Oct 13, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Communication Studies (B.A. or B.S.)


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Three emphases are available to students majoring in communication studies. The emphasis in rhetoric and public communication is a broad-based program of study that allows students to take courses from across the field of communication. By becoming more articulate communicators and more alert critics of information and argument, students gain the leadership skills and knowledge essential in a variety of business and civic settings. The emphasis also provides a strong preparation for students who intend to pursue graduate and/or law school.

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, advertising, as well as 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.

The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.

Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Emphasis 1. Rhetoric and Public Communication


Five of the Following (15)


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, Rhetoric and Public Communication: 36-49 (B.A.) OR 46-52 (B.S.)


Emphasis 2. Media Studies


Requirements in Department (35-37)


Five courses from the following (15-17)


Of these 15-17 semester hours, no more than 9 may be at the 300 level. 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: 35-49 (B.A.) OR 45-52 (B.S.)


Emphasis 3. Organizational/Corporate Communication


Requirements in Department (34-36)


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, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Organizational/Corporate Communication: 34-46 (B.A.) OR 45-50 (B.S.)


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