Bachelor of Arts in Communication Southwest Baptist University

Employers consistently report that excellent oral and written communication skills are the most desirable abilities in potential employees. By studying communication at SBU, you will become well-versed in the foundational communication theory and practices that will equip you to be prepared for a wide variety of potential career paths. Many communication alumni go on to pursue further education and have had significant success at graduate schools.

The SBU Advantage

• SBU is home to a nationally recognized forensics team that has won 12 Pi Kappa Delta national championships.
• Thrive in small class sizes where you receive personal attention and guidance to help set you up for success as you pursue your personal and professional goals.
• Joining the forensics team, student media groups or honor societies gives you plenty of opportunities to put your learning into action.

Freshman

Fall Semester

• ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
• COM 1103 Fundamentals Of Speech Communication 3
• MAT 1143 College Algebra 3
• COM 1013 Media and Society 3
• CIS 1103 Computer and Information Management 3
• UNI 1111 University Seminar 1

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
• POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
• FAR 10_3 Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre 3
• HIS 2213/2223 U.S. History I or II 3
• COM 3313 Advanced Public Speaking 3
• UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking 1

Total hours 16

Sophomore

Fall Semester

• SPA 1114 Elementary Spanish 4
• BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
• COM 2223 Argumentation and Debate 3
• ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
• COM 2393 Interpersonal Communication 3

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• SPA 1124 Elementary Spanish II 4
• BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
• COM Elective 3
• SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
• COM 3363 American Public Address (Spring, odd) 3

Total hours 16

Junior

Fall Semester

• COM 3283 Persuasion: Theory and Practice 3
• PHS 1004 Introduction to Physical Science 4
• COM 3353 Organizational Communication 3
• COM 4983 Internship 3
• COM 3013 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism 3

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• Cultural Studies 2
• KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness 2
• Elective 3
• COM 3043 Communication Research Methods (Spring, even) 3
• COM 3003 Communication Theory (Spring, on-demand) 3
• BIB 1013 Old Testament History 3

Total hours 16

Senior

Fall Semester

• COM 4311 Communication Senior Capstone 1
• PSY 1013 General Psychology or
• SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology 3
• COM 4983 Internship 3
• Electives 9

Total hours 16

Spring Semester

• Elective 3
• Elective 3
• Elective 3
• Elective 3
• Elective 3
• Elective 1

Total hours 16

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.

Internships

Communication majors at SBU have completed valuable internship experiences at various organizations, including:

• 1U Project
• Bass Pro Shops, corporate headquarters
• Freshwater Church
• Hope International
• KOLR10, TV news station
• KY3, a TV news station
• Metropolitan Bride
• Mossy Oak Properties
• OZone, local television sports report show

Careers

SBU communication graduates have pursued a variety of careers including:

• Event planning and coordination
• Freelance communication consultation
• Marketing professional
• Sales management
• Social media management
• Sports communication (public relations and social media)

Graduate Schools

Many SBU communication graduates choose to pursue further education in communication and other fields at institutions such as:

• Cornell University
• Northwestern University
• Saint Louis University
• Ohio University
• Texas A&M University
• University of Missouri
• University of Oklahoma