Major

Minor

Emphases

Courses

Academic Standards

Credit Policies

Faculty: C Allen, C Brazee, W Davidson, W Deering, R Dubiel, E Fakazis, K Ferrante, J Haney, S Hill, R Ilkka, L Midkiff-DeBauche, J Moe, C Sadler, R Sprague, M Tolstedt.

Definition: Communication studies how humans use symbols to create, send, receive, and respond to messages in a variety of contexts using oral, written, visual, or mediated channels.

The Division of Communication offers a single comprehensive communication major and minor. Working with a faculty advisor, you can prepare for a wide range of communication careers in broadcasting, new media, journalism, public relations, management, training, sales, and human services as well as receive personal enrichment in the humanities and liberal arts. You must complete all coursework required for the major or minor and are also expected to acquire strong oral and written communication competencies. The division encourages everyone to participate in one or more of the student organizations and the internship program. These enhance job opportunities upon graduation by providing practical communication experience.

Communication Major
Admission Requirements

1. Communication is a limited enrollment major. Enrollment caps are in effect for all emphases in the major. It is possible that you might meet minimum eligibility requirements (below), but not be accepted into the major. The number of graduates in an emphasis will determine how many students are accepted into that emphasis in a given semester.

2.  If you wish to declare communication as your major or minor, you must meet with a division representative. You will have "premajor" status until you are accepted into the major and you will not be allowed to take more than 13 credits of communication courses at UWSP. Students with more than 13 UWSP communication credits will not be allowed to apply to the major.

3. Pemajors must complete 7-13 communication credits at UWSP including:

1. Comm 100.

2. Any one of Comm 171, 271, 273.

3. Any one of Comm 160, 190, 192, 230, 240, 280.

4. Achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA for all UWSP communication credits.

5. Apply to the major after you complete items 3 and 4 above.

6. Applications are due before the end of the ninth week of each full semester.

7.  In addition to the above items, if you have completed 60 or more university credits, you must have a 2.25 overall GPA to declare the major.

8. If you are not accepted into the major, you may reapply once.

9. For exceptions to the above policies, you may appeal to the head of the division.

Communication Major
Academic Requirements for the Major
Consists of a minimum of 40 credits in communication courses:

1. Required: Comm 100.

2. Required core: Comm 171, 271, 273, 373.

3. Complete at least one emphasis area.

4. Eighteen credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

5. Comm 101 may not be used to complete the major.

Communication Minor
Admission Requirements for the Minor
If you are interested in declaring a communication minor, you must meet with a division representative.

Academic Requirements for the Minor
Consists of a minimum of 24 credits:

1. Required core: Comm 171, 271, 273, 373.

2. Electives: 12 credits of communication courses, at least 6 must be 300 level or above.

3. Comm 101 may not be used to complete the minor.

Areas of Emphasis
To major in communication and qualify for graduation you must complete all of the required courses (above) and one of the following emphasis areas (below). Courses listed below with an asterisk (*) may be repeated for credit under different subtitles.

Interpersonal and Organizational—Required: Comm 240, 280, 383. Electives: 12 credits from Comm *342, 343, 345, *349, 381, *385, 386, 387, *389, *390 (interpersonal or organizational focus), 392, *394, 396.

Media Studies—Choose ONE track:

1. Journalism. Required: Comm 190, 192, 221, 320, 321, 325. Elective: One course from Comm 323, 329, 363 (Survey of Documentary), 387, 392.

2. Media production. Required: Comm 190, 192, 253, 325, 353, 356. Elective: One course from Comm 351, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 367, 369, 387, 392.

Public Relations–Required: Comm 221, 230, 334. Electives: 12 credits, at least 6 must be from Comm 333, 336, 339, 431. Additional 6 credits may be from Art 207, Comm 390 (problem solving focus), 392, 394.

Individually Planned (I.P.E)–Required: Comm 100, 171, 271, 273, 373. Electives: 27 credits of additional communication courses selected in consultation with your advisor and approved by the division head. At least 18 must be 300 level or above. To graduate with an individually planned emphasis in communication you must earn a 2.75 GPA in communication courses.

Academic Standards
Retention and Graduation

1. Any major/minor falling below a 2.75 GPA in communication courses will be placed on probation in the Division of Communication. If you fail to regain a 2.75 GPA after the next semester you enroll in a communication course, you will be dismissed from the major/minor.

2. In order to graduate with a major or minor in communication, you must achieve a 2.75 GPA in all communication classes taken, regardless of a declaration of academic bankruptcy. The division will attempt to notify and consult with communication majors/minors who are at or below a 2.75 GPA. However, it is your responsibility to know your own GPA.

3. Finally, be aware that courses with a grade below C- DO NOT count toward the major or minor. See the More Academic Information section of this catalog for the policy on repeating courses.

4. Transfer credit policy: Certain courses taken at other universities may substitute for courses in the major. Credits from these courses will be counted when calculating your GPA in communication once you have been admitted to the major.

Test-out, Credit-by-Exam, Retroactive Credit Policy
If you think you qualify for the above, contact the division head who will determine whether the exam will be for test-out, credit-by-exam, and/or retroactive credit.  A designated instructor will administer a written exam that evaluates your level of ability with the content of the course. A grade of B or better will qualify for test-out. Courses that involve applied skills and/or oral performance may also require a second performance exam if you score well enough on the written exam.