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. Students who double major in Communication and Journalism must take JOUR 480 or COMS 455 or COMS 403. In no case will the COMS or JOUR law/ethics course count towards the same law/ethics block required for each major.
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.)
Of these 15-20 semester hours, no more than 9 may be at the 300 level. 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
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