BA in Communication Studies Northern State University

Northern's communication studies students learn to understand and practice communication, developing insight into and ability in effective expression and listening.

In this compact, agile communications program, we'll help you tailor experiences and projects to your special needs and interests.

Our communication studies degree also prepares you for professional schools in law, journalism, public relations, and organizational communication; or graduate studies in speech communication, rhetoric, public relations, mass media, and others.

You can also test your abilities and sharpen your competition skills on Northern's Speech and Debate Team, which places competitively in state and regional meets and whose members have qualified for national competition.

Public Relations Emphasis

Public relations specialists read, research, write and speak well - they're doers who have a creative flair. NSU's Communication Studies program offers a focus on public relations, opening opportunities for you if you're interested in preparing and sharing information that keeps people informed.

• Students will describe the discipline and employ its theories, perspectives, and concepts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Foundational Lifelong Learning Skills)
• Students will engage in Communication inquiry. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Students will create influential messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)
• Students will critically analyze messages. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Students will demonstrate the ability to accomplish communicative goals (self-efficacy). (Cross-Curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Students will apply ethical communication principles and practices and embrace differences. (Cross-Curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)

First Year Fall

• IDL 190, Freshman Seminar 2
• MATH 114/L, College Algebra* 3-4
• HIST 122, Western Civilization II* 3
• ENGL 101, Composition I 3
• SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech* 3

First Year Spring

• SPCM 222, Argumentation and Debate 3
• MUS 100, Music Appreciation* 3
• SOC 100, Introduction to Sociology* 3
• PSYC 101, General Psychology* 3
• ENGL 210, Introduction to Literature* 3

Second Year Fall

• SPCM 310, Business and Professional Speaking** 3
• ENGL 201, Composition II 3
• BIOL 211/L, Environmental Biology* 3
• Introductory or Intermediate Foreign Language 3-4
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Second Year Spring

• SPCM 201, Interpersonal Communication 3
• SPCM 215, Public Speaking** 3
• GEOG 131/L, Physical Geography* 4
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Fall

• SPCM 405, Theories of Communication 3
• SPCM 223, Mass Communications*** 3
• Organizational Communication** 3
• PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy* 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Spring

• SPCM 390, Seminar 3
• SPCM 470, Intercultural Communication 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Fall

• SPCM 434, Small Group Communication 3
• SPCM 422, Persuasion 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Spring

• SPCM 494, Internship 3
• SPCM 416, Rhetorical Criticism 3
• SPCM 417, Political Communication** 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

*Fulfills a General Education Requirement. Other course options may be available.
**Fulfills a major requirement. Other course options may be available.
***Fulfills a general elective. Other course options may be available.

Suggested Double Majors: Business Administration, English, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology.

Suggested Minors: Business, English, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology.

The communication studies degree program provides a foundation for many careers. You'll learn the skills needed to obtain positions in business, industry, education, and government service. Other potential career areas include sales and marketing; artists, broadcasters, editors, entertainers, public relations specialists, and writers; and management- and administration-related occupations.

Public Relations

Public relations specialists work for private firms, educational institutions, and government agencies, or are self-employed. They also have positions in sales and marketing or as artists, broadcasters, editors, entertainers, and writers, and work in management and administrative occupations.

Internships

Communication Studies students gain valuable real-world experience through a required 3-credit internship.