Three emphases are available to students majoring in communication studies. The emphasis in communication, culture, and advocacy offers courses in theory, practice, and criticism appropriate for study in the general field of human communication. The emphasis in media studies combines courses in general communication with courses in mass communication theory, history, criticism, and production. The emphasis in organizational/ corporate communication combines a common core of courses in communication with courses which examine communication systems, training, and consulting, as well as advertising, and corporate advocacy in business, community, and governmental organizations.
Under no circumstances will the Department of Communication accept more than 18 semester hours of transfer credit for application to the major in communication studies at NIU.
Every communication studies major is required to complete satisfactorily a senior project while enrolled in COMS 495A or COMS 495B.
Electives from communication studies courses numbered 200 and above (3)
Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)
For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of B.A. foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.
For the B.S. degree
Mathematics/laboratory science sequence (10-15)
See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.
Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Communication, Culture, and Advocacy: 38-50 (B.A.) OR 48-53 (B.S.)
Six courses from the following in consultation with adviser (18)
Of these 18 semester hours, no more than 9 may be at the 300 level, and no more than 6 may be in JOUR courses. Students should choose additional courses up to the limit of 50 semester hours in the major which will enhance their own program. Profiles of suggested courses of study are available for students interested in corporate video production, corporate interactive video, broadcast production, and cultural studies.
Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)
For the B.A. degree Fulfillment of B.A. foreign language requirement (0-12)
See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.
For the B.S. degree Mathematics/laboratory science sequence (10-15)
See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree” in the Other Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.
Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Media Studies: 38-50 (B.A.) OR 48-53 (B.S.)
Emphasis 3. Organizational/Corporate Communication
Either 498A Tutorial: Non Production or 498B Tutorial: Media Production for 3 semester hours.
Electives
Electives from COMS courses numbered 300 and above (3)
Electives from COMS courses numbered 400 and above (3)
Requirements outside Department (B.A., 0-12; B.S., 10-15)
For the B.A. degree
Fulfillment of B.A. foreign language requirement (0-12)
(See “Foreign Language Requirement for the B.A. Degree.”)
For the B.S. degree Mathematics/laboratory science sequence (10-15)
(See “College Requirement for the B.S. Degree.”)
Recommendations
See departmental adviser for recommended courses in areas such as economics, English, journalism, management, marketing, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Organizational/Corporate Communication: 42-54 (B.A.) OR 52-57 (B.S.)
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