Communication Studies - Health and Relational Communication Concentration, BA

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Ashley Archiopoli, PhD, Coordinator
S1009, 713-221-5092

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 Health and Relational Communication, 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)
6-8 Hours of Foreign Language (must be sequence in a single language)

Major Requirements

Complete 12 semester credit hours from:

Capstone Requirement

COMM 4098 - Capstone Portfolio

Free Electives

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