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Department of Communication

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree

Requirements

Refer to the “Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees” section of this catalog.

Major in Speech Communication (Major Code: 205)

NOTE: SCOM 2178/4278 is a repeatable course and may be repeated up to a maximum of four hours for the speech communication major. SCOM 3399—WT Leadership is a course that is by application only.

Speech Communication Core Requirements (18 semester hours)

  • SCOM 1318, 2376, 2377 or 3370, 3315, 3341 and 4301.

Graduation Requirement

All speech communication majors will compile a portfolio that demonstrates the student’s competencies in at least six of the following eight areas:

  • leadership,
  • presentational speaking/visual communication,
  • interpersonal communication,
  • written communication,
  • communication and culture,
  • group communication,
  • theoretical perspectives/ethics, and
  • internships and professional experience.

This portfolio must be submitted for review early in the semester the student plans to graduate. The student must receive a score of three or higher on each section of the portfolio to be certified for graduation. Portions of the portfolio will be presented as part of the capstone course, SCOM 4301— Introduction to Rhetorical Criticism.

Course Rotation

  • Fall-only classes—SCOM 2335, 2376, 2341, 2377, 3303 (even years), 3320, 3325, 3331, 4301, 4310, 4370.
  • Spring-only classes—SCOM 3301 (even years), 3302 (odd years), 3315, 3345.
  • Summer session II or intersession—SCOM 3370.

Options

Students majoring in speech communication must complete the 18-hour speech core requirements and choose at least 18 hours of courses from the following three emphases:

Corporate Communication Option (select 18 hours)

  • SCOM 2178/4278, 4373, 3301, 3303, 3320, 3331, 3325, 3345, 4310, 3399.
  • Recommended electives: MCOM 3307, 3313, 3350.
  • Students must complete at least 36 hours of advanced courses (3000/4000 level) for degree.
  • SCOM 4398 required.

Corporate Communication Honors Requirements

  • SCOM 4393
  • Choose six hours from MGT 3332, 3335, 4311, POSC 4350, 4352, 4393.

Graduate School Preparation

(Complete nine hours listed below and nine hours of speech communication courses in consultation with a speech communication adviser.)

  • SCOM 4305, 4393 4398 and nine hours of speech communication electives.

Graduate School Preparation Honors Requirements

  • SCOM 4393
  • Choose six hours from SOCI 3362, THRE 1371, HIST 3301.

Speech Performance Option (select 18 hours)

  • SCOM 2178, 2335, 2341, 3301, 3302, 3325, 3399, 4278, 4330, 4370, 4373.

Students seeking teaching certification in speech communication are advised to select the speech performance emphasis.

Speech Performance Honors Requirements

  • SCOM 4393
  • Choose six hours from THRE 1351, 2374, 3374, ENGL 3301, 3342, 4352, 4353.

Click here for information about the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Communication.

Minor in Civic Leadership (18 hours)

Leadership/Team Building

Choose two courses from AGRI 3306, SCOM 3345, SOCI/SOCW 4310, MGT 3330, 4336, IDS 3330, 3340, 3396, 3398, SCOM/IDS 3399

Cultural Understanding

Choose one course from ANTH 2351, SCOM 2377, 3370, SOCI 4321, 4322, MGT 4333.

Politics in Action

Choose one course from SOCI 1306, HIST 2372, SCOM 3303, POSC 3303, 3307, 3365, BUSI 3312.

Organizational Effectiveness

Choose one course from MGT 3335, MKT 3340, SCOM 3331, 4310, POSC 4350, 4352, 4357.

Civic Leadership in Action (Three-Hour Project/Independent Study)

To complete the civic leadership minor, students will register in conjunction with a faculty sponsor for an independent study, internship or projects course within their major. Students will complete a “Civic Leadership in Action” course contract with the minor adviser that indicates the appropriate project meets the following:

  • Civic project or research with or for a community partner is related to salient themes in civic leadership.
  • Project leads to a presentation and/or demonstration of civic involvement and leadership with respect to a community problem or need.
  • Project serves as a capstone experience culminating work in the student’s major with civic leadership skills developed in a minor.