Department of Communication

Ivan Wilson Center for Fine Arts
Office 130, Phone: (270) 745-3296, Fax: (270) 745-3295
Website: www.wku/communication

Dr. Daniel Modaff, Head

The Department of Communication offers educational programs that prepare students for successful careers that require communication skills and knowledge of theories and concepts. The department supports the concept that a broad-based liberal arts curriculum is essential for a well-rounded education.

The corporate & organizational communication curriculum is an interdisciplinary program for careers that require communication skills in an organizational setting such as management, marketing, sales, economics, finance, training and development, human resources, entrepreneurial endeavors, and many more.

As a pre-professional program, students are exposed to courses in areas such as communication, business management, marketing, economics, English, accounting, and public relations. Elective courses in the major are carefully chosen with an advisor to ensure the student receives the necessary background to succeed in an organizational setting.

The communication studies curriculum provides a liberal arts program and promotes the responsible use of communication as a tool for understanding in a variety of situations: interpersonal, small group, public, intercultural, and organizational settings. This major prepares students for graduate work in communication and for a variety of other professional fields. A second major or minor is required with this major. Communication Studies will complement any career goal which requires excellent communication skills such as business, the law, politics, health care, social work, religious ministries, and other workplace careers.

Student Activities
Membership is available and encouraged in the professional student organizations associated with the department, including a chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. In addition to providing fellowship for students with common interests in the communication field, these groups sponsor field trips, lectures, professional workshops, and  career days. The department also sponsors the Communication Ambassadors, a group of communication students who are chosen to assist with departmental activities.

Major in Corporate and Organizational Communication
The major in corporate and organizational communication (reference number 522) requires a minimum of 54 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. No minor or second major is required. The following courses are required for a major: COMM 148, 247, 343, 345, 349, 461, 489, 494, ENG 306, ECON 206, JOUR 355, MGT 311, MKT 220, and ACCT 200. One of the following: COMM 341 OR COMM 346. Three additional courses must be selected from the following list in consultation with an assigned department advisor: COMM 240, 460, 463,  474, 488, JOUR 202, 343, PS 441, ACCT 201, MGT 200, MGT 473, LME 445, ECON 202 OR ECON 203, PSY 370, PSY 371, BCOM 265, 266, 325, 385. One-half of the hours in the Corporate and Organizational Communication major must be at the 300- or 400-level.

In addition to major requirements, the following courses will be required (and often may be applied to appropriate General Education categories as noted: COMM 263 (Category E), ECON 202 or 203 (Category C), MATH 116 (category D), CIS 141 (a General Elective). NOTE: The same ECON course may not be cross-listed on the degree program as an elective in the major and in Gen. Ed. Category C. A student majoring in corporate and organizational communication is restricted to no more than 30 semester hours of credit taught in the College of Business in the total of 120 hours required for graduation either through required or elective hours.

To be admitted to a major in corporate and organizational communication, a student must meet these requirements:

• Completion of 24 hours of course work applicable to the baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3.
• Completion of ENG 100 and COMM 145 or COMM 161 with a minimum grade of “C.”

Major in Communication Studies
The major in communication studies (reference number 792) requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. A second major or minor is required. The following course is required and may be applied to Category E of the general education requirements, COMM 263 Fundamentals of Communication and Culture. Requirements for the major are as follows: COMM 148, 247, 341, 345, 494 and BCOM 201. Required - One of the following: COMM 349 or 461; Required - One of the following: COMM 240 or 343. In addition, two of the following elective courses must be chosen in consultation with an advisor. Whatever you have not chosen as one of the above required courses may be included in the following list of electives: COMM 245, 249, 346, 460, 463, 488, 489, 495, or 3 hours credit from three one hour practicums (COMM 142-444). One-half of the hours in the major must be at the 300- or 400- level. No course with a grade of “D” or below may be counted toward this major.

Students wishing to enter this major may do so only after having met the following requirements:

• Completion of 24 hours of coursework applicable to the baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3.
• Completion of COMM 145 or COMM 161 with a minimum grade of “C.”

Minor in Communication Studies
The minor in communication studies (reference number 480) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. Requirements for the minor are as follows: COMM 247, 341, 343, 345; and three courses of restricted electives chosen in consultation with a departmental advisor as follows: COMM 148, 240, 245, 249, 263, 343, 346, 349, 443, 460, 461, 463, 489, 494, 495 or 3 hours of COMM 142-444. One-half of the hours in the communication studies minor must be at the 300- or 400-level.

Certificate in Political Communication
This certificate allows for exploration of the role that communication plays in political systems by combining studies in the fields of communication and political science. The certificate is designed for students preparing for careers as legislative aides, political consultants, campaign managers, speechwriters, or lobbyists. Students who complete the certificate will have a foundation of communication skills and theory with a working knowledge of the political system.

Housed in the Potter College Dean’s Office, the certificate program consists of 15 hours of required and elective courses that complement both a student’s major/minor and career aspirations.

Students are required to take PS 375, Fundamentals of Political Campaign Management and COMM/PS 488, Senior Seminar in Political Communication. Students will select one course from a list of political science courses and two courses from a list of communication studies courses in consultation with an advisor.

Graduate Degree Program
The Department of Communication offers courses leading to the Master of Arts degree in communication with emphasis in applied organizational communication or communication theory/rhetoric. The program comprises a carefully chosen blend of courses including organizational, intercultural, interpersonal and group communication. Assistantships are available to qualified students. In addition, the certificate in organizational communication is designed for managers and supervisors who wish to enhance their skills in the areas of organizational communication without seeking an advanced degree. A weekend program is offered, along with evening classes. See the Graduate Studies Catalog for more detailed information. Contact this department for specific information about the program.