Communication Studies, B.A. Suggested 4-year Plan

How to use your 4-Year Plan

This is a suggested 4-year plan for your major and not meant to replace regular academic or program advising.
The plan is flexible and can be changed to accommodate studying abroad, a second major/minor(s) or AP/IB credits.
You should work with an academic and/or program advisor to develop a plan that meets your interests and goals.
You must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate and 45 major-specific credits to earn a B.A. in Communication Studies.
Transfer students and those seeking second majors should contact the program advisor for degree planning.
If you have any questions, contact a School of Communication Program Advisor.

Suggested 4-Year Plan

We encourage you to select your General Education (GE) and minor/second major/Themed Inquiry/Honors program around the plan below. Once you fill your GE classes around your major classes, you will have a better idea of space remaining each semester when choosing your Exploration Focus.
To be enrolled full time, you must take at least 12 credits a semester.
In order to graduate within 4 years, we recommend you take 30 credits a year.

Year 1

(30 total credits)
Recommended 2 COM courses a semester
COM 100 - Introduction to Communication Studies 3 credits
COM 102 - Public Speaking in a Diverse Society 3 credits
COM 110 - Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
COM 151 - Mass Communication 3 credits
General Education (Begin Language)
Explore Minor or Double Major

Year 2

(30 total credits)
Recommended 2 COM courses a semester
COM 210 - Theories of Persuasion 3 credits
COM 211 - Intercultural Communication 3 credits
OR
COM 212 - Group Communication 3 credits
COM 295 - Introduction to Research Methods 3 credits
COM 314 - Communication Theory 3 credits
OR
COM 330 - The Origins of Western Civilization: Mathematics and Philosophy in Magna Graecia and Ancient Sicily 3 credits
General Education (Complete Language requirement)
Explore Minor or Double Major (Themed Inquiry, minor, or second major must be declared before reaching 60 credits)

Year 3

(30 total credits)
Recommended 2-3 COM courses a semester

All course options this year require COM 100 with a B- or higher as a pre-requisite, COM 295 as a co-requisite for 300-level courses or as a pre-requisite with a C or higher for 400 level classes.

Two courses (6 credits) from the following:
SCC 301 - Interviewing and Focus Groups 3 credits
COM 490 - Independent Internship ½-6 credits
COM 491 - Student-Faculty Research/Creative Activity 1-3 credits
COM 495 - Research Seminar in Communication 3 credits
COM 499 - Individual Study 1-6 credits
Two to three upper division electives in COM or SCC (15 total credits)*
Finish General Education
Take courses for minor, themed inquiry, or second degree

Year 4

(30 total credits)
Recommended 2 COM courses a semester
COM 498 - Senior Seminar 3 credits
Two to three upper division electives in COM or SCC (15 total credits)*
Take courses for minor, themed inquiry, or second degree
Electives

*Updates to program, pending approvals

**Please note these are SUGGESTED plans. Based on when you enter the major, these are easily adaptable to various circumstances. We encourage you to reach out to our SoC Program Advisors with questions.