Communication Studies Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Communication Studies is concerned with human deliberation and communication in all its forms. Students majoring in Communication Studies may concentrate in Communication Management or Mass Communication. The concentration in Communication Management is designed for students interested in the general principles of communication from interpersonal relationships to the theory and practice of public advocacy. The concentration in mass communication allows students to specialize in journalism, broadcasting, or public relations. Minors are available in each of the areas of study offered by the department. Students may pursue a double major in the degree concentrations or major in one while minoring in the other. A minor is required, although it does not have to be taken in the department.

CONCENTRATIONS

COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT

A concentration in communication management requires 40

semester hours. The following courses are required: MC 101, CM 105, CM 494, and CM 498. In addition, a communication management major must take 30 semester hours of communication management electives (numbered 300–499) approved by the departmental advisor.

Communication Management Minor

The minor in communication management requires 21 semester hours, including CM 105, and 18 semester hours of communication management electives (numbered 300-495) approved by the departmental advisor.

MASS COMMUNICATION

All students pursuing a major concentration in mass communication must complete 39 semester hours. General requirements include MC 101, CM 105, MC 391 (2 semester hours), MC 400, MC 494, MC 495, and MC 498. The remaining 24 semester hours in the major concentration shall be taken from the list of courses required in each of the specializations and others recommended by the appropriate advisor. A minor concentration requires 21 semester hours including MC 101, MC 106, and 15 semester hours of courses numbered 300-499 recommended by the departmental advisor.

Broadcasting Specialization

Students in broadcasting prepare for professional careers in television and film production, news operations, or management. In addition  to skills courses, students are given a strong theoretical foundation  designed for both the media professional and the potential graduate  student in mass communication. Major requirements for the specialization: MC 370, MC 371, MC 372, MC 373 or MC 375, MC 383 or MC 385, MC 430 or CM 311, and three semester hours of electives in MC or CM approved by an advisor in broadcasting

Journalism Specialization

The curriculum in journalism is designed to prepare students for work with newspapers, magazines, and company publications. In addition to courses in writing, reporting, and editing, the journalism program frequently offers special courses aimed at meeting the media demands of Birmingham, its people, and its publications.  Major requirements for the specialization:  MC 306,  MC 310, MC 350, MC 360, and six additional semester hours of electives in MC or CM approved by an advisor in journalism.

Public Relations Specialization

Public relations is a pre-professional program designed to acquaint students with the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary for relating ideas and information to many “publics.” The program stresses writing, oral, and analytical skills. Major requirements for the specialization: MC 106, MC 339, MC 340, MC 341, MC 342, MC 310, or 360, and six additional semester hours approved by an advisor in public relations.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A number of awards and scholarships are available to Communication majors.  Please contact the main office in Heritage Hall for more information.

Undergraduate Catalog

Prospective Students

Contact us:

E-Mail:  amsbary@uab.edu

Department of Communication Studies

Heritage Hall Building (HH302)

1401 University Boulevard

Birmingham, AL 35294-1152

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