Communication (BA), Public Relations and Strategic Communication Emphasis

Communication Major

• Program Prerequisite: Not required.
• Minor: Students may complete a minor approved by their academic advisor OR one of the tracks associated with any of the six interdisciplinary emphasis areas: Civic Advocacy, Digital Media, Interpersonal & Family Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Organizational Communication, and Public Relations & Advertising. A student may not receive both a major and a minor from the Department of Communication.
• Grade Requirements: A grade of “C” or better in courses is required for this major (a grade of “C-” is not acceptable), in addition to an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher for all courses.
• Credit-Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation. A total of 40 upper-division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above). Between 27-35 credits of upper-division are required within the major, depending on the selected emphasis.
• Program Code: Communication (3017) with emphasis code Civic Advocacy (3051), Communication Studies/Communication Teaching (3016), Digital Media(3068), Interpersonal & Family (3053), Multimedia Journalism (3069), Multimedia Journalism/Communication Teaching (3070), Organizational Communication (3054), Public Relations and Strategic Communication (3123).
• CIPC: Communication (090101) with emphasis code Civic Advocacy (090904), Communication Studies/Communication Teaching (131399), Digital Media(090199), Interpersonal & Family (090101), Multimedia Journalism (099999), Multimedia Journalism/Communication Teaching (131399), Organizational Communication (090901), Public Relations and Strategic Communication (090999).​

To enroll in upper-division Communication courses, a student must hold upper-division standing in the university.  Students must complete at least 50 percent of their Communication coursework at Weber State University in order to receive a major or a minor in Communication.

Advisement

Students are encouraged to meet with the appropriate department advisor depending on their selected emphasis. Refer to the Communication Department website for a current list of department advisors: weber.edu/communication.

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Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study at the Communication Department office, Elizabeth Hall 330. No special admission or application requirements are needed for this program.

General Education

Refer to Degree Requirements  for either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science requirements. See specific requirements for the BA and BS under the major course requirements. The following courses, required for the Communication major, will also satisfy General Education requirements: COMM 1020 HU , COMM 2010 HU , and COMM 2110 HU CEL .

Program Learning Outcomes

• Writing: Write at a level expected of a professional communicator in a selected emphasis area.
• Diversity: Be sensitive to difference and discrimination in society and value diversity.
• Career Readiness: Be prepared to enter a professional career or graduate school.
• Critical thinking: Use critical thinking to analyze information from a variety of perspectives for understanding, persuasive argument or problem solving.
• Law/Ethics: Understand communication law and ethics to enable legal and ethical communication.
• Theory: Understand how various communication theories have been developed, applied, and evaluated.
• Research: Find peer-reviewed or professional research studies, be familiar with a variety of research methods, and interpret and analyze research data.
• History: Know the history of the communication discipline and its societal and professional implications.
• Media: Use and produce media to communicate messages.
• Interpersonal/Small Group: Facilitate successful communication in interpersonal situations and small group settings.
• Listening: Listen actively to acquire and analyze information.
• Speaking: Speak clearly and persuasively in a one-on-one interpersonal interaction, and in front of small and large groups in a variety of contexts.

Emphasis Areas

Select one of the following emphasis areas in Communication:

• Civic Advocacy
• Digital Media
• Interpersonal & Family Communication
• Multimedia Journalism
• Organizational Communication
• Public Relations & Advertising
• Social Media & Data Analytics

Courses Required to Fulfill the BA (12 credit hours)

Complete either Option 1 or Option 2.

Public Relations & Strategic Communication Emphasis (45 credit hours)

The Public Relations & Strategic Communication emphasis provides students with theoretical and practical skills in writing, critical thinking, marketing, advertising, and communicating to influence public opinion across a range of media.

Students must complete a minor approved by their advisor or select one of the following interdisciplinary tracks (15 credits):

• Copywriting
• Health Care Public Relations
• International Public Relations
• Marketing
• Visual Communication