In undergraduate programs:

• Advertising (BA)
• Corporate & Organizational Communication (BA)
• Communication Studies (BA)
• Public Relations
• Minor in Communication Studies
• Minor in Digital Advertising
• User Experience (Certificate)

In graduate programs:

• Organizational Communication (MA)
• Communicating in Organizations (Graduate Certificate)
• Communicating in Healthcare (Graduate Certificate)
• Strategic Sport Communication (Graduate Certificate)

 

*No new program enrollment after Fall 2019 for Popular Culture Studies (BA) and Political Communication (Certificate).

COMM 200: Communication Foundations

AD 210: Software Studio is strongly recommended for ALL majors.

Advertising prepares students for a career in advertising as an Account Executive or Creative by giving them opportunities to build a resume and take part in projects, competitions, and internships.

Communication Studies takes a liberal arts approach to developing responsible communicators in a variety of situations: one-on-one, small group, public, interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational settings. This major requires a second major or minor.

Corporate and Organizational Communication provides an interdisciplinary program for students seeking careers that require communication skills in organizational settings such as training and development, public affairs, non-profit management, government relations, marketing, sales, human resources, public relations, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Popular Culture is a liberal arts major that exposes students to trends and ideas in film, music, social media, etc. that they encounter daily, giving them a critical perspective that pushes them to analyze the world around them and the culture they are in.

Public Relations prepares students for a career in public relations through the emphasis of research and measurement, strategic planning, targeted written communication tactics, and ethical practice.  Typically graduates work for corporations or people to present a positive public image.

For Undergraduate Students:

• American Advertising Federation (ADFED) - Prof. Mark Simpson, Advisor
• Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) - National Honorary Communication Society; WKU Rho Nu Chapter of NCA - Dr. Helen Sterk, Advisor
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) - Dr. Donna Schiess, Advisor
• Communication Ambassadors - Student Communication Department promoters - Prof. Charlotte Elder, Advisor
• Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) - Prof. Vicki Bagwell, Advisor
• Pop Culture Club - Dr. Joseph Hoffswell, Advisor

For Graduate Students:

• COGS (Communication Organization Graduate Students) - Dr. Jieyoung Kong, Advisor

WKU requires you to have a “hold” released on your registration account before enrolling in classes for Fall and Spring semesters (this doesn’t apply to Winter or Summer terms).  The aim is for students to have a real conversation with a knowledgeable faculty member or professional advisor so you can get direction about appropriate next courses, learn about goings-on in your major, and have an opportunity to ask questions.  The time you spend being advised is an investment in your own timely graduation.

If enrolled in Advertising, your advisor is Professor Clint Haynes - FAC 282.

If enrolled in Communication Studies or Corporate & Organizational Communication, your advisor is Professor Bruce Crawley - FAC 106.

If enrolled in Popular Culture, your advisor is Dr. Joseph Hoffswell - FAC 145.

If enrolled in Public Relations, your advisor is Professor Patricia Witcher - FAC 270.

If enrolled in either Communication Major, schedule your appointment through the Department of Communication’s main office (FAC 130 / 270-745-3296).

If enrolled in Advertising, Public Relations, or Pop Culture Studies, schedule your appointment through TopNet.

Tell us your situation. We may be able to set up a "meeting" via telephone or e-mail. 

In a very real sense, every returning student at WKU has “priority registration.”  Some have earlier “priority” than others – seniors ahead of juniors, etc.

“Earned hours” are credits you get by passing your classes.  Courses in which you are currently enrolled are not earned hours until actually completed.  Your registration priority is determined in part based on the number of hours you have already earned.

If you can't get into a course within the department, contact your advisor or the professor over the course you are wanting to enter.

If you can't get into a course outside of the department, your communication advisor does not have authority to manage course enrollment in another department. Contact the department that administers the course, or e-mail the professor of the course.