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School of Communication -
Undergraduate
http://com.miami.edu/CommunicationStudies
Introduction
The major in Communication Studies empowers students to acquire
advanced skills in many areas involving human interaction,
cross-cultural and international, advocacy, argumentation,
relationship building, leadership, presentation (oral and
written), critical thinking, research and writing. Students
become familiar with the rich tradition of communication theory
and research, investigate emerging knowledge about communication,
and contribute to the growth of new understanding by developing
and applying their research capabilities. Students also are
challenged to employ their communication understanding and
skills in meaningful ways through experiential learning, professional
and community involvement. Communication Studies blends a
broad-based theoretical understanding of communication principles
with specific and concrete application for particular contexts.
Students are prepared for a myriad of career options in health
communication, business and the professions, politics and
public advocacy, education, training and media, as well as
further graduate and professional study in communication,
law and other areas.
Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the Communication Studies program
require that:
• Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding
of the human communication process in a diverse society
and application of communication skills through examinations,
written and multimedia assignments, class discussions, group
problem solving, presentations, speeches, debates, and service
learning activities.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of communication
contexts such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, intercultural,
small group, organizational, political, and public communication.
• Students will demonstrate skill development and
application of communication processes including message
design, message delivery, critical thinking, creative thinking,
and argumentation.
• Students will demonstrate the effects of communication
and social interaction based on perceptions, construction
of reality, relationship development, persuasion, and conflict
resolution.
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of generating
knowledge relating to the human communication process and
social interaction using appropriate methods such as qualitative
analysis (observations, case studies, interviews, focus
groups), quantitative analysis (surveys, experimental design,
content analysis) or critical approaches (rhetorical criticism,
discourse analysis, textual analysis).
Degree Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Communication degree is offered
in Communication Studies.
Major
A major is offered in Communication Studies.
Each candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Communication
will complete School of Communication requirements including
courses in the Required Areas of Study, the second major,
and electives sufficient for a total of 66 credits in the
liberal arts and sciences.
A Bachelor of Science student in Communication Studies will
be permitted a maximum of 36 credits in Communication courses
(excluding COM 101, COM 110, and COM 250) toward the 120-credit
University degree.
Admission to the Communication Studies major
Before admission as a Communication Studies (COS) major,
a student must:
A) Achieve sophomore standing;
B) Complete the five Core courses listed below, in residence
at the University, all with grades of C or higher (C- is
not acceptable).
Students who have obtained the written approval of the Director
of Communication Studies to use transfer credit to satisfy
one or more requirements of that major may be required to
complete additional courses in residence at the University
before being admitted to that major.
Upon completion of a student’s first 45 University
credits while enrolled in the School of
Communication, all University credits earned toward the major
will be used in computing a student’s major cumulative
grade point average; only those students with a cumulative
average of 2.5 or higher will be admitted to a major.
A student who has completed 45 credits while enrolled in
the School of Communication but who has not been admitted
to one of the Communication majors may be dismissed from the
School. A student who has completed 60 University credits
while enrolled in the School but who has not been admitted
to one of the Communication majors will be dismissed from
the School. See PROBATION AND DISMISSAL.
The Communication Studies Major
COM 101 Mass Media Communication in Society
COM 110 Communication Theory
COS 112 Interpersonal Communication
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics
COS 210 Writing for Communication and Social Interaction
Students majoring in Communication Studies must complete
the following courses (15 credits):
COS 351 Qualitative Research Methods
COS 353 Quantitative Communication Research Methods and
Analyses
COS 479 Capstone for Communication Studies
Select one of the following courses:
COS 343 Introduction to Intercultural Communication or
COS 445 Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
or
COS 446 Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
Select one of the following courses:
COS 405 Practicum in Communication and Social Interaction
Research or
COS 498 Communication Studies Internship
All majors are required to complete six additional elective
credits in Communication Studies chosen with the prior approval
of a program advisor. A minimum of 15 credits at the 300-level
or above is required within the 36-credit major.
Minor
The minor in Communication Studies for students also majoring
in the School of
Communication requires nine additional credits in Communication
Studies beyond the
School’s core (COM 101, COM 110 and COM 250), at least
six of which must be at the 300-level or above. The additional
credits must be chosen with the prior approval of a Communication
Studies area advisor.
The minor in Communication Studies for students not majoring
in the School of
Communication requires COM 110, plus twelve additional credits
in Communication Studies, at least six of which must be at
the 300-level or above. The additional credits must be chosen
with the prior approval of a Communication Studies area advisor.
Department Honors
School of Communication students may graduate with School
Honors in Communication noted upon their diplomas and transcripts.
Students should contact the School’s Office of Admissions,
Academic & Alumni Services (2037 Wolfson Building) for
details.
Students may receive recognition as graduates cum laude,
magna cum laude, or summa cum laude if they meet the requirements
set forth under GRADUATION HONORS in this Bulletin.
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