Communication (COM) - Ferris Course Catalog

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Communication COM

Career Path: Arts and Communications, Human Services

Required Courses		Credit Hours
General Education
This degree requires completion of the General Education requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Details of these requirements are delineated on the General Education website. Courses listed below as program/major required courses with the indicators: C, S, Z, R, G, may also be used to satisfy some of these general education requirements.
Communication
COMM 101		3
COMM 200	Found of Interpersonal Comm	3
COMM 201	Public Presentation Practice	3
COMM 251	Argumentation and Debate	3
COMM 299	Theories Human Communication	3
COMM 300	Research Methods in Comm	3
COMM 499	Communication Senior Seminar	3
Choose five courses from the following list; at least three must be at the 300- or 400-level:
COMM 205	Effective Listening	3
COMM 231	Interpretive Reading	3
COMM 301	Interviewing	3
COMM 305	Communication-Human Relations	3
COMM 310	Nonverbal Communication	3
COMM 315	Gender Communication	3
COMM 320	Family Communication	3
COMM 325	Speechwriting	3
COMM 332	Persuasive Speaking	3
COMM 333	Theories of Persuasion	3
COMM 336	Tech and Prof Presentation	3
COMM 365	Intercultural Communication	3
COMM 370	Communication and Conflict	3
COMM 380	Organizational Communication	3
COMM 385	Broadcast Writing	3
COMM 387	Broadcast Presentation	3
COMM 421	Leadership in Small Group Comm	3
COMM 460	Comm Rights-Responsibilities	3
B.A. Core		3-15 credits
The BA core consists of one COMM course and proficiency in a foreign language through the 201 level.

Why Choose Communication?

Communication is a broad and dynamic field of study. Students in this major study the social, psychological and cultural factors which shape human communication. They also develop specific skills in the areas of public presentation, group dynamics and interpersonal communication. As a result, they are prepared to lead and to work effectively with many kinds of people in many different settings.

Communication majors complete a set of core courses. In addition, they take a number of electives that reflect their individual interests. These include courses in conflict resolution, family communication, organizational communication, persuasion and persuasive speaking, interviewing, gender communication, human relations, nonverbal communication, broadcast presentation, broadcast writing, technical and professional presentation, intercultural communication, and leadership. Advanced students can participate in undergraduate research projects or do internships in the workplace.

Professional Opportunities

The communication major is excellent preparation for a variety of career paths. These include careers in law, government, business and industry, the ministry, education, health services, and the mass media. Many graduates continue their education by attending graduate or professional school while others find immediate employment.

Admission Requirements

First year student admission is open to high school graduates (or equivalent) who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with educational backgrounds appropriate to their chosen program of study. High school courses and grade point average, ACT composite score, and ACT reading and mathematics subscores will be considered in the admission and placement process. Transfer students must have at least 12 credits at the time of application with a minimum of 2.0 overall GPA including an English and mathematics course, or they must provide their high school records and ACT scores for admission review.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a student must complete a minimum of 120 credits including the Communication major, the BA core, an academic minor in another field of study and all general education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. No grade lower than 'C' will count toward the major.

More Information

Department of Humanities
Ferris State University
Dr. Elizabeth Wilson
Dr. Sandy Alspach
820 Campus Drive/JOH 120
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2225
Phone: 231-591-2530
email: wilsonel@ferris.edu