Bachelor of Science Communication with a Major in Communication Studies (BS)
Carla Harrell, Program Director and Chief Departmental Advisor
Requirements
Lower-Division General Education
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication | 6 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Language and Culture | 0-6 | |
| Information Literacy and Research | 3 | |
| Human Behavior | 3 | |
| Human Creativity | 3 | |
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| The Nature of Science | 8 | |
| Impact of Technology | 3 | |
COMM 101R is required to fulfill the Oral Communication requirement.
STAT 130M is required to fulfill the Mathematics requirement (BS only).
COMM 270A/THEA 270A may not be used to satisfy the Human Creativity requirement.
The Information Literacy and Research requirement may be met in the major with COMM 272G.
The Impact of Technology requirement may be met in the major with COMM 280T or COMM 372T.
For the Language and Culture requirement, BA students must have competence through the 202 level (competence is not met by completion of the associate degree); BS students must have competence at the 102 level.
Upper-Division General Education
- Option A. Approved Minor, 12-24 hours; also second degree or second major
- Option B. Interdisciplinary Minor, 12 hours specified by the department, 3 of which may be in the major area of study
- Option C. An approved certification program such as teaching licensure
- Option D. Six Hours of Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Arts and Letters or from the Arts and Humanities Component within the College of Arts and Letters that are not required by the major (6 hours).
Requirements for Graduation
Requirements for graduation include the following:
- Minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward the major.
- Minimum overall cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) in all courses taken toward a minor.
- Completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better. The W course must be taken at Old Dominion University.
- Completion of Senior Assessment.
Communication Core
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BS Core Courses | ||
| COMM 200S | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| COMM 260 | Understanding Media | 3 |
| COMM 301 | Critical Methodologies | 3 |
| COMM 302 | Communication Research Methods I | 3 |
| COMM writing intensive (W) course (see the major areas for appropriate selection) | 3 | |
| BS Additional Core Requirements | ||
| Six hours of approved 300/400-level social science courses | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| Complete lower-division requirements | 35-47 | |
| Complete upper-division requirements (minimum of 6 credit hours) | 6 | |
| Communication Core | ||
| Complete communication core requirements | 21 | |
| Foundations (Choose 9 courses) | 27 | |
| International Sojourning | ||
| Introduction to Strategic Communications | ||
| Advanced Public Speaking | ||
| Work-Life Communication | ||
| Understanding European Film | ||
| Strategic Communications Writing | ||
| Media Relations | ||
| Strategic Communications Campaigns | ||
| Strategic Communications Tactics | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Sex, Gender, and Communication | ||
| Production Management for Television and Stage | ||
| Leadership and Events Management | ||
| Sound Design for Stage and Camera | ||
| Foundations of Group Communication | ||
| The Short Script | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Narrative Adaptation | ||
| Rhetorical Criticism | ||
| Entertainment Journalism | ||
| Media and Popular Culture | ||
| Lighting Design for Stage and Film | ||
| Introduction to Media Industries | ||
| Media Audiences | ||
| Screenwriting I | ||
| Acting for the Camera | ||
| Costume Design for Stage and Camera | ||
| Interpersonal Communication in Organizations | ||
| Animation | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| 3D Animation 1 | ||
| 3D Animation 2 | ||
| Color for Digital Cinema & TV | ||
| Costume Crafts | ||
| Cooperative Education | ||
| Internship | ||
| Research Practicum | ||
| Introduction to New Media Technologies | ||
| Television Production | ||
| Documentary Production I | ||
| Reporting News for Television and Digital Media | ||
| Directing the Actor | ||
| Post-Production 2 | ||
| TV News Production | ||
| Motion Picture Aesthetics | ||
| Sound Recording and Mixing for Film | ||
| Topics in Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Communication Theory | ||
| Public Relations and Crisis Communications | ||
| Strategic Communications and Emergency Management | ||
| Communication and Culture in the Middle East | ||
| Health Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research | ||
| Communication and Conflict Management | ||
| Listening to Self, Others, Nature and the Divine | ||
| Nonviolent Communication and Peace | ||
| Communicating Love | ||
| Family Communication Theory and Research | ||
| Children's Communication Theory and Research | ||
| TV Screenwriting | ||
| Capstone | ||
| WHRO Production | ||
| Documentary Filmmaking Study Abroad | ||
| The Music Industry and Communication | ||
| Media Spaces | ||
| Hispanic Film | ||
| German Cinema I | ||
| Communication Analysis and Criticism | ||
| Directing for the Camera | ||
| Electronic Media Law and Policy | ||
| Global Media Industries | ||
| Voice Over | ||
| Strategic Communications Case Studies | ||
| Critical Analysis of Journalism | ||
| Organizations and Social Influence | ||
| Market Research | ||
| Social Marketing | ||
| Sport and Strategic Communication | ||
| Communication Education Practicum | ||
| International Film History | ||
| New Media Topics: Theories and Practices | ||
| Television and Society | ||
| Reality Television | ||
| Media Marketing and Promotion | ||
| American Film History | ||
| Documentary Production II | ||
| Screenwriting II | ||
| Advanced Cinema Projects | ||
| Strategic Media Design and Production | ||
| Film and Television Genres | ||
| Advanced Filmmaking | ||
| Advanced TV News Production | ||
| Introduction to Critical Race and Media Studies | ||
| Health and Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Advanced Strategic Communications | ||
| Communication and Activism | ||
| Cinematography 2 | ||
| Feature Film Production | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Public Relations | ||
| Topics in Communication | ||
| Tutorial Work in Special Topics in Communication | ||
| Tutorial Work in Special Topics in Communication | ||
| COMM Elective | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Voice and Diction | ||
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Topics in Communication | ||
| Introduction to Production Technology | ||
| Visual Storytelling | ||
| Film Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Filmmaking | ||
| Digital Literacy | ||
| Advertising & Society | ||
| Entertainment Technologies | ||
| Topics in Communication | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 92-104 | |
Elective credit will be needed to meet the minimum requirement of 120 credit hours.
Additional Requirements and Information
ALL students majoring in programs in Communication, Dance, and Theatre are required to complete a Senior Experience as part of their degree. Senior Experiences are designed as stepping stones for students to apply knowledge and skills accrued throughout their coursework toward preparing for future careers. Senior Experience course options will vary by major but include options for an internship, a study abroad/away experience, a service-learning course, a senior capstone, or more specialized experiences within students' chosen majors. Please see descriptions included under each major for more options. Students become eligible for Senior Experience options once they reach 90 credits or with permission of the Senior Experience Coordinator. Students will be directed by their advisor to opportunities that are suited for their area of study and as other opportunities become available. For more information please reach out to the Senior Experience Coordinator, Alison Lietzenmayer.
ALL students majoring in programs in Communication, Dance, and Theatre must complete a minimum of one three-credit Identity and Inclusion course as part of their curriculum studies to graduate with a degree from the department. This course can either fulfill an applied theories course within a student's area or count as an elective toward their 120-credits needed to earn their degree.
Cinema & TV Production students need to complete COMM 271 Introduction to Filmmaking prior to enrollment in any Foundations course, and should not enroll in COMM 269.
Departmental Requirements
Majors must maintain a 2.0 GPA or better in the major in order to graduate.
Additional Communication Major Courses
Students pursuing either the BA or the BS degree are required to take 10 Communication classes beyond the core course requirements listed above (these courses include the Senior Experience and Identity & Inclusion requirements listed above). Nine of those 10 courses (27 credit hours) must be in the student's selected major (see major details below). One course (3 credit hours) may be 100-200 level and/or from any major area.
The Senior Experience requirement in the Communication program (which includes the Cinema & TV Production major, Communication Studies major, Media Studies major, Professional Communication major, and Strategic Communication major) can be achieved by completing opportunities such as the following:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Internship | ||
| COMM 368 | Internship | 3,6 |
| Study Abroad | ||
| COMM 300 | International Sojourning | 3 |
| COMM 440 | Documentary Filmmaking Study Abroad | 3 |
| Other study abroad/study away offerings offered within the Department | ||
| Service Learning | ||
| Approved Service Learning Courses (varies by semester) | ||
| Capstone | ||
| COMM 433 | Capstone | 3 |
| Research Practicum | ||
| COMM 369 | Research Practicum | 3 |
| or COMM 469 | Communication Education Practicum | |
| ROAR | ||
| COMM 490 | Advanced Strategic Communications (available only for Strategic Communication majors) | 3 |
| COMM Cinema & TV Production Majors may also choose from: | ||
| WHRO Production | ||
| Screenwriting II | ||
| Advanced Cinema Projects | ||
| Advanced Filmmaking | ||
| Feature Film Production | ||
Communication Electives
Select one COMM elective (3 credit hours), which may be any COMM class that is not in the student's major in addition to the following.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 103R | Voice and Diction | 3 |
| COMM 112R | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 195 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 225 | Introduction to Production Technology | 3 |
| COMM 269 | Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| COMM 270A | Film Appreciation | 3 |
| COMM 271 | Introduction to Filmmaking | 3 |
| COMM 272G | Digital Literacy | 3 |
| COMM 280T | Entertainment Technologies | 3 |
| COMM 295 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 304 | Advanced Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 307 | Understanding European Film | 3 |
| COMM 321 | Production Management for Television and Stage | 3 |
| COMM 325 | Sound Design for Stage and Camera | 3 |
| COMM 341 | Lighting Design for Stage and Film | 3 |
| COMM 349 | Costume Design for Stage and Camera | 3 |
| COMM 354 | Drafting and Rendering for Stage and Screen | 3 |
| COMM 356 | 3D Animation 1 | 3 |
| COMM 357 | 3D Animation 2 | 3 |
| COMM 359 | Costume Crafts | 3 |
| COMM 367 | Cooperative Education | 1-3 |
| COMM 369 | Research Practicum | 3 |
| COMM 382 | Reporting News for Television and Digital Media | 3 |
| COMM 453 | Voice Over | 3 |
| COMM 469 | Communication Education Practicum | 3 |
Writing Intensive Requirement
Communication majors must complete at least one writing intensive course in the major from the following courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 308W | Strategic Communications Writing | 3 |
| COMM 315W | Sex, Gender, and Communication | 3 |
| COMM 335W | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
| COMM 400W | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| COMM 412W | Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research | 3 |
| COMM 447W | Electronic Media Law and Policy | 3 |
| COMM 471W | International Film History | 3 |
| COMM 479W | American Film History | 3 |
Internships and Practicum courses
Students may apply three credit hours of COMM 368 Internship toward their major credit hours. Three additional credit hours may count as elective credits toward the overall total credit hour count for the degree. In addition, students may apply only six credits total from the following classes toward the major:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 368 | Internship | 3-6 |
| COMM 369 | Research Practicum | 3 |
| COMM 469 | Communication Education Practicum | 3 |
Special Topics in Communication Courses and Communication Tutorials
Special Topics in Communication courses and Communication Tutorials courses may be included in a given major when and where appropriate and as approved by the student's communication advisor:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 395 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 396 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 495 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 496 | Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
| COMM 497 | Tutorial Work in Special Topics in Communication | 1-3 |
Degree Program Guide
The Degree Program Guide is a suggested curriculum to complete this degree program in four years. It is just one of several plans that will work and is presented only as broad guidance to students. Each student is strongly encouraged to develop a customized plan in consultation with their academic advisor. Additional information can also be found in Degree Works.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 110C | English Composition (Grade of C or better required) | 3 |
| Human Creativity (May not use COMM 270A / THEA 270A) | 3 | |
| Human Behavior (COMM 200S may not be used) | 3 | |
| Elective or Language and Culture I (May be waived; See requirement details) | 3 | |
| COMM 101R | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Mathematical Skills: STAT 130M Required | 3 | |
| Information Literacy and Research (can be met by COMM 272G) | 3 | |
| Elective or Language and Culture II (May be waived; See requirement details) | 3 | |
| COMM 260 | Understanding Media | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENGL 211C or ENGL 231C |
Writing, Rhetoric, and Research (Grade of C or better required) or Writing, Rhetoric, and Research: Special Topics |
3 |
| Nature of Science I | 4 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| COMM Elective | 3 | |
| COMM 200S | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| Nature of Science II | 4 | |
| Impact of Technology (Can be met with COMM 280T or COMM 372T) | 3 | |
| Foundation Course in Major Area | 3 | |
| COMM 302 | Communication Research Methods I | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Foundation course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Applied Theories or Foundations course in Major Area (depending on major selected) | 3 | |
| 300/400-level Social Science course | 3 | |
| COMM 301 | Critical Methodologies | 3 |
| Upper-Division General Education Course or Minor | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| 300/400-level Social Science course | 3 | |
| Upper-Division General Education Course or Minor | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Senior Experience Course 1 | 3 | |
| COMM Writing Intensive Course | 3 | |
| Elective course (or Professional Communication elective course if choose Professional Communication major) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective courses (or Professional Communication elective courses if choose Professional Communication major) | 9 | |
| Applied Theories course in Major Area | 3 | |
| Elective course | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Please consult list of Senior Experience options relevant to each major.
Linked BA/BS in Communication and MA in Lifespan and Digital Communication
The linked bachelor's/master's degree in communication/lifespan and digital communication is administered by the Communication and Theatre Arts Department. The purpose of this option is to allow exceptional majors in communication to count up to 12 hours of 500-level graduate coursework towards both the BA or BS in communication and, if accepted, the MA in lifespan and digital communication. Students in the linked program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credits for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credits for the graduate degree). For more information, please contact Dr. Gary Beck.
Linked BA/BS in Communication and MA in Humanities
Please refer to the Humanities section of this Catalog for information on the linked program leading to a BA or BS in communication and an MA in humanities.