Department of Communication Studies
Chair: Dr. Terry M. Thibodeaux (936) 294-1356
Information: (936) 294-1497; Suite 410 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building (CHSS)
Website: Department of Communication Studies
Communication Studies is the modern heir to one of the world’s oldest disciplines. Its connection to thought and language is fundamental, and its primacy in marriage and the family, in obtaining employment, and in advancing a career regardless of one’s field are well documented.
Mission
Communication Studies students learn how to prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches using the latest technologies and learn the skills necessary to effectively engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational forms of communication in a variety of contexts. They study the nuances of nonverbal communication, the dynamics of communication in the family and other relationships, the principles of persuasion, the influence and power of culture on communication, as well as lying and other forms of deception, and theories of communication and how to apply them to various contexts in today's rapidly changing world.
Highlights
The Department of Communication Studies provides a rich climate in which to pursue the study of communication with a highly qualified faculty who take a personal interest in each student's learning. The friendly, cooperative climate among faculty is reflective of the general climate of collaborative learning throughout the department. Faculty participate in collaborative research projects with departmental colleagues and those from other departments, as well as providing research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. All classrooms are equipped with the latest classroom and presentational technology. A state-of-the-art research laboratory in the department enhances research.
Suggested Minors
There is no preferred minor for Communication Studies. Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career needs. Common minors include English, Political Science, Spanish, French, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Sociology.
Career Opportunities
The Department of Communication Studies offers coursework that provides for a wide variety of career choices. Faculty members and students have ongoing research programs in various areas of interpersonal communication, such as, relationship maintenance and repair, health communication, intercultural communication, new communication technologies, affectionate communication and visual persuasion. The program is actively involved in advising students about course sequences available to prepare them for careers in both public and private organizations and agencies.
Communication Studies graduates enter a variety of fields, including teaching at all levels, public advocacy and public relations, governmental relations, the ministry, motivational speaking, education, event planning, website development, and marketing. Many continue their studies in Communication Studies graduate programs and in law schools.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Major
Communication Studies offers both the Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) and Bachelor of Science (B. S.) degree options. The B. A. option requires 14 hours of a foreign language plus a Philosophy course, while the B. S. option instead requires 8 hours of natural science plus a math/statistics or computer science course beyond the core curriculum science requirement.
Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Communication Studies (COMS) courses, including at least 9 hours of advanced courses and 6 hours of elective courses in the program. To satisfy the foreign language requirement, all hours must be taken in the same language.
If students choose the Bachelor of Science degree option they must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Communication Studies courses, including at least 9 hours of advanced courses and 6 hours of elective courses in the program.
All students must take the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COMS 1361 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMS 2331 | Intro - Comm Theory & Research | 3 |
| COMS 2386 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMS 4381 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| 12 hours Advanced COMS credits | 12 | |
| 6 hours COMS elective credits | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
COMS 2382 does not count toward the 30 hour requirement for majors.
