Academic Programs Catalog

The undergraduate advertising creative program prepares students to work in advertising and related industries, as art directors, designers and/or copywriters.  Promotional communication businesses, like advertising, demand a variety of skilled employees, including those who develop the messaging strategy, those who study the intended audience for the message, those who decide the best channel of communication to reach that audience, and those who actually compose the look, the wording and, if appropriate, the sounds of the message.  The advertising creative program is focused on those who actually create the advertisement.

Students receive a broad liberal arts background, as well as a strong overview of the advertising process that provides them with an understanding of the strategy, research, and other functions necessary to effective advertising.  However, greater depth of training is dedicated to helping students develop advertising art direction, design and copywriting skills.  Over the course of the program, students develop a portfolio of their work, to help them in seeking employment upon graduation.  These skills enable students to find work not only in advertising, but also in the fields of direct marketing, sales promotion, public relations, app and web design, electronic commerce, and more.

Internships and other cooperative educational opportunities are encouraged in the program.  Co-curricular activities include multiple student clubs, as well as national student competitions. Study abroad programs provide ways for students to gain experience that enhance and reach outside of the classroom, further advancing their employment opportunities.

Admission

Enrollment in the advertising creative program is limited. In addition to the university and college requirements, students must complete Advertising 205, and Psychology 101 with a combined minimum grade–point average of 2.00.

Admission to a Second Bachelor's Degree Program  or an Additional Major

The ability of the advertising creative program to accommodate students seeking admission to a second bachelor's degree program or an additional major is limited. At a minimum, these students must meet the same requirements as for admission to the advertising creative major.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts  Degree in Advertising Creative

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Advertising major is met by completing Advertising 486.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following core courses (20 credits):
   	ADV	205	Principles of Advertising						3
   	ADV	210	Concept Development						1
   	ADV	245	Multimedia Commercial Production						3
   	ADV	330	Advertising Management						3
   	ADV	342	Account Planning and Research						3
   	ADV	450	Portfolio Presentation						1
   	ADV	475	Advertising and Society						3
   	ADV	486	Integrated Campaigns (W)						3
   	The completion of Advertising 486 satisfies the capstone/synthesis requirement for the advertising creative major.
   b.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
   	CAS	110	Creative Thinking						3
   	CAS	112	Story, Sound and Motion						3
   c.	Two of the following courses (2 credits):
   	CAS	203	Design in Media Settings						1
   	CAS	204	Web Design in Media Settings						1
   	CAS	205	Photography in Media Settings						1
   	CAS	206	Graphics and Illustration in Media Settings						1
   d.	One of the following concentrations (15 or 16 credits):
   	Art Direction (15 credits)
   	ADV	222	Introduction to Copywriting						3
   		or
   	ADV	225	Basic Skills for Advertising Careers						3
   	ADV	224	Introduction to Creative Media						3
   	ADV	326	Advanced Creative: Media I						3
   	ADV	354	Interactive Advertising Design						3
   	ADV	428	Advanced Creative: Media II						3
   	Copywriting (15 to 16 credits)
   	ADV	222	Introduction to Copywriting						3
   	ADV	225	Basic Skills for Advertising Careers						3
   	ADV	322	360-degree Copywriting						3
   	ADV	422	Advanced Copywriting: Creating Experiences						3
   	Additional writing class from a list of approved courses as approved by the advisor								3 or 4
   e.	Both of the following courses (7 credits):
   	MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing						3
   	PSY	101	Introductory Psychology						4

The Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising Management provides the educational background necessary for students aspiring to become account managers, account planners, media planners, media researchers or a variety of other more managerial-oriented positions. The program focuses on developing students' strategic thinking, creative problem solving, along with more research-oriented and analytical skills. Internships and other cooperative educational opportunities are encouraged to broaden learning and practical experience in the major. Students may also choose to pursue departmental minors in Advertising Analytics or Public Relations and a number of other minors including: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sales Leadership, or Sports Business Management, which are particularly relevant for Advertising Management majors.

Co-curricular activities include multiple student advertising and public relations clubs, as well as national student competitions. Study abroad programs provide ways for students to gain experience that enhance and reach outside of the classroom, further advancing their employment opportunities upon graduation.

Admission

Enrollment in the Advertising Management program is limited.  In addition to the university and college requirements, students must complete Advertising 205 and Psychology 101 with a combined minimum grade–point average of 2.00.

Admission to a Second Bachelor's Degree Program or an Additional Major

The ability of the Advertising Management program to accommodate students seeking admission to a second bachelor's degree program or an additional major is limited. At a minimum, these students must meet the same requirements for admission to the Advertising Management major.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising Management

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising Management.  The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Advertising Management major is met by completing Advertising 486. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Science degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following core courses (31 credits):
   	ADV	205	Principles of Advertising						3
   	ADV	225	Basic Skills for Advertising Careers						3
   		or
   	PR	225	Writing for Public Relations						3
   	ADV	330	Advertising Management Strategy						3
   	ADV	342	Account Planning and Research						3
   	ADV	350	Advertising Media Planning and Strategy						3
   	ADV	375	Consumer Behavior						3
   	ADV	413	Issues in Contemporary Advertising						1
   	ADV	442	Digital Analytics						3
   	ADV	475	Advertising and Society						3
   	ADV	486	Integrated Campaigns (W)						3
   	CAS	110	Creative Thinking						3
   	The completion of Advertising 486 satisfies the  capstone/synthesis requirement for the Advertising Management major.
   b.	Complete 6 credits from the following courses in consultation with an advisor. Students are encouraged to choose a minor that adds depth to their major while selecting courses that will count towards the minor.
   	ADV	334	International Advertising						3
   	ADV	352	Media Sales						3
   	ADV	360	Advanced Sales Communication						3
   	ADV	386	Campaign Competition						3
   	ADV	402	Public Relations Topics in Advertising						1 to 3
   	ADV	430	Social Marketing: Strategy and Practice						3
   	ADV	431	Monitoring and Measuring Social Media of Brands						3
   	ADV	432	Digital Media Planning and Buying						3
   	ADV	433	Internet Video Promotion Strategy						3
   	ADV	436	Promotions and Sponsorships						3
   	ADV	445	Programmatic Media Buying						3
   	ADV	456	Interactive Advertising Management Strategy						3
   	ADV	481	Retail Strategy Analysis						3
   	ADV	492	Special Topics in Advertising						1 to 3
   	ADV	490	Independent Study						1 to 3
   		or
   	ADV	493	Advertising and Public Relations Internship						1 to 3
   		or
   	ADV	494	Practicum in Research/Creative Works and Instruction						1 to 3
   	CAS	114	Creativity and Innovation Entrepreneurship						3
   	COM	402	Public Relations Topics in Communication						1 to 3
   	ESHP	190	The Art of Starting						3
   	JRN	402	Public Relations Topics in Journalism						1 to 3
   	MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes						3
   	PR	260	Principles of Public Relations						3
   	PR	325	Intermediate Social Media and Public Relations Techniques						3
   	PR	425	Public Relations Strategy and Ethics in a Digital World						3
   	A maximum of 3 credits in ADV 490 or 493 or 494 may be used to fulfill this requirement.
   c.	All of the following courses (10 credits):
   	ACC	201	Principles of Financial Accounting						3
   		or
   	ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts						3
   	MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing						3
   	PSY	101	Introductory Psychology						4

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations provides the educational and experiential background necessary for students aspiring to become public relations specialists, public relations account managers, media relations specialists, social media managers, content managers, event coordinators and more. The program focuses on developing strategic planning skills, applied skills in writing and content creation, and critical thinking, along with research-oriented and analytical skills.

Internships and other cooperative educational opportunities are required in the program. Students may also choose to pursue related minors in Advertising Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Sales Leadership, or Sports Business Management.

Co-curricular activities include public relations and advertising associations and clubs, national student competitions, and experiential learning. Study abroad programs provide ways for students to gain experience that enhance and reach outside of the classroom. Participation in these opportunities further advance student employment opportunities upon graduation.

The major is designed to provide an understanding of the role of public relations in contemporary society, along with knowledge and experience in developing public relations materials for use in corporate, governmental, and nonprofit organizational settings. Program curriculum focuses on public relations research methods; writing for traditional and social media; public relations techniques; public relations strategies; portfolio development; public relations campaign planning; diversity, equity and inclusion in public relations; and public relations ethics.

Admission

Enrollment in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations is limited and competitive.

To be considered for admission to the major, a student must:

1. Have completed 28 credits.
2. Have earned a combined minimum grade-point average of at least 3.0 in Mathematics 101 or 102 or Statistics 200; Public Relations 260; and Public Relations 225.
3. Have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Public Relations major is met by completing Public Relations 485.  That course is referenced in item 3. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	MTH	101	Quantitative Literacy I						3
   	MTH	102	Quantitative Literacy II						3
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   b.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
   	PR	225	Writing for Public Relations						3
   	PR	260	Principles of Public Relations						3
   c.	All of the following courses (24 credits):
   	PR	300	Public Relations Theory and Ethics						3
   	PR	305	Methods of Public Relations Inquiry						3
   	PR	310	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Relations and Advertising						3
   	PR	320	Public Relations Storytelling for Digital, Video and Print						3
   	PR	325	Intermediate Social Media and Public Relations Techniques						3
   	PR	335	Advanced Social Media and Public Relations Techniques						3
   	PR	425	Public Relations Strategy and Ethics In a Digital World						3
   	PR	485	Integrated Public Relations Campaigns (W)						3
   d.	Cognate (15 credits):
   	The cognate consists of a set of courses that can be selected from one of the following thematic areas: business, fine arts, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, or an approved university minor administered outside of Public Relations. At least 6 credits must be at the 300-400 level. A list of departments or courses that count in each of the thematic areas is available in the CCAS Academic and Student Affairs Office.
   e.	Public Relations Field Experience
   	Each student must complete 250 hours of professional public relations internship or research experience under faculty supervision. Hours may be accumulated through public relations internships, public relations research or a combination. Experiences must have the prior approval of the Public Relations Internship Coordinator and require a concluding report from the employer and the student, and may be taken as an elective class. Internships taken for credit cannot be counted toward the Cognate described in 2.d.

The Minor in Advertising Analytics, which is administered by the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, is designed to enable students who are true problem-solvers to exercise their intellectual curiosity to find insights and answers in databases and real-time streaming data. In today’s industry, those who not only understand, but also can strategically activate data will have opportunities to advance more quickly as an advertising account executive, media planner, media sales representative, public relations specialist and more, moving into specialized roles as programmatic advertising specialists or digital advertising analysts.

The minor is available to students who are enrolled in the Advertising Management major at Michigan State University. Limited enrollment may be made available to other majors upon request. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

To be considered for admission, a student must have been formally admitted to the Advertising Management major. Admission to the minor is competitive. Students must be enrolled in or have completed Advertising 350 (Advertising Media Planning and Strategy) and have demonstrated mastery of course content by providing their midterm or final grade in the course. Other admission criteria include overall grade-point average, work experience, and a statement of interest. Each student’s application package will be rank ordered. Students may be admitted provisionally contingent on their performance in Advertising 350.

Students who plan to apply to the program should complete an application after the midterm in Advertising 350 and submit it to the Director of the Advertising Analytics Minor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations.

Requirements for the Minor in Advertising Analytics

Complete 18 credits from the following:

The Minor in Public Relations, which is administered by the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in any bachelor's degree program at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

The minor is designed to provide an understanding of the role of public relations in contemporary society, along with knowledge and experience in developing public relations materials for use in corporate, governmental, and nonprofit organizational settings. Areas of focus include public relations and society, writing for traditional media and social media, public relations techniques, research methods, public relations campaigns and cases, public relations strategies, portfolio development, and public relations ethics.

Students are eligible to apply for the minor if they: 

1. are of sophomore standing or higher;
2.  have an overall grade-point average of 3.0; 
3.  have successfully completed Public Relations 260;
4.  have successfully completed Public Relations 225 or Journalism 200.

To apply, students must submit an application stating their interest in the minor. Applications are due by the tenth week of the semester. If the number of applicants meeting the basic qualifications exceeds the number of spaces available, selection will include evaluation of an interest statement and academic performance in prerequisite classes. Students will be notified of the decision after the completion of the semester.

Requirements for the Minor in Public Relations

The department offers two programs leading to the Master of Arts degree: one in advertising and public relations, and one in public relations. The Master of Arts Degree in Public Relations is currently in moratorium. Both programs provide an intensive professional preparation for careers in these fields. Course work focuses on the general principles and practices underlying all advertising and public relations activities, as well as specialized areas of social media, management, media planning, consumer behavior, social marketing, or research.

The department offers a Master’s of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations. The program provides intensive professional preparation for careers in these fields. The flexible curriculum allows students to design a custom program to meet their career goals or to focus on one of four rapidly growing areas of Advertising and Public Relations: digital and social media; health, science, and the environment; social impact; or research for advertising and public relations.

The master's degree program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).  Early in their studies, students work with their advisor to decide which plan best fits their personal and professional goals. The student's master's degree program must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to departmental programs is determined by an evaluation of information regarding the applicant's academic record, goals and motivation, experience, personal references, and other items submitted as indicators of intellectual, creative, and administrative capabilities. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is also required. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is not required, but scores on this test may be submitted.

To be admitted to either the Master of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations, the applicant must submit:

1. a Graduate School application.
2. an official copy of all transcripts.
3. three letters of recommendation.
4. a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals.
5. a personal background statement.
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, if applicable.
7. a resume. 

Although evidence other than grades influences the admission decision, the Department uses the following guidelines: students whose grade–point averages for the third and fourth years of undergraduate study are 3.25 or better may be admitted to regular status; students whose grade–point averages are 3.00 to 3.24 may be admitted to provisional status; and students whose grade--point averages are below 3.00 are rarely admitted.

A background in advertising and/or public relations, either from experience or from undergraduate study, is necessary before students can begin graduate study. Students without adequate background will be required to remedy significant deficiencies through collateral course work or individual study.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in  Advertising and Public Relations

At least 30 credits are required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Public Relations

At least 30 credits are required for the master's degree in public relations under either Plan A or Plan B.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders trains students in the understanding of both normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. The major is designed to equip students with knowledge and emerging skills for the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Primary areas of emphasis are placed on critical thinking and understanding of scientific inquiry as it relates to communication disorders. Students in the major will also learn and practice oral and written communication skills, develop as a reflective learner, and demonstrate growth in professional communication skills. An additional area of emphasis for student learning is understanding issues of diversity, inclusion, equity, and ethical practice within the field of communicative sciences and disorders. Collaboration, teamwork, and interprofessional knowledge and skill development are critical areas of focus for students in the major to prepare them to effectively contribute to the profession of communicative sciences and disorders and to society at large. Majors will commonly pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology or audiology. The knowledge and skills acquired in the major can also serve as preparation for other graduate degree programs or for careers in educational, healthcare, and business settings that value scientific training, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major is met by completing Communicative Sciences and Disorders 470 and 472.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Science degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or higher in CSD 203, 213, 232, 303, 313,  and 333 (36 credits):
   	CSD	203	Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders						3
   	CSD	213	Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms						3
   	CSD	232	Descriptive Phonetics						3
   	CSD	303	Fundamentals of Hearing and Audiometry						3
   	CSD	313	Speech Science						3
   	CSD	333	Language Development						3
   	CSD	364	Evaluation Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology						3
   	CSD	391	Clinical Methods in Communication Disorders						3
   	CSD	444	Clinical Procedures in Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation						3
   	CSD	463	Intervention Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology						3
   	CSD	470	Introduction to Developmental Communicative Disorders (W)						3
   	CSD	472	Introduction to Acquired Communicative Disorders (W)						3
   	The completion of CSD 470 and 472 satisfies the capstone/synthesis requirement for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major.
   b.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	PSY	295	Data Analysis in Psychological Research						3
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   c.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	ANP	201	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology						3
   	PSY	101	Introductory Psychology						4
   	SOC	100	Introduction to Sociology						4
   d.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	ISB	202	Applications of Environmental and Organismal Biology						3
   	ISB	204	Applications of Biomedical Sciences						3
   e.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	ISP	209	The Mystery of the Physical World						3
   	ISP	215	The Science of Sound						3
   	ISP	220	Quarks, Spacetime, and the Big Bang						3
   f.	One of the following courses (2 credits):
   	ISB	208L	Applications in Biological Science Laboratory						2
   	ISP	209L	The Mystery of the Physical World Laboratory						2
   g.	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   	LIN	200	Introduction to Language						3
   	LIN	401	Introduction to Linguistics						4
   	LIN	450	Child Language Acquisition						3
   h.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	HDFS	211	Child Growth and Development						3
   	HDFS	225	Lifespan Human Development in the Family						3
   	PSY	238	Developmental Psychology: Lifespan						3
   	PSY	244	Developmental Psychology: Infancy  Through						3
   i.	A minimum of 3 credits from the following courses:
   	COM	310	Intercultural Communication						3
   	COM	320	Diversity and Communication						3
   	CSD	419	International Aspects of Communicative Disorders						1 to 6
   	LIN	225	Language and Gender						3
   	LIN	471	Sociolinguistics						3
   j.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   	LIN	455	Neurolinguistics						3
   	LIN	463	Introduction to Cognitive Science						3
   	PSY	209	Brain and Behavior						3
   	PSY	301	Cognitive Neuroscience						3
   k.	Electives:
   	Additional credits in CSD courses can be taken as electives. Topics in Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD 491) are encouraged to increase breadth and depth of training in communicative sciences and disorders. Only credits in courses graded on the numerical or Pass-No Grade system may be counted toward the requirements for the Communicative Sciences and Disorders major. Communicative Sciences and Disorders students may not enroll in courses required for the major, including courses in other departments, on a Credit-No Credit basis.

The Minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders assists students in acquiring understanding of both normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, and hearing; and knowledge and skills regarding the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Completion of the minor provides most of the required coursework needed for admission to graduate study in communicative sciences and disorders. Students interested in taking the minor who intend to pursue graduate school to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist should consult with an undergraduate advisor in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences to learn about the recommended set of courses that most graduate programs require.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the department.

Requirements for the Minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Students must complete 21 credits from the following:

The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology provides academic and practicum experiences for students preparing for professional careers as speech-language pathologists in settings such as schools, clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs. The master’s degree program also provides the basis for further study for students who wish to pursue more advanced degrees.  The master’s degree program in speech-language pathology has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  The master’s degree program is available under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).

Numerous clinical off-campus facilities provide opportunities for students to gain extensive and varied practicum experiences in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to regular status in the Master of Arts program is contingent upon a bachelor's degree from an approved college or university, an academic grade–point average of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study, and approval by the department. Three letters of reference (submitted on forms supplied by the department) attesting to the student's potential for graduate study are required. As part of the admission process, students must also submit a statement of purpose clearly specifying why they wish to earn a master's degree.

Students who hold undergraduate degrees in fields other than communicative sciences and disorders may be accepted in the program and may be required to complete course work in communicative sciences and disorders or other areas to meet American Speech-Language Hearing Association  standards required for certification. This may require an additional one or two semesters of course work.

The deadline for the receipt of all application material is January 15th. Students are admitted only in fall semester.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

At least 51 credits are required for the master's degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders under either Plan A or Plan B.

The Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders offers doctoral programs directed toward advanced study of human communication sciences and disorders.  Doctoral programs of study are designed to meet the individual needs of students preparing for careers in research and education.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to the doctoral program in communicative sciences and disorders requires a minimum of a master's degree or the equivalent that focused on human communication sciences and disorders; evidence of high academic achievement; a minimum of three letters of recommendation (submitted on forms supplied by the department) attesting to the student's academic abilities and achievements, and to the student's potential for doctoral–level academic and research success; and approval of the department.  Students must also submit a statement of purpose clearly specifying why they wish to pursue a doctoral degree including career goals following graduation. In some circumstances, an extremely promising student with an undergraduate degree may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. 

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Students must meet the requirements specified below:

The goal of the major in communication is to prepare students to synthesize, analyze, and criticize major functions, structures, and processes of communication within interpersonal, organizational, and mediated communication contexts. The major is designed to equip its graduates:  (a) to understand the processes involved in human interaction especially as these processes relate to a variety of cultural perspectives, (b) to assess the role and function of new and social media, (c) to identify and critically analyze the major theoretical perspectives in the field of communication, (d) to write and speak clearly using communication concepts, and (e) to develop transferable skills in problem solving in interpersonal interactions, in small group settings, and with diverse populations.

Undergraduate work in communication creates greater awareness of the intricate networks that shape human interaction.  Communication study is designed to prepare students to become human relations specialists in industry, the media, and government as well as for graduate study and further professional education.  Majors most commonly pursue careers in sales, corporate project management, fund raising, corporate recruiting and training, customer relations, public relations, and government.

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Communication major is met by completing any one of the following courses:  Communication 401, 425, 440, 475.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major: <

   a.	Complete a minimum of 30 credits in Communication courses with a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher achieved across COM 100, COM 225, COM 240, COM 275, and COM 300:
   	1.	All of the following courses (17 credits):
   		COM	100	Human Communication					3
   		COM	225	An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication					3
   		COM	240	Introduction to Organizational Communication					4
   		COM	275	Effects of Mass Communication					3
   		COM	300	Methods of Communication Inquiry					4
   	2.	One of the following capstone courses (4 credits):
   		COM	401	Advanced Topics in Communication (W)					4
   		COM	425	Communication in Close Relationships (W)					4
   		COM	440	Organizational Communication Structure (W)					4
   		COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)					4
   	3.	Complete a minimum of 9 elective credits:
   		COM	301	Special Topics in Communication Sciences, Analytics and Research Methods					3
   		COM	302	Special Topics in Health Communication					3
   		COM	303	Special Topics in Intercultural Communication					3
   		COM	304	Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication					3
   		COM	305	Special Topics in Mediated Communication					3
   		COM	306	Special Topics in Organizational Communication					3
   		COM	307	Special Topics in Social Influence					3
   		COM	310	Intercultural Communication					3
   		COM	320	Diversity and Communication					3
   		COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict					3
   		COM	330	Health Communication					3
   		COM	340	Leadership and Group Communication					3
   		COM	360	Advanced Sales Communication					3
   		COM	375	Audience Response to Media Entertainment					3
   		COM	399	Special Topics in Communication					1 to 3
   		COM	402	Public Relations Topics in Communication					1
   		COM	490	Independent Study					1 to 3
   		COM	493	Internship					1 to 12
   		COM	494	Practicum in Communication Research and Instruction					1 to 4
   		A maximum of 3 credits across any combination of COM 490, 493, and 494 may be used to satisfy this requirement.
   	4.	Complete one of the following options:
   		(a)	A cognate in the behavioral/social sciences that is comprised of six courses outside the Department of Communication chosen from at least three of the following departments: Anthropology, Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Economics, Human Development and Family Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. The courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. (18 to 24 credits)
   		(b)	A concentration from the following that focuses on a specific application area in the discipline. Courses used to satisfy requirements for the major may also be used to satisfy the requirements of a concentration. The concentration will be noted on the student’s transcript. (minimum of 18 credits)
   			Communication Science, Analytics and Research Methods
   			1.	Both of the following courses (6 or 7 credits):
   				COM	301	Special Topics in Communication Sciences, Analytics and Research Methods			3
   					or
   				COM	401	Advanced Topics in Communication (W)			4
   				COM	494	Practicum in Communication Research and Instruction			3
   				Note: If COM 301 is selected, it may not be used in requirement 2. below. Students who do not select COM 401 will need to take a different COM capstone course as an elective to meet the (W) requirement.
   			2.	Four courses from the following (12 to 16 credits):
   				COM	301	Special Topics in Communication Sciences, Analytics and Research Methods			3
   				MI	220	Methods for Understanding Users			3
   				MI	355	Media and Information Research			3
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	295	Data Analysis in Psychological Research			3
   				SOC	281	Social Research Methods			4
   				SOC	282	Quantitative Analysis for Social Research			4
   				STT	201	Statistical Methods			4
   				WRA	202	Introduction to Professional and Public Writing			3