Undergraduate Program

Electives/Tracks

TRACK REQUIREMENTS & ELECTIVES (24 HOURS)

Students choose one of the following four tracks and complete all requirements for that track as listed below.  Additional hours of any applicable speech communication courses may be completed to total 36 hours for completion of the major.

 

Corporate & Organizational Communication Track

Students who choose the Corporate and Organizational Communication track focus on communication within the context of businesses and other organizations.  Effective communication in organizations is necessary both for the attainment of organizational goals and for individual productivity and satisfaction.  This track is designed for those who will have to perform in organizational settings and want to become more effective in their interactions with others for a more successful and fulfilling work life.  This knowledge is especially important now that the "world of work" is undergoing such rapid change.  In addition to learning, understanding, and applying organizational theories and research, students will also develop important organizational skills such as conflict management, decision making, goal setting, team building, giving feedback, etc.   Students completing this track will be prepared for careers in a wide variety of organizational settings and roles (sales, management, human resources, training, etc.), as well as for graduate study in communication or business.

Requirements:

SPC 201Small Group Communication
SPC 203 Introduction to Organizational Communication
SPC 300 Communication in Interviewing
SPC 403 Organizational Communication Theory & Application

Recommended electives:

SPC 210 Interracial Communication
SPC 213 Introduction to PR
SPC 223 Interpersonal Communication Theory & Application
SPC 331 Gender & Communication
SPC 430 Persuasion & Social Influence
SPC 434 Nonverbal Communication
SPC 491 Internship in Speech Communication

Interpersonal Communication Track

Students in the Interpersonal Communication track are generally attracted to it for the solid preparation it provides for graduate school.  This track provides students with a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of the ways in which verbal and nonverbal communication are used in defining, negotiating, and modifying relationships.  This track also increases students’ awareness of both the many types of, and the myriad influences on, interpersonal relationships.  A thorough, systematic examination of relevant theory and research regarding interpersonal communication is provided.  Students who select this track as pre-graduate study preparation will find themselves with an excellent foundation upon which to begin careers in the academic community, such as professor, researcher, or administrator.  Those choosing this track as an end in itself will be well prepared for positions in the business sector such as recruiters and trainers.

Requirements:

SPC 201 Small Group Communication
SPC 223 Interpersonal Communication Theory & Applications
SPC 433 Language & Speech Communication
SPC 434 Nonverbal Communication
SPC 464 Family Communication

Recommended electives:

SPC 210 Interracial Communication
SPC 305 Listening
SPC 331 Gender & Communication
SPC 423 Honesty & Deception in Communication Relationships

Public Relations Track

Students who choose the Public Relations track will study under a model program, designed to meet and exceed national guidelines for undergraduate public relations education described in Public Relations Education for the 21^st Century:  A Port of Entry, sponsored by the Commission on Public Relations Education.  This track stresses written, oral, graphic, and technological applications of communication skills.  Elements of the program are designed to keep entry-level students in touch with upper division students, and past graduates in touch with all students.  In addition, students will experience the “paired course” concept, an idea that helps students integrate materials across their sequence of study.  And finally, students may join our award-winning chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America, which is affiliated with the national professional association, Public Relations Society of America.

Requirements:

SPC 213 Introduction to Public Relations
SPC 313 Applied Public Relations (blocked with 315)
SPC 315 Technology Applications in PR (blocked with 313)
SPC 413 Case Studies in PR
SPC 414 PR Campaigns/Planning & Evaluations
SPC 415 PR Campaigns/Programming & Implementation (fulfills Sr Project core requirement)

Recommended Electives: See Public Relations Advisor

Additional Speech Communication Electives

SPC 309 Independent Projects in Speech Communication
SPC 410 Rhetorical Theory & Criticism
SPC 411 Analysis of Political Communication
SPC 419 Special Topics in Speech Communication
SPC 491 Internship in Speech Communication

Remember:  You must complete at least 18 credit hours in a minor area of study and a total of 124 credit hours to graduate.

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