Curriculum: Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Curriculum: Bachelor of Arts in Communication
11.15.2024
60 - 120
01.13.2025
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curriculum icon Curriculum at a Glance

A BA Communication degree is versatile and our curriculum reflects that range. Once admitted, you’ll work with your academic advisor and program director to build your unique curriculum guide based on your career goals and specific interests.

To receive a BA in Communication, there are certain requirements that need to be obtained.  These requirements include:

  • A minimum of 45 credit hours in communication coursework.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 in communication coursework.

UC Online’s commitment to providing learners with an exceptional online learning experience was recognized by Quality Matters (QM) – the international leader in quality assurance for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.

UC’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program is a proud recipient of the Quality Matters Certification for the following courses:

  • COMM 2004: Communicating Health, Science and the Environment
  • COMM 3007: Introduction to Communication Theory
  • COMM 3039: Communication Research Methods

Below is a list of the courses offered in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication online degree program:

Course Title / Description Credit
COMM2081
Business Communication
Course: COMM2081
Credit: 3
This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives.
3
COMM3006
Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
Course: COMM3006
Credit: 3
This course is a survey of rhetorical and critical-cultural theories, definitions, characteristics, and history. Students will be equipped to understand and analyze public discourse in light of the speaker, medium, message, and context. Students will learn to identify their own world view and how this impacts communication in everyday life.
3
COMM1076
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Course: COMM1076
Credit: 3
Introduction to theory and practice in interpersonal communication. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, listening, emotions, relationship development, conflict and power. Focus is on the development of an understanding of fundamental interpersonal dynamics and basic skills.
3
COMM3007
Introduction to Communication Theory
Course: COMM3007
Credit: 3
This required course for majors is designed to review historically significant communication theories by genres and traditions. The course also explores the meta-theoretical foundation of communication theory and explores the key differences between scientific and interpretive worldviews and their respective research methodologies and resulting scholarship.
3
COMM3039
Communication Research Methods
Course: COMM3039
Credit: 3
This course introduces students to the major methods used in conducting Communication research from a social scientific perspective. The course explores the purposes and goals of social science research, issues and obstacles in conducting research with human subjects, and uses of social science research in advancing knowledge of human communication. Specifically, the course addresses:(a) the use and analysis of surveys, experiments, interviews, and focus groups, (b) validity and reliability issues in conducting social science research, and (c) ethical issues in conducting research with human subjects.
3
COMM1071
Introduction to Effective Speaking
Course: COMM1071
Credit: 3
This course introduces the principles of and practice in composition and presentation of speeches. Topics include speaker and audience relationship, organization of speeches, active listening skills, use of appropriate language, use of technology as an enhancement of speech, managing speech anxiety and developing a natural verbal and nonverbal delivery style.
3
COMM2004
Communicating About Health, Environment and Science
Course: COMM2004
Credit: 3
This course surveys theoretical and applied dimensions of communication issues pertaining to environmental, health, and science issues facing contemporary society. Students will learn about the symbolic and material dimensions of environment and health issues, ways in which risk is evaluated and communicated in a variety of contexts, and about the parameters of scientific argument in various technical and political arenas.
3
COMM2021
Communication in Problem-Solving Groups
Course: COMM2021
Credit: 3
This experiential course covers the basic principles and theories of small group communication. Students will learn to identify behavioral outcomes of others and analyze, adjust and improve on their own communication skills. Students will be equipped to demonstrate understanding of group participation variables including: individual roles, leadership, goal achievement, conflict management, power dynamics, decision making, impact of personal image and business, social and system's theory models.
3
COMM2002
Advanced Public Speaking
Course: COMM2002
Credit: 3
Advanced Public Speaking is a course that explores practices and develops skills in areas such as audience adaptation, advanced communication strategies, organization, use of technology, active listening, and verbal and nonverbal delivery. This course will help students refine their informative and persuasive speaking skills and ready them for professional settings.
3
COMM3077
COMMUNICATION, IDENTITY, AND SPORT
Course: COMM3077
Credit: 3
This course introduces students to ways in which communication processes and practices contribute to the enactment, production, consumption, and organization of sport. In addition, the course examines ways in which sports communication both reflects and shapes personal identity (race, ethnicity, class, sex, religion, ideology, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability), community, culture, politics, and other dimensions of human experience. Students will be exposed to theories drawn from interpersonal, organizational, mediated, and public communication that are relevant to communication and sport from player, fan, consumer, and societal perspectives; and will also examine a number of topical case studies within sports to understand the nature of equality and the development and perpetuation of inequality through interlocking systems of oppression, privilege, and power.
3
COMM2026
Introduction to Mass Communication
Course: COMM2026
Credit: 3
This is a basic course designed to examine the role of media in contemporary political and cultural contexts. It will cover historical perspectives on the development, nature, and functions of mass media in society, and will deal with governmental regulations, ethical issues, ownership, audience response, professional versus personal use, and career pathways.
3
COMM2048
Event Planning & Fundraising Management
Course: COMM2048
Credit: 3
Special event production utilized as a fundraising management tool is a blend of art and science needed to build awareness, increase member support and raise gifts for non-profit, health and education clients. This course will introduce the fundamentals of resource development: philosophy of philanthropy and the various motivations for giving; process (research, planning, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship & evaluation); and best practices by which managers can utilize event planning to develop an effective fundraising program. Through case studies and guest lectures, students will learn the essentials of how to create high quality events including developing objectives, invitation/marketing materials, selecting and negotiating price with venue and service providers, volunteer management, design, budget, logistic, publicity and promotion strategies and tactics.
3
COMM4029
Media and Technology
Course: COMM4029
Credit: 3
This course explores significant economic, political, cultural, social, and civic issues connected with the convergence of digital media. Students will study a variety of digital media and examine how digitalization has changed cultural patterns of media consumption, distribution, and production.
3
COMM2042
Introduction to Public Relations
Course: COMM2042
Credit: 3
Introduction to Public Relations is an introduction to the history, theories and practices of the public relations profession. The ethics of PR, and PR as a process that is integral to successful organizational functioning, will be explored. Students will also develop some of the writing, planning and organizational skills of a PR professional.
3
COMM4067
Environmental Communication
Course: COMM4067
Credit: 3
The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the emerging field of environmental communication. Course topics include the constitutive and instrumental dimensions of environmental communication, the dimensions and formation of the environmental self, the role of environmental communication in the formation of culture, and the nature of environmental advocacy efforts and campaigns. Students will consider the impact environmental communication plays and of their role as consumers in contemporary society through a variety of assignments, including field-based observation and participation.
3
COMM4013
Gender and Communication
Course: COMM4013
Credit: 3
The class examines relationships between communication and gender. Different perspectives about the role of communication in creating gender roles, including socialization in language, the family, and media are discussed and debated. The implication of gender construction for communication in interpersonal relationships, the workplace, health, and national/global politics are examined. The class considers the role of ethnicity, class and sexuality in constructing and enacting gendered roles.
3
COMM5000
Capstone In Communication And Contemporary Issues
Course: COMM5000
Credit: 3
This course will provide students with a culminating experience related to a communication topic or issue of current concern. Students will demonstrate capstone competencies of effective communication, critical thinking, knowledge integration and social responsibility related to the topic or issue selected. The course will also contain an experiential learning component.
3
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