Communication Studies, B.A.
Program Description
The School of Communication Studies offers the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with a major in communication studies. Students must take at least 42 hours of work in communication studies beyond the General Education requirement.
All programs must include at least four elements:
- Fifteen hours of required core communication studies courses.
- Three hours of an advanced research methods course.
- Eighteen hours of communication concentration courses.
- Six hours of elective courses in communication studies.
Admission to the Major
Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to the School of Communication Studies. All students interested in majoring in the program must apply for a limited number of spaces by enrolling in and successfully completing SCOM 240 and SCOM 240L. In order to register for these classes, students must change their major to "SCOM declared" to register for SCOM 240 and SCOM 240L by no later than March 1 for fall registration and by October 1 for spring registration. Students who miss the deadline are still encouraged to declare the major as SCOM will continue to process applications in the order in which they were received if there are still seats available in SCOM 240/SCOM 240L. Declaring the major by this date does not guarantee availability of courses. The School of Communication Studies reviews performance in the SCOM 240/SCOM 240L class to make decisions about acceptance into the major each semester.
Admission to the major is based on availability to the most qualified students as determined by performance in SCOM 240 and SCOM 240L.
Students who are not admitted are permitted one more attempt (an attempt is any time the student receives a grade for the course on the transcript including W, WP, or WF) to successfully meet performance requirements in SCOM 240/SCOM 240L by enrolling the next regular semester or in the summer if the student desires. For students retaking SCOM 240/SCOM 240L (whether repeat or repeat/forgive), the school will only consider the grades earned in the second attempt.
Successful completion of a major in the School of Communication Studies most often requires a minimum of four semesters after a student is fully admitted to the School. Depending upon the student's particular circumstances and degree progress, more than four semesters may be required for completing the major. Once admitted to the School of Communication Studies, a student cannot retroactively apply more than nine hours of SCOM courses, including SCOM 240 and SCOM 240L, to their major (SCOM 121/SCOM 122/SCOM 123 does not count toward those nine hours).
Policy for Students Transferring from Another Institution
Students applying from other institutions are held to the same policies and guidelines as other applicants. However, once admitted to the School of Communication Studies, transfer students may petition for SCOM credit for courses taken at previous institutions. As with other applicants, they may only use up to nine hours of SCOM courses taken before full admittance to the major to satisfy major requirements, including SCOM 240 and SCOM 240L.
Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education1 | 41 |
| Foreign language classes (intermediate level required)2 | 0-12 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) | 3 |
| Major requirements | 42 |
| University electives3 | 22-34 |
| Total | 120 |
- 1
The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. Some credits may be fulfilled by courses required within the major.
- 2
The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student's chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of World Languages and Cultures' placement test.
- 3
Students are encouraged to explore academic areas outside the Communication Studies major by pursuing a second major or minor.
Major Requirements
Outside the Major Credit Requirement
SCOM majors are required to complete a minimum of 42 credit hours in the major and 72 credits outside of the major, which includes General Education, the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science requirements, and any minor or second major credits. To support interdisciplinary learning, students are encouraged to pursue a second major or minor.
Limitations in Applied Courses
No more than six hours combined credit in SCOM 316, SCOM 317, SCOM 318, SCOM 319, SCOM 390 and SCOM 495 may be counted toward a major in communication studies unless approved by the academic unit head.
Double Counting
A student with a Communication Studies major or minor may use courses that satisfy their second major or minor requirements to satisfy requirements for their Communication Studies program. There is no limit on the number of classes a student may double count towards their Communication Studies programs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Studies Major Core | ||
| SCOM 240 | Introduction to Communication Theory | 2 |
| SCOM 240L | Communication Theory Lab | 1 |
| SCOM 242 | Presentational Speaking | 3 |
| SCOM 280 | Introduction to Communication Research 1 | 3 |
| SCOM 341 | Persuasion | 3 |
| SCOM 358 | Business and Professional Communication Studies | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Advanced Research Methods | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Rhetorical Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Experimental Research Methods | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Survey Research Methods | ||
| Campaign Research Methods | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Communication Studies Concentration | ||
| Complete one of the following Communication Studies Concentrations. See below for more information. | 18 | |
Advocacy Studies | ||
Cultural Communication | ||
Generalist | ||
Health Communication Studies | ||
Interpersonal Communication Studies | ||
Organizational Communication Studies | ||
Public Relations Studies | ||
| Subtotal | 18 | |
| Communication Studies Electives | ||
| Complete 6 credits of Communication Studies Electives | 6 | |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Communication Studies Concentrations
Advocacy Studies Concentration
This concentration prepares students to understand, critically evaluate and engage the communication theories, processes, media institutions and communication technologies that citizens, political leaders, government officials, public administrators, interest groups and community service organizations use to campaign, deliberate,adjudicate, govern and advocate for social change. Skilled advocates adopt, develop and implement diverse sets of communication strategies that help clients articulate interests and goals, determine social systems and audiences most likely to achieve goals, identify effective media and appropriate goal oriented messages, and develop plans for implementing change.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advocacy Studies Concentration Core | ||
| SCOM 342 | Argument and Advocacy | 3 |
| SCOM 352 | Communication and Social Movements | 3 |
| SCOM 353 | American Political Culture and Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 442 | Advanced Topics in Advocacy Studies | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Advocacy Studies Concentration Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Feminist Blogging: Writing for Shout Out! JMU | ||
| Third Wave Ecofeminism | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Practice | ||
| Free Speech in America | ||
| Communication, Diversity and Popular Culture | ||
| Environmental Communication and Advocacy | ||
| Immigrant Advocacy | ||
| Youth, Communication and Culture | ||
| Disability and Advocacy | ||
| Feminist Rhetorics | ||
| Legal Communication | ||
| Political Campaign Communication | ||
| Fundraising Campaigns and Donor Motivation | ||
| Health Communication Campaigns | ||
| Media and Politics | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Cultural Communication Concentration
This concentration empowers students to communicate reflectively in a diverse, multicultural and global society. With a distinct focus on critical and cultural communication theories and social justice frameworks, students are equipped with opportunities and tools necessary for understanding culturally complex circumstances, issues and needs that arise in personal relationships, civic settings, and other social and mediated contexts. Skills developed in this concentration prepare students with confidence to more effectively listen, analyze, adapt and respond to communication contexts in ways that cultivate inclusive environments, cultures and just relations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Communication Concentration Core | ||
| SCOM 248 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 349 | Ethnographic Approaches to Communication Studies | 3 |
| SCOM 448 | Communication, Culture and Identity | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Communication Skills | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Relations Techniques I: Written | ||
| Feminist Blogging: Writing for Shout Out! JMU | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Principles and Processes of Interviewing | ||
| Argument and Advocacy | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Communication Tools for Organizational Challenges | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Cultural Communication Concentration Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Language and Culture | ||
| Communication, Diversity and Popular Culture | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Communication and Social Movements | ||
| Food as Communication | ||
| Immigrant Advocacy | ||
| Youth, Communication and Culture | ||
| Disability and Advocacy | ||
| Study Abroad Seminar 1 | ||
| Feminist Rhetorics | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Only 3 credits of SCOM 395 may be applied to this requirement.
Generalist Concentration
This concentration allows students to combine interests in several areas of communication study. The generalist focus allows students to choose options that create intersections that would support specific career outcomes, such as focusing on health communication and organizational communication to prepare for a career in health organizations, or a focus on advocacy and culture to prepare for work in humanitarian and social justice fields.
Not all listed courses may be available to generalist concentrators as some are reserved for particular concentrations. However, if students have already taken these courses when they were in a different concentration, they will count toward the generalist concentration requirements. Please also note that some of these courses have prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Skills | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Relations Techniques I: Written | ||
| Feminist Blogging: Writing for Shout Out! JMU | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Principles and Processes of Interviewing | ||
| Argument and Advocacy | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Public Relations Techniques II: Visual | ||
| Advanced Public Relations Writing | ||
| Communication Tools for Organizational Challenges | ||
Communication Theory and Context | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Signs, Symbols and Social Interaction | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Third Wave Ecofeminism | ||
| Language and Culture | ||
| Special Topics in Organizational Communication | ||
| Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Communication in Romantic Relationships | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| The Art of Public Debate | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Free Speech in America | ||
| Communication, Diversity and Popular Culture | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Ethnographic Approaches to Communication Studies | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Visual Rhetoric | ||
| Communication and Social Movements | ||
| American Political Culture and Communication | ||
| Environmental Communication and Advocacy | ||
| Food as Communication | ||
| Immigrant Advocacy | ||
| Youth, Communication and Culture | ||
| Public Relations Theory and Concepts | ||
| International Public Relations | ||
| Sports Public Relations | ||
| Topics in Engaged Public Relations | ||
| Introduction to Health Communication | ||
| Study Abroad Seminar | ||
| Advanced Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Attachment Communication | ||
| Feminist Rhetorics | ||
| Leadership Communication | ||
| Legal Communication | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Oral History | ||
| Advanced Topics in Advocacy Studies | ||
| Communication, Culture and Identity | ||
| Advanced Studies in Organizational Communication | ||
| Political Campaign Communication | ||
| Fundraising Campaigns and Donor Motivation | ||
| Public Relations Management | ||
| Public Relations Campaigns | ||
| Student-Run Public Relations Firm | ||
| Interpersonal Communication in Health Contexts | ||
| Health Communication Campaigns | ||
| Culture and Health Communication | ||
| Media and Politics | ||
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Advanced Communication Theory and Context | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Topics in Communication Studies | ||
| Attachment Communication | ||
| Feminist Rhetorics | ||
| Leadership Communication | ||
| Legal Communication | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Oral History | ||
| Advanced Topics in Advocacy Studies | ||
| Communication, Culture and Identity | ||
| Advanced Studies in Organizational Communication | ||
| Political Campaign Communication | ||
| Fundraising Campaigns and Donor Motivation | ||
| Public Relations Management | ||
| Public Relations Campaigns | ||
| Student-Run Public Relations Firm | ||
| Interpersonal Communication in Health Contexts | ||
| Health Communication Campaigns | ||
| Culture and Health Communication | ||
| Media and Politics | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Generalist Concentration 300/400-Level Electives | ||
| Two SCOM courses at the 300 or 400 level | 6 | |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Health Communication Studies Concentration
This concentration prepares students for careers in local, state or federal health agencies, hospitals/medical practices, non-profits, health-related industry, private research groups/foundations, and health education/promotion consulting firms. Students will gain strong writing and research skills and gain knowledge in the areas of: health communication, provider-patient communication and health campaigns.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Health Communication Concentration Core | ||
| SCOM 370 | Introduction to Health Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 468 | Interpersonal Communication in Health Contexts | 3 |
| SCOM 470 | Health Communication Campaigns | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Communication Skills | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Principles and Processes of Interviewing | ||
| Argument and Advocacy | ||
| Communication Tools for Organizational Challenges | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Health Communication Concentration Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Health Communication (may be taken twice when topic changes) | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Disability and Advocacy | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Communication, Culture and Identity | ||
| Culture and Health Communication | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Interpersonal Communication Studies Concentration
Students analyze how messages are used to manage personal relationships in social and professional contexts. By examining research, theory and processes of interpersonal communication, students learn important principles for managing impressions and building rapport, identifying needs and pursuing influence goals, reducing relational uncertainty, and adapting to change. Students completing the concentration learn to communicate the value of healthy relationships, are well prepared for graduate school, and develop relational skills for excelling in careers such as peer counseling, education, family and human services, sales and management, aging services, ministry, and community leadership.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Interpersonal Communication Concentration Core | ||
| SCOM 320 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 440 | Family Communication | 3 |
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Communication Skills | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Principles and Processes of Interviewing | ||
| Argument and Advocacy | ||
| Communication Tools for Organizational Challenges | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Communication Depth Elective | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Introduction to Health Communication | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Communication Concentration Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Communication in Romantic Relationships | ||
| Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Attachment Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication in Health Contexts | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Organizational Communication Studies Concentration
Organizational communication involves the study of the ways people interact within organizations, such as business, government, education and nonprofit groups. The Organizational Communication concentration offers students the knowledge and skills for organizing people, information and ideas, and provides opportunities for hands on practice. Coursework prepares students to organize productive talk, facilitate training and skill development, lead through communication, and apply theories of organizing to improve practice in the world. This concentration prepares students for careers in such things as business, consulting, training and event planning and for the study of law.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Communication Core | ||
| SCOM 350 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 450 | Advanced Studies in Organizational Communication | 3 |
| SCOM 447 | Communication Tools for Organizational Challenges | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Organization Communication Concentration Electives | ||
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Special Topics in Organizational Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Principles and Processes of Interviewing | ||
| Leadership Communication | ||
| Internship in Communication Studies 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 6 | |
| Organization Communication Concentration Breadth Electives | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Communication and Conflict | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Introduction to Health Communication | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Only 3 credits of SCOM 495 may be applied to this requirement.
Public Relations Studies Concentration
This concentration focuses on the management of communication between organizations and their internal and external publics with the goal of mutual understanding and influence. Public relations practitioners work with specific audiences relative to focused goals. Preparation for a career in public relations should include a broad educational base and a variety of communication skills.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Concentration Core | ||
| SCOM 260 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| SCOM 261 | Public Relations Techniques I: Written | 3 |
| SCOM 362 | Public Relations Theory and Concepts | 3 |
| Subtotal | 9 | |
| Advanced Public Relations Skills | ||
| SCOM 361 | Public Relations Techniques II: Visual | 3 |
| or SCOM 367 | Advanced Public Relations Writing | |
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Public Relations in Context | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| International Public Relations | ||
| Sports Public Relations | ||
| Topics in Engaged Public Relations | ||
| Fundraising Campaigns and Donor Motivation | ||
| Public Relations Management | ||
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Public Relations Capstone | ||
| SCOM 461 | Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
| or SCOM 462 | Student-Run Public Relations Firm | |
| Subtotal | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Recommended Schedule for Communication Studies Majors
Generally, students will start their program in Communication Studies no earlier than their second semester and often at the beginning of their sophomore year. This is a suggested progression of major coursework. We recommend students take 30 credit hours per year to stay on track to meet all requirements in four years.
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Declared Students (End of First-Year or Beginning of Second Year) | ||
| Complete the following: | 30 | |
Declare the major on MyMadison 1 |
||
Choose one of the following: |
||
| Fundamental Human Communication: Individual Presentations [C1HC] 2 | ||
| Fundamental Human Communication: Group Presentations [C1HC] 2 | ||
Fulfill as many General Education requirements as possible |
||
Research and select a minor or second major and begin coursework |
||
Take requirements for B.A. Degree (Language at 232 level, Philosophy class) |
||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Complete the following: | 30 | |
| Introduction to Communication Theory | ||
| Communication Theory Lab | ||
| Presentational Speaking | ||
| Persuasion | ||
Begin concentration specific coursework |
||
Continue General Education coursework |
||
B.A. language and philosophy requirements |
||
Continue minor, second major or other university coursework |
||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Complete the following: | 30 | |
| Introduction to Communication Research | ||
| Business and Professional Communication Studies | ||
Continue concentration requirements |
||
Complete advanced research methods course 3 |
||
Complete general SCOM Electives |
||
Explore internship opportunities to count for SCOM elective credit |
||
Complete General Education coursework |
||
Continue minor, second major or other university coursework |
||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Complete the following: | 30 | |
Complete concentration requirements |
||
Complete minor, second major or other university coursework |
||
| Credits | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |