This emphasis is appropriate for the student who wishes a broader or more liberally oriented emphasis than is available in any single emphasis. The student electing this emphasis should realize that the lack of a single specific area of expertise is likely to make him or her less competitive for many job opportunities after graduation. Nevertheless, this emphasis may be attractive to the self-confident and above-average student who seeks a distinct pattern of academic preparation not available in another emphasis. The individually planned emphasis must be a challenging and coherent combination of courses leading to a clearly articulated goal. It requires early planning to ensure the availability and integration of courses. It is not intended to permit students to package courses that have already been completed. No more than 6 credits of “in progress” or “completed” courses may be counted toward the emphasis at the time of declaration. Students should be aware that the committee that reviews student proposals for this emphasis will not approve proposals constructed simply to avoid what the student may consider to be undesirable courses in several emphasis areas. Instead, this emphasis is designed for the exceptional student who has specific career and educational goals that are not adequately served by a single emphasis. Detailed requirements are available in the Division of Communication office.
Required courses:
Comm 100: Introduction to Communication Study
Required Core: (12 credits)
a. Comm 171: Communication in Civilization
b. Comm 271: Contemporary Communication Theories
c. Comm 273: Reasoning and Criticism
d. Comm 373: Communication and Social Change
27 credits of additional Communication electives. At least 18 must be at the 300-400 level.