Communication Studies - Rhetorical/Public Communication Concentration, BA

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Toni Hoang, PHD, Degree Coordinator
S1009, 713-222-5373

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies gain a thorough grounding in the theories, skills, and aesthetics of communication. Students learn how to be effective communicators in a variety of contexts and are equipped to become inquisitive, probing, and reflective professionals and citizens. The degree offers students a broad foundation in theory and practice, with technological application in support of its courses. Besides the core curriculum and the major requirements, the degree includes coursework in adjacent academic disciplines, such as writing and the social sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates who earn a BA in Communication Studies will be able to:

Use theories, principles, and concepts to analyze communication interactions.
Explain the elements common to all communication contexts.
Discuss the impact of communication in the real-world context.
Access, interpret, and conduct research in communication studies.
Evaluate, prepare and deliver effective oral messages using technology.

NOTE: Students must select one of the following four concentrations in order to complete a BA in Communication Studies: corporate communications, health communications, interpersonal communications, and rhetorical/public communications.

Degree Requirements

To complete a BA in Communication Studies with a concentration in Rhetorical/Public Communications, students must satisfy the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ” and fulfill the coursework listed below. Note that COMM 3317 , COMM 4302 , and COMM 4390 may be repeated once for credit if course titles and descriptions are different and are relevant to the concentration.

Common Core Requirements

See listing under Common Core Requirements in this catalog.

Preparatory Requirements

(Courses in this area can be reused from the common core)

COMM 1304 - Introduction to Communication (or a lower-level COMM elective if 1304 is taken in the core)
COMM 1306 - Beginning Public Speaking (or a lower-level COMM elective if 1306 is taken in the core)

3 Lower-Level Hours in COMM:

Complete 3 semester credit hours in COMM at the 13XX or 23XX level.

Additional Preparatory Requirements

(Courses in this area cannot be reused from the common core)

3 Hours in Fine Arts:

Complete 3 semester credit hours in Art, Dance, Music, or any other Fine Arts discipline, including crosslisted equivalents.

6-8 Hours of Foreign Language:

Complete 6-8 semester credit hours in the same foreign language. Semester credit hours are contingent upon placement exams, courses taken, or transfer credit. Semester credit hours bypassed by placement must be made up in elective credits. Hours earned in excess of three semester credit hours for any foreign language course may be applied to the elective area.

3 Hours in Social Science:

Complete 3 semester credit hours in Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Social Science (SOS rubric).

Major Requirements

30 Upper-Level Hours in COMM:

Complete a total of 30 semester credit hours in which 15 semester credit hours from:

And 15 Hours of Additional Coursework

Including any courses from the previous list plus at least 6 semester credit hours from:

Free Electives

Upper or lower division courses may be applied to this area, with the exceptions described under the “Requirements for CHSS Majors ,” so the student’s entire coursework, including the courses listed in the above areas, totals 120 semester credit hours.