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 200 and Advertising 205 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 (36 credits):
   	ADV	200	The World of Advertising						2
   	ADV	205	Principles of Advertising						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	432	Advertising Innovations						3
   	ADV	442	Digital Analytics						3
   	ADV	475	Advertising and Society						3
   	ADV	482	Project Management for Advertising and Public Relations						3
   	ADV	486	Integrated Campaigns (W)						3
   	PR	310	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Relations and Advertising						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.
   	ACC	201	Principles of Financial Accounting						3
   	or
   	ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts						3
   	ADV	334	International Advertising						3
   	ADV	352	Media Sales						3
   	ADV	360	Advanced Sales Communication						3
   	ADV	386	Campaign Competition						3
   	ADV	401	Neuromarketing and Consumer Decisions						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	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 Internship						1 to 3
   		or
   	ADV	494	Practicum in Research/Creative Works and Instruction						1 to 3
   	CAS	110	Creative Thinking						3
   	CAS	114	Creativity and Innovation Entrepreneurship						3
   	CAS	214	Social Media and Start-up						3
   	COM	402	Public Relations Topics in Communication						1 to 3
   	CSE	102	Algorithmic Thinking and Programming						3
   	EC	201	Introduction to Microeconomics						3
   	EC	202	Introduction to Macroeconomics						3
   	ESHP	190	The Art of Starting						3
   	FI	320	Introduction to Finance						3
   	GBL	323	Introduction to Business Law						3
   	JRN	402	Public Relations Topics in Journalism						1 to 3
   	MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes						3
   	MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing						3
   	PKG	101	Principles of Packaging						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
   	PSY	101	Introductory Psychology						4
   	SCM	304	Survey of Supply Chain Management						3
   	A maximum of 3 credits in ADV 490 or 493 or 494 may be used to fulfill this requirement.

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. Related study abroad programs enhance students’ experiences beyond 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.

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but it is not currently eligible for federal student loans.

International Digital Advertising is a two-country residential program in which students access an international experience that provides intensive professional preparation for international careers, with an emphasis on China and the United States. Through two years of study, research and practice, students will gain a full understanding of the development of media convergence, strengthen their innovative thinking and widen their international vision. The program embraces a three-in-one teaching system of cultural literacy, professional ability and practical innovation. Students will also have the ability to apply professional knowledge, theories, and methods comprehensively to engage in professional research and relevant practical work. Students spend their first year at the Communication University of China’s campus in Hainan province, and year two studying at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Admission

In addition to meeting entrance requirements of Communication University of China, Michigan State University, and the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below. Students electing this program are not required to complete the Chinese unified national graduate entrance examination.

Admission 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.

To be admitted, the applicant must submit to MSU: 

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.

1. 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 below 3.25 are rarely admitted,
2. a background in advertising and/or strategic communication, either from experience or from undergraduate study, is necessary before students can begin graduate study.

1. Complete 12 credits of required course work in residence at the Communication University of China-Hainan International College.
2. Complete 18 credits of elective course work at the 400-level or above in residence at Michigan State University. Courses may be selected from any relevant offerings in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations or College of Communication Arts and Sciences in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

1. Complete 4 credits of ADV 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. Completion of a master's thesis in the form of a formal research project (qualitative or quantitative) that answers an important theoretical question.

1. Completion of a qualifying culmination experience fulfilled by either a research paper resulting from an independent study with a faculty member or a report describing an internship undertaken with a professional company in advertising, public relations or a closely related field. The experience must be documented through poster presentation during the semester of graduation. Students graduating in summer must present during the prior spring semester.

This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, but it is not currently eligible for federal student loans.

International Digital Advertising is a two-country residential program in which students access an international experience that provides intensive professional preparation for international careers, with an emphasis on China and the United States. Through two years of study, research and practice, students will gain a full understanding of the development of media convergence, strengthen their innovative thinking and widen their international vision. The program embraces a three-in-one teaching system of cultural literacy, professional ability and practical innovation. Students will also have the ability to apply professional knowledge, theories, and methods comprehensively to engage in professional research and relevant practical work. Students spend their first year at the Communication University of China’s campus in Hainan province, and year two studying at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Admission

In addition to meeting entrance requirements of Communication University of China, Michigan State University, and the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below. Students electing this program requires successful completion of the Chinese unified national graduate entrance examination.
Admission 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.

To be admitted, the applicant must submit to MSU:

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.

1. 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 below 3.25 are rarely admitted,
2. a background in advertising and/or strategic communication, either from experience or from undergraduate study, is necessary before students can begin graduate study.

1. Complete 28 credits of required course work in residence at the Communication University of China-Hainan International College.
2. Complete 18 credits of elective course work at the 400-level or above in residence at Michigan State University. Courses may be selected from any relevant offerings in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations or College of Communication Arts and Sciences in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

1. Complete 4 credits of ADV 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. Completion of a master's thesis in the form of a formal research project (qualitative or quantitative) that answers an important theoretical question.

1. Completion of a qualifying culmination experience fulfilled by either a research paper resulting from an independent study with a faculty member or a report describing an internship undertaken with a professional company in advertising, public relations or a closely related field. The experience must be documented through poster presentation during the semester of graduation. Students graduating in summer must present during the prior spring semester.

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
   				COM	494	Practicum in Communication Research and Instruction			3
   				The topic taken in COM 301 must be different than the topic taken in COM 301 in item 2. if COM 301 is used to fulfill the requirement in item 2.
   			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
   				WRA	330	Writing Research in Communities and Cultures			3
   				WS	203	Introduction to Methods for Women’s and Gender Studies Research			3
   				Students who use COM 301 to fulfill this requirement must take a different topic than the topic taken in requirement 1. COM 301 may be taken two times to fulfill this requirement with different topics.
   			Health Communication
   			1.	All of the following courses (10 credits):
   				COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict			3
   				COM	330	Health Communication			3
   				COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)			4
   			2.	Three courses from the following (9 to 11 credits):
   				ANP	201	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology			3
   				Or
   				ANP	204	Introduction to Medical Anthropology			3
   				ANP	370	Culture, Health, and Illness			3
   				COM	302	Special Topics in Health Communication			3
   				EPI	390	Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology and Public  Health			4
   				GEO	435	Geography of Health and Disease			3
   				HNF	150	Introduction to Human Nutrition			3
   				HNF	406	Global Foods and Culture			3
   				HST	425	American and European Health Care since 1800			4
   				PH	101	Introduction to Public Health			3
   				PHL	344	Ethical Issues in Health Care			4
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	320	Health Psychology			3
   				SOC	475	Health and Society			3
   				Note: COM 302 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   			Intercultural Communication
   			1.	All of the following courses (10 credits):
   				COM	310	Intercultural Communication			3
   					or
   				COM	320	Diversity and Communication			3
   				COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict			3
   				COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)			4
   			2.	Three courses from the following (8 to 11 credits):
   				ANP	200	Navigating Another Culture			3
   				COM	303	Special Topics in Intercultural Communication			3
   				COM	310	Intercultural Communication			3
   				COM	320	Diversity and Communication			3
   				CSUS	200	Introduction to Sustainability			3
   				ENG	478B	Literature and Visual Culture			3
   				MC	230	Cultures and Politics in Comparative Perspective			4
   				MI	480	Information and Communication Technologies and Development			3
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	342	Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination			3
   				SOC	161	International Development and Change			3
   				SOC	215	Race and Ethnicity			3
   				SOC	310	Global Migration			3
   				SOC	362	Developing Societies			3
   				TE	352	Migration and Education			3
   				Note: COM 303 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   				Up to 6 credits of a foreign language or educational study abroad program may also serve as an elective in this concentration with advisor approval. Students who select COM 310 or COM 320 in item 1. may not use those courses to fulfill the requirement in item 2.
   			Interpersonal Communication
   			1.	All of the following courses (7 credits):
   				COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict			3
   				COM	425	Communication in Close Relationships (W)			4
   			2.	Four courses from the following (12 or 13 credits):
   				ATD	430	Dress, Culture and Human Behavior			3
   				COM	304	Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication			3
   				HDFS	145	The Individual, Couples and Families			3
   				HDFS	225	Lifespan Human Development in the Family			3
   				HDFS	414	Parenting			3
   				HDFS	442	Ethnic Families in America			3
   				HDFS	444	Interpersonal Relationships in the Family			3
   				HDFS	445	Human Sexuality			3
   				HST	313	Women in the United States to 1869			3
   				HST	314	Women in the United States since 1869			3
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	235	Social Psychology			3
   				PSY	236	Personality			3
   				PSY	339	Psychology of Women			3
   				PSY	342	Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination			3
   				WS	201	Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies			3
   				WS	304	Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and Sexuality Studies			3
   				WS	403	Women and Change in Developing Countries			3
   				Note: COM 304 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   			Mediated Communication
   			1.	Both of the following courses (7 credits):
   				COM	375	Audience Response to Media Entertainment			3
   				COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)			4
   			2.	Four of the following courses (12 to 14 credits):
   				ADV	375	Consumer Behavior			3
   				ADV	431	Monitoring and Measuring Social Media of Brands			3
   				CAS	110	Creative Thinking			3
   				CAS	112	Story, Sound and Motion			3
   				CAS	116	Media Sketching and Graphics			3
   				CAS	117	Games and Interactivity			3
   				COM	305	Special Topics in Mediated Communication			3
   				DH	285	Introduction to Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities			3
   				ENG	142	Introduction to Popular Literary Genres			4
   				FLM	230	Introduction to Film			4
   				FLM	380	Classical Film and Media Theory			3
   				FLM	381	Contemporary Film and Media Theory			3
   				JRN	108	The World of Media			3
   				JRN	213	Animation, Comics, Culture and Graphic Novels in Media			3
   				JRN	218	Sports in Contemporary Media			3
   				MI	101	Understanding Media and Information			3
   				MI	201	Introduction to Information Science			3
   				MI	220	Methods for Understanding Users			3
   				MI	239	Digital Footprints: Privacy and Online Behavior			3
   				MI	302	Networks, Markets and Society			3
   				MI	305	Media and Information Policy			3
   				MI	355	Media and Information Research			3
   				MI	480	Information and Communication Technologies and Development			3
   				PLS	170	Introduction to Political Philosophy			3
   				PLS	333	Public Opinion and Political Behavior			3
   				PLS	334	Campaigns and Elections			3
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			3
   				PSY	200	Cognitive Psychology			3
   				PSY	235	Social Psychology			3
   				PSY	270	Community Psychology			3
   				PSY	463	Introduction to Cognitive Science			3
   				REL	175	Religion in Film			3
   				WRA	202	Introduction to Professional and Public Writing			3
   				WRA	225	Introduction to Composing Digital for Video			3
   				Note: COM 305 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   			Organizational Communication
   			1.	All of the following courses (10 credits):
   				COM	340	Leadership and Group Communication			3
   				COM	440	Organizational Communication Structure (W)			4
   				COM	493	Internship			3
   			2.	Three of the following courses (9 or 10 credits):
   				ACC	230	Survey of Accounting Concepts			3
   				ANP	321	Anthropology of Social Movements			3
   				COM	306	Special Topics in Organizational Communication			3
   				GBL	323	Introduction to Business Law			3
   				HST	213	U.S. Business and Economic History			3
   				MGT	325	Management Skills and Processes			3
   				MKT	327	Introduction to Marketing			3
   				PR	325	Intermediate Social Media and Public Relations Techniques			3
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	255	Industrial and Organizational Psychology			3
   				SOC	481	Social Movements and Collective Identities			3
   				Note: COM 306 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   			Social Influence
   			1.	Both of the following courses (7 courses):
   				COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict			3
   				COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)			4
   			2.	Four of the following courses (12 to 15 credits):
   				ANP	321	Anthropology of Social Movements			3
   				COM	307	Special Topics in Social Influence			3
   				HST	316	United States Intellectual History since 1860			3
   				IBIO	446	Environmental Issues and Public Policy			3
   				PHL	330	Formal Deductive Reasoning			4
   				PSY	101	Introductory Psychology			4
   				PSY	270	Community Psychology			3
   				SOC	241	Social Psychology			3
   				SOC	368	Science, Technology and Society			4
   				SOC	481	Social Movements and Collective Identities			3
   				SOC	499	Social Issues and Change in Contemporary Society (W)			3
   				Note: COM 307 may be taken up to 3 times under different topics.
   	Students should meet with their academic advisors concerning the minimum and maximum numbers of elective credits available to them at various stages in their programs.
   	Students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship or experiential learning experience approved by the Department of Communication whether for university credit based on academic eligibility standards or on a voluntary, non–credit basis.  The department will make every effort to assist communication majors in finding appropriate internship placements.

The goal of the major in Communication Leadership and Strategy is to train students in the communication principles, strategies, and initiatives used to further an organization’s goals, mission, or values. It is a multidisciplinary professional communication field, drawing upon communication practices found in related disciplines, including interpersonal, organization, and mass communication and research analytics. The major is designed to equip students to: engage in comprehensive audience and information-environment analysis, use excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills with diverse audiences, conduct formative and post-campaign research, understand social media analytics, engage in rapid response crisis communication for organizations, and create strategic plans that leverage multiple communication competencies to inform, influence, and motivate internal and external stakeholders. Undergraduate work in strategic communication creates greater awareness of large-scale organizational goals and how to use communication, leadership, and strategy to achieve them. Students will learn how to integrate various vertical communication functions such as public relations, information operations, analytics, and advertising into overall grand strategy. Majors will commonly pursue careers in strategic communication, information operations, political strategy, or corporate communication.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Leadership and Strategy

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 Leadership and Strategy.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Communication Leadership and Strategy major is met by completing one of the following courses: Communication 475 or 480.  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.	All of the following courses (38 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	280	Principles, Practices and Ethics of Strategic Communication						4
   	COM	300	Methods of Communication Inquiry						4
   	COM	325	Interpersonal Influence and Conflict						3
   	COM	340	Leadership and Group Communication						3
   	COM	380	Crisis Communication and Rapid Response						3
   	COM	475	Communication Campaign Design and Analysis (W)						4
   	COM	480	Capstone in Communication Leadership and Strategy						4
   b.	One course from each of the following areas (a minimum of 8 credits):
   	Research Methods and Analytics
   	ADV	442	Digital Analytics						3
   	COM	301	Special Topics in Communication Science, Analytics and Research Methods						3
   	MI	220	Methods for Understanding Users						3
   	MI	350	Evaluating Human-Centered Technology						3
   	MI	355	Media and Information Research						3
   	PLS	202	Introduction to Data Analytics and the Social Sciences						3
   	PSY	295	Data Analysis in Psychological Research						3
   	PSY	342	Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination						3
   	SOC	281	Social Research Methods						4
   	SOC	282	Quantitative Analysis for Social Research						4
   	STT	200	Statistical Methods						3
   	Computer-Mediated Communication and Social Media
   	ADV	420	New Media Driver’s License						3
   	ADV	431	Monitoring and Measuring Social Media of Brands						3
   	COM	302	Special Topics in Health Communication						3
   	COM	304	Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication						3
   	COM	305	Special Topics in Mediated Communication						3
   	JRN	203	Visual Storytelling						3
   	MI	101	Understanding Media and Information						3
   	MI	201	Introduction to Information Science						3
   	MI	305	Media and Information Policy						3
   	MI	462	Social Media and Social Computing						3
   	Culture and Diversity
   	ANP	200	Navigating Another Culture						2
   	COM	310	Intercultural Communication						3
   	COM	320	Diversity and Communication						3
   	COM	440	Organizational Communication Structure (W)						4
   	JRN	475	International News and Government Dynamics						3
   	MI	480	Information and Communication Technologies and Development						3
   	PR	310	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Public Relations and Advertising						3
   	PSY	342	Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination						3
   	SOC	161	International Development and Change						3
   	SOC	215	Race and Ethnicity						3

The Minor in Sales Leadership provides students with the set of educational experiences, courses, and training they need to become successful sales agents and leaders in a sales-intensive corporate setting.  The minor prepares students to be successful in any sales setting and provides the management skills necessary to expand their careers in a manner consistent with their goals.

The Minor in Sales Leadership is administered by the Department of Communication in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the Department of Marketing in the Eli Broad College of Business and is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. Preference will be given to students in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences  and The Eli Broad College of Business. As space permits, students from other colleges desiring the minor will be considered on an individual basis. Admission is competitive. With the approval of the department or school and college 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 student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor for the minor.

Admission

To be considered for admission, a student must have been formally admitted to a bachelor’s degree program at Michigan State University. Students must be enrolled in or have completed Marketing  313, Consultative Selling, and have demonstrated mastery of course content. Other admission criteria include an application with a statement of purpose, a sales aptitude test, and work experience. Each applicant will be interviewed by a faculty program administrator and each student’s application will be rank ordered. Admission decisions will be made after reviewing the student application materials, a personal interview including a 5 to 7 minute sales role play based on content delivered in MKT 313, and a review of students’ final grades in MKT 313.

To apply to the program, students should complete an application found on the minor Web site at www.salesleader.msu.edu by the deadline indicated.

Students must:

1. apply at mid-semester by the published deadline while enrolled in MKT 313 or after  completing the course;
2. provide their overall grade-point average in their major;
3. provide a statement of purpose indicating why they want to enter the minor;
4. provide their score on a sales aptitude test that measures values, behaviors, and skills;
5. participate in a personal interview to determine their interest in and readiness for the minor in which performance in the interview will be assessed and used as a criterion for admission.

Students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in communication may apply for admission to the Minor in Public Relations. For additional information, refer to the Minor in Public Relations statement.

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 is determined by the Master’s Affairs Committee from the Department of Communication. Applicants are ranked among all that apply for a given year. Selection criteria place emphasis on grade-point average and course work, Graduate Record Examination General Test scores, Test of English as a Foreign Language scores for international students, letters of recommendation, the student’s resume, and the student’s academic interests.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree in Communication, an applicant must submit:

(1)    Graduate School Application
(2)    One official copy of all transcripts.
(3)    Three letters of recommendation.
(4)    A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals.
(5)    Graduate Record Examination Scores (GRE) for the General Test.
(6)    Test of English as a Foreign Language Scores (TOEFL), if applicable.
(7)    A resume.

Application materials should be received by April 1. Students will be admitted only for the fall semester. For additional information please visit our Web site at: http://comartsci.msu.edu/academics/academic-departments/communication/graduate/masters-arts-communication.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Communication

The student must complete the requirements for Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis) as specified below:

Communication is a social process by which human beings are linked through the creation, transmission, and reception of messages. The focus of this program is the scholarly analysis of that linkage, with an emphasis on the characteristics of the messages and channels through which linkage occurs.

The student's program is organized around a set of experiences that simulate an interdependent community of communication scholars.  These experiences are intended to maximize creative growth and development, and to provide the student with the skills needed to manage an intellectual community.

There are two basic tasks of a community of communication scholars, in each of which the student must demonstrate competence:

1. Teaching.  The entering student receives training in instructional models and teaching methods in communication education.  Each student serves as an apprentice in supervised teaching situations, leading to a demonstration of independent competence in teaching.
2. Research.  The student is assigned to a task group that explores research questions to which the Department has assigned priority.  Each student participates in various phases of on–going research projects.  Responsibility for the design and conduct of research is increased as competence develops.  Each student must present at least one major report of original research which has been conducted independently.

The first learning experiences in the program consist of the absorption of basic knowledge about communication theory and research, message analysis, and methods of inquiry. During the first year, the new student takes core course work in communication theory,  research methods and analysis. Much of this work is taught by the faculty and engages the full–time curricular energies of the students. Students without background in communication or social science research may be advised to take some preparatory course work.

When the student has mastered this core material, usually by the end of two semesters of residence, the program's focus is directed toward specialization in one or more areas of communication activity. These include, but are not limited to, interpersonal communication, multicultural communication, organizational communication, and persuasion. For such specialization, the student is exposed to lecture courses and doctoral seminars within the department, and to work in other departments which will supplement the mastery of these content areas.

From this point, the student moves to the final stages of the doctoral program—additional advanced seminars, comprehensive examinations, and/or a preliminary paper, and the ultimate goal of developing and defending a doctoral dissertation.

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

February 1 is the deadline for applications for admission and for financial assistance for the succeeding fall semester.  Late applications may be considered.

Students are admitted from heterogeneous educational backgrounds.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Communication

The Graduate Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising, which is administered by the Department of Communication in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is designed for students with interests in fundraising and development work in nonprofit organizations.

The graduate specialization is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s degree programs in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the master’s degree.

The Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising provides students with: (1) an understanding of a variety of fundraising strategies, the role of fundraising within nonprofit organizations, and the role and responsibilities of the development professional in the fundraising process; (2) an understanding of theory and research on social influence and how to employ this knowledge to promote the fundraising activities of a nonprofit organization; and (3) practice in assisting the fundraising activities of a nonprofit organization.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the graduate specialization must consult the graduate advisor for the specialization in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Requirements for the Graduate Specialization in Nonprofit Fundraising

Digital storytelling is the foundation for the world of media. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Storytelling prepares students for a career in a media-focused world and provides them with the tools and techniques needed for creative, entrepreneurial and analytical processes and production. Graduates are prepared for a multitude of career paths -- film, television, corporate communications, digital advertising, new media—anything that involves using sound and image to entertain, inform and/or educate. The digital storytelling major has an interdisciplinary focus with courses from Communication Arts and Science, Film Studies, Journalism, and Media and Information.

The program of study encompasses a common core with foundational and supplementary courses. Students must choose one of the following 12-credit transcriptable concentrations or a 15-credit minor:

The Animation Concentration focuses on the production and theory of animated works in storytelling. Students completing this concentration will be prepared for understanding and producing stories via animation. Students will gain a background in the theoretical and practical uses of the animated form.

The Audio Storytelling Concentration is focused on storytelling through the art and science of production through audio. Students gain hands-on experience producing stories through sound for audio-based models such as terrestrial broadcast radio, satellite radio and web-based distribution and podcasts. Students will learn the fundamentals of audio technology, delivery and presentation, sound design and theory, and industry organization and business concepts.

The Filmmaking Concentration focuses on filmmaking – both fiction and non-fiction in focus. Students learn pre-production, production, and post-production techniques and design principles involved in documentary and fiction film. Students also gain experience in producing, directing, and managing media projects for distribution on multiple platforms including broadcast, cable, mobile networks, and the Internet.

The Multicam Production Concentration focuses on media production using industry multi-camera approaches. Students will learn hands-on multicam techniques for broadcast television and related fields. This concentration emphasizes theory and execution of live directing and production of multicam broadcasts. Students will establish an understanding of production techniques for media distribution including traditional broadcast, mobile networks and web formats.

The Minor in Documentary Production introduces undergraduates to the history, theory, and production of documentary media. Documentary production focuses on issues of media, representation, and reality. It engages directly with the fundamental understanding of how the world is presented, represented, distorted, structured, and shaped. Interpretation and representation of reality constitutes a central axis of inquiry and debate. By integrating production and analysis, students in this minor produce theoretically informed work and develop a cutting-edge understanding of the challenges inherent in representing reality.

The Minor in Fiction Filmmaking educates students in the history, theory, and production of fiction film. Students who enroll in this minor combine practical skills in production with conceptual training in film studies to produce theoretically informed work while developing an understanding of the challenges of creating high-quality films.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Storytelling

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 Digital Storytelling.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Digital Storytelling major is met by completing one of the following courses: Digital Storytelling 411B or 435B or 441 or 442A or 442B or 442C or 443, or Journalism 312.  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.	All of the following core courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 or higher in each course (12 credits):
   	CAS	112	Story, Sound and Motion						3
   	DS	103	Media History						3
   	DS	113	Story, Sound and Motion II						3
   	JRN	108	The World of Media						3
   b.	Complete a concentration or minor (12 to 15 credits):
   	Animation
   	1.	Complete the following courses (9 credits):
   		JRN	212	2D Animation Storytelling					3
   		JRN	312	Stop Motion Animation Storytelling (W)					3
   		JRN	413	3D Animation Storytelling					3
   	2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		JRN	412	Scoring for Moving Pictures					3
   		MI	337	Compositing and Special Effects					3
   	Audio Storytelling
   	1.	Complete three of the following courses (9 credits):
   		DS	243	Audio Storytelling					3
   		DS	343	Podcasting					3
   		DS	344	Sound Design for Storytelling					3
   		JRN	412	Scoring for Moving Pictures					3
   	2.	Complete the following course (3 credits):
   		DS	443	Advanced Audio Design (W)					3
   	Filmmaking
   	1.	Complete the following courses (9 credits):
   		DS	241	Filmmaking I: Basics of Film Production					3
   		DS	341	Filmmaking II: Creating Short Films					3
   		DS	441	Filmmaking III: Advanced Filmmaking Capstone (W)					3
   	2.	One of the following courses (3 credits):
   		DS	311	Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking					3
   		DS	351	Producing for Cinema and Television					3
   		DS	409	Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques					3
   		DS	440	Advanced Video Editing					3
   		FLM	334	Introduction to Screenwriting (W)					3
   	Multicam Production
   	1.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
   		DS	242	Multicam Production I					3
   		DS	342	Multicam Production II					3
   	2.	Two of the following courses, one of which must be DS 442A, DS 442B, or DS 442C:
   		DS	442A	Multicam Production for Arts (W)					3
   		DS	442B	Multicam Production for Sports (W)					3
   		DS	442C	Multicam Production for News (W)					3
   		THR	411	Stage Lighting Design					3
   		THR	416	Stage Sound Design					3
   	Students may choose to complete one of the following minors (15 credits):
   	Documentary Production or Fiction Filmmaking. Students should consult the Academic Programs catalog statement in the department that administers the minor to learn the requirements.
   c.	Complete a minimum of 12 elective credits of courses from the following:
   	DS	202	Writing for Digital Storytelling						3
   	DS	211	Documentary Film History and Theory						3
   	DS	241	Filmmaking: Basics of Film Production						3
   	DS	242	Multicam Production I						3
   	DS	243	Audio Storytelling						3
   	DS	311	Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking						3
   	DS	341	Filmmaking: Creating Short Films II						3
   	DS	342	Multicam Production II						3
   	DS	343	Podcasting						3
   	DS	344	Sound Design for Storytelling						3
   	DS	351	Producing for Cinema and Television						3
   	DS	409	Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques						3
   	DS	411A	Advanced Documentary Filmmaking I (W)						3
   	DS	411B	Advanced Documentary Filmmaking II (W)						3
   	DS	435A	Creating the Fiction Film I						3
   	DS	435B	Creating the Fiction Film II (W)						3
   	DS	440	Advanced Video Editing						3
   	DS	481	Indian Film and Media Production						8 to 12
   	DS	492	Digital Storytelling Special Topics						3
   	DS	492A	Digital Storytelling Special Topics in Animation						3
   	DS	492B	Digital Audio Storytelling Special Topics						3
   	DS	492C	Special Topics in Filmmaking						3
   	DS	492D	Special Topics in Multicam Production						3
   	FLM	301	History of Film after Midcentury						3
   	JRN	206	Video Storytelling with Phones						3
   	JRN	212	2D Animation Storytelling						3
   	JRN	310	Photojournalism						3
   	JRN	312	Stop Motion Animation Storytelling (W)						3
   	JRN	412	Scoring for Moving pictures						3
   	JRN	483	Photo Communication in Europe						6
   	JRN	486	British and Irish Mass Media Education Abroad						6
   	JRN	487	Creative Journey Education Abroad						6
   	MI	337	Compositing and Special Effects						3
   	Courses chosen to complete this requirement may not be used to fulfill the requirements of a concentration or minor.
   d.	Digital Storytelling majors must complete a minimum of 72 credits in courses outside of the School of Journalism, and mass communication. Digital Storytelling majors may complete up to 48 credits in digital storytelling, journalism, and mass communication areas of study.

Journalism is a profession and set of skills for gathering, investigating, producing, and disseminating news. Thus, journalism is an essential feature of democratic societies – providing truthful information that aids individual and collective decision-making. Whether focusing on political, sports, business, environmental, science, or international topics, the journalism major provides students with the professional preparation to serve society’s needs. Graduates are prepared to work in a range of traditional and innovative journalism-related occupations and platforms.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Journalism major is met by completing Journalism 300. 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:

Environmental Studies and Agriscience - Communication concentration:  see the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this catalog for courses in Journalism appropriate to this major.

Engineering Arts:  see the College of Engineering section of this catalog for courses appropriate to this major.

Suggestions for Program Success

Students should pursue the University’s Integrative Studies requirements during their first and second years. Students should complete Journalism 108 in the first year and Journalism 200, 203 and 300 before the end of the sophomore year.
 
Journalism majors are also required to complete an internship for credit, under JRN 493. Internships are an important part of bridging classroom work to the world of work. Our most successful graduates complete multiple internships before graduating.

In order to ensure enrollment in required courses, majors should plan their sophomore, junior and senior year programs with the advice and assistance of academic advisors and faculty.

Today’s journalists should have a broad education in the liberal arts, social sciences, and physical and natural sciences.  Many courses in literature, history, economics and foreign languages are open to freshmen and sophomores.

The Minor in Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media, administered by the School of Journalism, provides a strong foundation in history, theory and production of storytelling using animation and comics. Students acquire production skills to visually represent issues, events, narrative, instruction, history and entertainment and use critical thinking as they study storytelling content, context, ethics and the cultural, global and historical impacts of these forms for various media platforms and audiences. Upon completion of the minor, students will have gained necessary skills to research, create and produce digital, interactive and immersive 2D/3D animation, comics, graphic novels, and cartoons.

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 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.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism to apply. Applications will be reviewed prior to semester enrollment.

Requirements for the Minor in Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media

Complete 15 credits from the following:

The Minor in Digital Storytelling, which is administered by the School of Journalism, prepares students for a media-focused world and provides them with the tools and techniques needed for creative, entrepreneurial and analytical processes and production. Students gain the marketable skills necessary to pursue career paths in film, television, corporate communications, digital advertising, new media and other fields that use sound and image to entertain, inform and/or educate.

The minor is available as an elective to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. 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.

Students who plan to apply to the program should consult the undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism.

Requirements for the Minor in Digital Storytelling

Complete 15 credits from the following: