Buffalo State University 31 courses 120 total credits
This major allows students much flexibility to tailor a program of theory-based and applied courses. It meets the needs of students preferring a generalist approach to communication, as well as for students seeking a more academic, less applied approach. Compare this major with journalism, media production, and public relations and advertising. Career Opportunities Students in Communication Studies prepare for careers in corporate communication, social media management, consulting, government careers, research, media analysis, lobbying, speechwriting, fundraising, event management, sports communication, and other fields that require a liberal arts education enhanced with communication expertise. The major also provides a base for graduate education in communication, law, management, and other professional areas. The profile of a successful communication studies graduate is a person with strong writing and speaking proficiency, keen ethical insight, competence in analyzing and thinking critically, and skill in working effectively both independently and in teams. Academic Standards Only grades of C or higher may be applied toward requirements for any communication degree; courses with lower grades must be repeated. Consistent with standards of the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the number of communication courses that students may take is capped, encouraging a broad-based liberal arts education. The department encourages students to take minors or second majors and requires evidence of an academic concentration or area of expertise outside the Communication Department.
| General Education 23 Requirements | 33 credits |
| Communication Major Requirements | 42 credits |
| Or 300/400-level COM or SPC electives by advisement All College Electives | 39-45 credits |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 credits |
Communication Core
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 100 or SPC 103 | Media Literacy or Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| COM 210 | Introduction to Media Writing | 3 |
| COM 215 | Introduction to Visual Communication | 3 |
| SPC 205 | Introduction to Oral Communication | 3 |
| Total Communication Core | 12 credits | |
Upper-Level Oral Communication Course
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPC 306 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| SPC 307 | Group Communicaton | 3 |
| SPC 315 | Media Performance | 3 |
| Total Upper-Level Oral Communication Course | 3 credits | |
Upper-Level Written Communication Course
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 303 | Writing for Print and Online Journalism | 3 |
| COM 304 | Writing for Broadcast (TV, Radio, Film) | 3 |
| COM 308 | Public Relations Writing | 3 |
| COM 325 | Feature Writing | 3 |
| COM 390 | Special Topics: Journalistic Writing | 3 |
| COM 347 | Digital and Broadcast Producing | 3 |
| Total Upper-Level Written Communication Course | 3 credits | |
Communication Theory and Criticism
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 312 | Basic Media Production | 3 |
| COM 322 | Communication Graphics | 3 |
| COM 336 | Web and Social Media Production | 3 |
| Total Communication Theory and Criticism | 6 credits | |
Communication Theory and Criticism
Complete at least 2 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 310 | International Communication | 3 |
| COM 333 | Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in Media | 3 |
| COM 400 | Communication Law | 3 |
| COM 401 | Applied Communication Research | 3 |
| SPC 309 | Persuasion and Propaganda | 3 |
| SPC 311 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| SPC 321 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
| SPC 326 | Film Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| SPC 407 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| SPC 422 | Media Criticism | 3 |
| SPC 426 | Documentary Film Analysis | 3 |
| Total Communication Theory and Criticism | 6 credits | |
Senior Seminar
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 450 | Communication and Society | 3 |
| Total Senior Seminar | 3 credits | |
Communication Electives
Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 495 or COM 499 | Special Project or Independent Study | 1-3 |
| Total Communication Electives | 12 credits | |
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