Program Requirements for Communication Studies

Students consistently rate our courses as among the best they've ever taken. They report that what they learn helps them not only in their careers, but in everday life. We offer a bachelor of arts in communication studies as well as a minor in communication studies. We also offer a minor in writing. You can tailor portions of the major and our minors to meet YOUR needs by choosing from a menu of communication electives in the junior and senior year. Our program requirements as well as a description of our courses appears below.

If you have any questions about the communication studies major or the minors we offer, contact us at rgparker@samford.edu.

Communication Studies Major

The bachelor of arts in communication studies is designed to teach students about human communication. The goal of our program is to teach students to write, speak, listen, and think critically; adapt to a wide range of audiences and cultures; successfully manage personal relationships; work effectively in groups and organizations; and conduct independent research. To major in communication, you'll take the following courses:

Communication Studies Core (total is 28 credits)

Communication Studies Electives (select three courses, total is 12 credits)

Communication Studies Minor

A minor in communication studies is the perfect addition to virtually any major. Our minor consists of 20 credits (five courses). Interpersonal Communication (COMS 221) and Public Speaking (COMS 215) are two of those courses. You choose the remaining three courses from our list of upper-level electives, which appear in the preceding section.

Interested in a Writing Minor?

The writing minor (20 credits = five courses) allows students to study writing as a means of self-expression as well as an academic and professional tool. By minoring in writing, you'll learn the value of writing as a way of learning and you'll develop effective composing strategies for both traditional and electronic formats.

Writing Core (8 credits)

Writing Electives (select three courses, total is 12 credits)

Description of Courses in Communication Studies

COMS 200 Introduction to Communication Studies (4)

Overview of elements of the communication discipline, focusing on major theories, models, and skills that form the foundation for communication studies. Emphasis on theory, research, and development of competency in interpersonal, group, and public communication contexts. Offered: Fall.

COMS 205 Intercultural Communication (4)

Study of intercultural communication, focusing on the concepts and applications of its central theories. Students analyze various uses of communication within cultures, especially within U.S. and Latin American cultures, as a way of developing practical knowledge and skill in communicating across cultures. Required for all communication studies majors. Offered: Fall.

COMS 215 Public Speaking (4)

Study of techniques of giving speeches to inform, convince, and persuade. Includes speech composition, delivery, and audience analysis. Offered: Fall and Spring.

COMS 221 Interpersonal Communication (4)

Examination of interpersonal communication in human relationships and development of skills through projects, experiments, readings, and participation. A valuable course in terms of learning to understand and be understood by others. Offered: Every semester.

COMS 305 Experiencing Cultural Differences (4)

In-depth study of intercultural communication that builds on COMS 205. The course focuses on communication within particular cultures, with a special unit on Latin America. Students construct a comprehensive worldview of intercultural communication principles. Prereq: COMS 205 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Offered: Spring.

COMS 311W Rhetorical Criticism (4)

Examination of the tradition of rhetorical criticism from the Greeks to the present. As part of the historical and philosophical study, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with a variety of critical perspectives for studying public discourse. Offered: Fall.

COMS 320 Legal Communication (4)

Examines legal communication issues including discovery, trial, and appellate procedures. Students also practice basic legal argumentation and debate. Offered: Fall.

COMS 321W Research Methods in Communication (4)

Analysis and research in the communication discipline. Emphasis placed on empirical, scientific methods of investigation in the field of communication. Students are required to apply knowledge by conducting an original research project. Prereq: COMS 200. Offered: Spring.

COMS 325 Small Group Communication (4)

Examination of perspectives that define the communication discipline's study of small-group communication. Once exposed to the theoretical material, students are encouraged to use the theoretical concepts and principles to resolve problems that may arise in group settings. Prereq: COMS 215. Offered: Fall.

COMS 354W Creative Nonfiction (4)

Development of advanced writing techniques, including an understanding of form, genre, and rhetorical purpose (e.g., the personal essay, nature writing, religious/inspirational writing, proposal). Offered: Spring.

COMS 361W Grammar for Writers (4)

Examination of how grammar can enhance written communication. Students will analyze how grammar is used as a rhetorical tool and will demonstrate effective control of written grammar through exercises and writing practice. Offered: Fall.

COMS 410 Intercollegiate Debate (1)

Study of intercollegiate debate theories, procedures, and teaching. Designed for students participating in the Samford University Debate team. Offered: Every semester.

COMS 411W Media Criticism (4)

Focuses on appreciating and criticizing contemporary media practices as a function of maintaining a democratic society. Using rhetorical methods, examines influence of mediate communication upon social, political, and cultural practices. Prereqs: COMS 215 and COMS 311W. Offered: Fall, on rotation.

COMS 415 Persuasion (4)

Analysis of various theories of persuasion as decision-making tools in a democratic society with emphasis on factors such as attention, perception, needs, values, credibility, winning belief, and ethics. Prereq: COMS 215 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Offered: Spring.

COMS 417W Political Communication (4)

Focuses on the relationship between media and politics by examining presidential speeches, social movements, and efforts to shape public opinion in the modern era. Co-listed as POLS 417W. Offered: Spring.

COMS 421 Communication in Close Relationships (4)

Focuses on communication issues that are central to understanding close relationships between friends, family, and romantic partners. Examines how such relationships are developed and maintained by reviewing interpersonal theory and research. Prereq: COMS 221 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Offered: Spring, on rotation.

COMS 424 Communication Internship (4)

Independent study in which students gain practical experience while working in a business, industry, or not-for-profit venue. Includes opportunities in advertising, public relations, journalism, radio, television, museums, and religious or philanthropic organizations. Prereq: Declared major or minor in communication studies; must meet eligibility requirements. Offered: Every semester.

COMS 451W Organizational Communication (4)

Exploration of how communication affects various stakeholders within organizations. After identifying key concepts in organizational theory, students are expected to analyze and evaluate organizational communication through case studies. Prereq: UCCA 102, junior standing. Offered: Spring, on rotation.

COMS 453W Professional Communication (4)

Study of communication strategies as practiced in various professional communities. Applications are made to a number of written and oral communication contexts, including business and management. Offered: Fall, on rotation.

COMS 455W Computer-Mediated Communication (4)

Advanced study of theory and practice of both print and screen literacies. Students will demonstrate an understanding of computer-mediated communication through examinations as well as a digital portfolio. Offered: Spring, on rotation.

COMS 456 Directed Studies (1-4)

Guided examination of a specialized topic leading to a major paper, oral presentation, and/or other assignment. Prereq: Permission of the instructor. Offered: Every semester.

COMS 460W Language in Society (4)

Study of socio- and psycho-linguistic principles and issues in contemporary society. Topics may include language and gender, language in the media, power and politics in language, linguistic variety in North America, and others. Prereqs: UCCA 102, Junior standing. Offered: Spring, on rotation.

COMS 491 Communication Workshop (2)

Integration of knowledge and experience gleaned from lower-level communication studies courses in a capstone experience resulting in an applied communication project. Prereqs: COMS 311W, COMS 321, and senior standing. Offered: Fall.

COMS 492 Senior E-Folio (2)

Reflection and synthesis of knowledge and experience gleaned from the communication studies curriculum leading to the creation of an electronic portfolio in which students demonstrate proficiency in oral communication, written communication, information literacy, and quantitative literacy. Prereqs: COMS 311W, COMS 321, and senior standing. Offered: Spring.