preparation and presentation, with emphasis on formal speeches, including informational, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches. Students learn primary theories of communication and analyze the methods used by professional speakers. Required of all communication majors.

COM 2219. Introduction to Media Writing I (II; 3): This course introduces students to proper grammatical structure and writing styles used by journalists and communication professionals. Students will be introduced to basic writing formats for various forms of communication, including print journalism and electronic media. Students will develop language usage and grammar skills and learn Associated Press Style. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and writing on deadlines. Prerequisite: Passing grade of C in ENG 1102.

COM 3306. Communication Research Methods (I; 3): This course examines the theoretical underpinnings, strategies, and methods of contemporary research in communication. Emphasis is placed on theories and methods used by print and electronic media in identifying and analyzing audiences. Prerequisites: COM 2219, COM 2200, and MTH 1550 or permission of the instructor.

COM 3315. Writing for Electronic Media (II; 3): This course introduces students to the writing and formatting of scripts for electronic media with special emphasis on the writing of scripts for radio and television news programs. The course may also include the writing of commercials, sitcoms, dramas, and documentaries. Prerequisites: COM 2219 and COM 2272.

COM 3319. Reporting (I; 3): This course introduces students to the fundamentals of journalism. It covers news 191 gathering and news writing including the writing of both hard news and feature stories. The course builds on the grammar, language, and style lessons of COM 2219. Prerequisite: COM 2219.

Production

COM 3300. Electronic Media Production and Direction: Radio (I, 3): This course covers principles and practices of over-the-air, satellite, and digital radio productions such as news, commercials, documentaries, and programming. Prerequisite: COM 2272.

COM 3400. Broadcast Media Production and Direction: Television and New Media (II; 3): This course provides students with practical training in production, programming, and direction. Students work in teams to produce television and new media productions such as news, commercials, sports programs, and documentaries. The course includes video editing. Prerequisite: COM 2272.

Communication electives (one required)

COM 2220. Introduction to Social Media (II, 3): This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to social media. It covers historical, economic, and commercial components of the field as well as social, legal, and ethical considerations. Coursework examines the struggle between beneficial and detrimental aspects of digital media, the societal influence of interactive platforms, and the reciprocal relationship between humans and communication technologies.

COM 3308. Film Image And Social Reality (On Demand; 3): This course provides for the detailed study of films, particularly those with a minority theme or cast, and the reality the films attempt to portray. Students engage in film analysis, paying close attention to a film’s script, themes, production values, acting, setting, and cultural/historical context. The course also may include consideration of the history, technology, and business practices of the film industry. Prerequisite: COM 2200.

COM 3330. Public Relations Principles and Practices (I, 3): This course introduces students to the theories, processes, functions, and practices of public relations. It includes a discussion of the external and internal publics of public relations. Prerequisites: COM 2200 and COM 2219 or permission of the instructor.