Arts & Sciences Communication Studies
Description
Communication studies is a social science and humanistic field of study, research, and application. Communication competencies are among those most highly desired in professional, personal, organizational, and civic arenas. The mission of the Department of Communication Studies is to examine human symbolic activity as it shapes and is shaped by relationships, institutions, and societies. This work concerns how, why, and with what effects people communicate through verbal and nonverbal messages. Through research, teaching, and service, the Department devotes particular attention to understanding the ways in which communication erodes and sustains collaboration within and among local, national, and global communities.
A degree in communication studies will focus broadly on the production and influence of messages across the contexts of public, personal, and professional life. In this course of study, students are immersed in mastering the intellectual capacities to advocate, negotiate, and relate. Students who major in communication studies can choose to fulfill the general requirements of the major or they can opt to complete courses in one of three major emphasis areas: communication, health, and well-being; diversity, culture, and global communication; or communication, public advocacy, and civic engagement.
Emphasis Areas in the Major
Students who declare a major in communication studies will follow the general requirements for communication studies. Though not a requirement, students have the option to declare one of the three emphasis areas within the major as well.
Communication, Health, and Well-Being
The health and well-being emphasis area focuses on the role of communication in understanding and explaining individual and relational health, promoting healthy behaviors, and helping persons navigate health challenges. Students interested in health administration, public health, and pre-health students interested in communication studies would benefit from this emphasis area.
Diversity, Culture, and Global Communication
The diversity, culture, and global communication emphasis area focuses on the role of communication in constituting identity in a complex and diverse world. Students who engage in this emphasis area will learn how we come to identify and understand difference, how power is constituted and perpetuated in communication processes, how people organize in ways that enable and constrain voice, and how marginalized groups can (re)claim power in local/global contexts.
Communication, Public Advocacy, and Civic Engagement
Students who choose an emphasis in Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement will focus on the role of communication in facilitating public participation, mediating public controversies, and organizing for social change and citizen involvement. Students emphasizing in this area will learn to become better advocates and critical thinkers. This emphasis stresses skills related to public speaking, critical thinking, writing, and message construction and analysis.
Program Assessment. In order to assist the department in evaluating the effectiveness of its programs, majors will be required to complete an assessment of the major. This assessment will be implemented in the communication studies capstone course COMM 489. The results of participation in this assessment activity will in no way affect a student’s GPA but could prevent or delay graduation if the assessment is not completed as required.
University Speech & Debate
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a nationally-recognized speech and debate program of participation in campus and intercollegiate debate, public speaking, and interpretation events. The program gives students the opportunity to compete at the local, state, regional, and national levels. No previous debate or speech experience is required. All students who are in good standing may take part in intercollegiate debate and forensics.
College Admission
The entrance requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), including any of the majors or minors offered through the college, are the same as the University of Nebraska–Lincoln General Admission Requirements. In addition to these requirements, the College of Arts and Sciences strongly recommends a third and fourth year of one foreign language in high school. Four years of high school coursework in the same language will fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences’ language requirement. It will also allow students to continue language study at a more advanced level at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and provide more opportunity to study abroad.
Academic and Career Advising
Academic and Career Advising Center
Not sure where to go or who to ask? The Advising Center team in 107 Oldfather Hall can help. The Academic and Career Advising Center is the undergraduate hub for CAS students in all majors. Centrally located and easily accessed, students encounter friendly, knowledgeable people who are eager to help or connect students to partner resources. Students also visit the Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall to:
- Choose or change their major, minor, or degree program.
- Check on policies, procedures, and deadlines.
- Get a college approval signature from the Dean’s representatives.
CAS Career Coaches are available by appointment (in-person or zoom) and located in the CAS Academic and Career Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall. They help students explore majors and minors, gain experience, and develop a plan for life after graduation.
Assigned Academic Advisors
Academic advisors are critical resources dedicated to students' academic, personal, and professional success. Every CAS student is assigned an academic advisor based on their primary major. Since most CAS students have more than just a single major, it is important to get to know the advisor for any minors or additional majors. Academic advisors work closely with the faculty to provide the best overall support and the discipline specific expertise. They are available for appointments (in-person or zoom) and through weekly virtual drop-ins. Assigned advisors are listed in MyRED and their offices may be located in or near the department of the major for which they advise.
Students who have declared a pre-health or pre-law area of interest will also work with advisors in the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center (Explore Center) in 127 Love South, who are specially trained to guide students preparing to enter a professional school.
For complete and current information on advisors for majors, minors, or pre-professional areas, visit https://cas.unl.edu/major-advisors, or connect with the Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center, 107 Oldfather Hall, 402-472-4190, casadvising@unl.edu.
Career Coaching
The College believes that Academics + Experience = Opportunities and encourages students to complement their academic preparation with real-world experience, including internships, research, education abroad, service, and leadership. Arts and sciences students have access to a powerful network of faculty, staff, and advisors dedicated to providing information and support for their goals of meaningful employment or advanced education. Arts and sciences graduates have unlimited career possibilities and carry with them important career competencies—communication, critical thinking, creativity, context, and collaboration. They have the skills and adaptability that employers universally value. Graduates are prepared to effectively contribute professionally and personally with a solid foundation to excel in an increasingly global, technological, and interdisciplinary world.
Students should contact the career coaches in the Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center in 107 Oldfather Hall, or their assigned advisor, for more information. The CAS career coaches help students explore career options, identify ways to build experience and prepare to apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school, including help with resumes, applications, and interviewing.
ACE Requirements
Students must complete one course for each of the ACE Student Learning Outcomes below. Certified course choices are published in the degree audit, or visit the ACE website for the most current list of certified courses.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Student Learning Outcomes | ||
ACE 1: Write texts, in various forms, with an identified purpose, that respond to specific audience needs, integrate research or existing knowledge, and use applicable documentation and appropriate conventions of format and structure. | ||
ACE 2: Demonstrate competence in communication skills. | ||
ACE 3: Use mathematical, computational, statistical, logical, or other formal reasoning to solve problems, draw inferences, justify conclusions, and determine reasonableness. | ||
ACE 4: Use scientific methods and knowledge to pose questions, frame hypotheses, interpret data, and evaluate whether conclusions about the natural and physical world are reasonable. | ||
ACE 5: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation, and the standards of evidence appropriate to the humanities to address problems and issues. | ||
ACE 6: Use knowledge, theories, and research perspectives such as statistical methods or observational accounts appropriate to the social sciences to understand and evaluate social systems or human behaviors. | ||
ACE 7: Use knowledge, theories, or methods appropriate to the arts to understand their context and significance. | ||
ACE 8: Use knowledge, theories, and analysis to explain ethical principles and their importance in society. | ||
ACE 9: Exhibit global awareness or knowledge of human diversity through analysis of an issue. | ||
ACE 10: Generate a creative or scholarly product that requires broad knowledge, appropriate technical proficiency, information collection, synthesis, interpretation, presentation, and reflection. | ||
College Degree Requirements
College Distribution Requirements – BA and BS
The College of Arts and Sciences distribution requirements are common to both the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees and are designed to ensure a range of courses. By engaging in study in several different areas within the College, students develop the ability to learn in a variety of ways and apply their knowledge from a variety of perspectives. All requirements are in addition to University ACE requirements, and no course can be used to fulfill both an ACE outcome and a College Distribution Requirement.
- A student may not use a single course to satisfy more than one College Distribution Requirement, with the exception of CDR Diversity. Courses used to meet CDR Diversity may also meet CDR Writing, CDR Humanities, or CDR Social Science.
- Independent study or reading courses and internships cannot be used to satisfy distribution requirements.
- Courses from interdisciplinary programs will be applied in the same area as courses from the home/cross-listed department.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Distribution Requirements | ||
| CDR: Written Communication | 3 | |
| Select from courses approved for ACE outcome 1. | ||
| CDR: Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences with Lab | 4 | |
| Select from biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geology, meteorology, mathematics, and physics. Must include one lab in the natural or physical sciences. Lab courses may be selected from biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and physics. | ||
| Some courses from geography and anthropology may also be used to satisfy the lab requirement above. 1 | ||
| CDR: Humanities | 3 | |
| Select from classics, English, film studies, history, modern languages and literatures, philosophy, and religious studies. 2 | ||
| CDR: Social Science | 3 | |
| Select from anthropology, communication studies, geography, national security studies, political science, psychology, or sociology. 3 | ||
| CDR: Human Diversity in U.S. Communities | 0-3 | |
| Select from a set of approved courses as listed in the degree audit. | ||
| CDR: Language | 0-16 | |
| Fulfilled by the completion of the 6-credit-hour second-year sequence in a single foreign language in one of the following departments: Classics and religious studies or modern languages and literatures. Instruction is currently available in Arabic, Chinese, Czech, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. | ||
| A student who has completed the fourth-year level of one foreign language in high school is exempt from the languages requirement, but encouraged to continue on in their language study. | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 13-32 | |
- 1
See Degree Audit or a College of Arts and Sciences advisor for approved geography and anthropology courses that apply as natural science.
- 2
Language courses numbered 220 and below do not fulfill the CDR Humanities.
- 3
See Degree Audit or College of Arts and Sciences advisor for list of natural/physical science courses in anthropology, geography, and psychology that do not apply as social science.
Language Requirement
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Arts and Sciences place great value on academic exposure and proficiency in a second language. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln entrance requirement of two years of the same foreign language or the College’s language distribution requirement (CDR: Language) will rarely be waived and only with relevant documentation. See the main College of Arts and Sciences page for more details.
Experiential Learning Requirement
All undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.
Scientific Base - BS Only
The bachelor of science degree requires students to complete 60 hours in mathematical, physical, and natural sciences. Approved courses for scientific-based credit come from the following College of Arts and Sciences disciplines: actuarial science, anthropology (selected courses), astronomy, biochemistry (excluding BIOC 101), biological sciences (excluding BIOS 100 or BIOS 203), chemistry (excluding CHEM 101), geography (selected courses), geology, life sciences, mathematics (excluding courses below MATH 104), meteorology, microbiology (excluding MBIO 101), and physics (excluding PHYS 201.)
See your Degree Audit or your assigned academic advisor for a complete list, including individual classes that fall outside of the disciplines listed above. Up to 12 hours of scientific and technical courses offered by other colleges may be accepted toward this requirement with approval of the College of Arts and Sciences. See your assigned academic advisor to start the approval process.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is required for graduation from the College of Arts and Sciences. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required.
Grade Rules
Restrictions on C- and D Grades
The College will accept no more than 15 semester hours of C- and D grades from other domestic institutions except for UNO and UNK. All courses taken at UNO and UNK impact the UNL transcript. No transfer of C- and D grades can be applied toward requirements in a major or a minor. No University of Nebraska–Lincoln C- and D grades can be applied toward requirements in a major or a minor. International coursework (including education abroad) with a final grade equivalent to a C- or lower will not be validated by the College of Arts and Sciences departments to be degree applicable.
Pass/No Pass Privilege
The College of Arts and Sciences adheres to the University regulations for the Pass/No Pass (P/N) privilege with the following additional regulations:
- Pass/No Pass hours can count toward fulfillment of University ACE requirements and college distribution requirements up to the 24-hour maximum.
- Most arts and sciences departments and programs do not allow courses graded Pass/No Pass to apply to the major or minor. Students should refer to the department’s or program’s section of the catalog for clarification. By college rule, departments can allow up to 6 hours of Pass/No Pass in the major or minor.
- Departments may specify that certain courses of theirs can be taken only on a P/N basis.
- The college will permit no more than a total of 24 semester hours of P/N grades to be applied toward degree requirements. This total includes all Pass grades earned at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and other U.S. schools. NOTE: This 24-hour limit is more restrictive than the University regulation.
Grading Appeals
A student who feels that he/she has been unfairly graded must ordinarily take the following sequential steps in a timely manner, usually by initiating the appeal in the semester following the awarding of the grade:
- Talk with the instructor concerned. Most problems are resolved at this point.
- Talk to the instructor’s department chairperson.
- Take the case to the Grading Appeal Committee of the department concerned. The Committee should be contacted through the department chairperson.
- Take the case to the College Grading Appeals Committee by contacting the Dean’s Office, 1223 Oldfather Hall.
Course Level Requirements
Courses Numbered at the 300 or 400 Level
Thirty (30) of the 120 semester hours of credit must be in courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level. Of those 30 hours, 15 hours (1/2) must be completed in residence at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Residency Requirement
Students must complete at least 30 of the 120 total hours for their degree at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Students must complete at least 1/2 of their major coursework, including 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level in their major and 15 of the 30 hours required at the 300 or 400 level, in residence. Credit earned during education abroad may be used toward the residency requirement only if students register through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Catalog to Use
Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year in which they are first admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a subsequent catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the College of Arts and Sciences. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. Beginning in 1990-1991, the catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.
Transfer Students: Students who have transferred from a community college may be eligible to fulfill the requirements as stated in the catalog for an academic year in which they were enrolled at the community college prior to attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision should be made in consultation with academic advisors, provided the student a) was enrolled in a community college during the catalog year they are utilizing, b) maintained continuous enrollment at the previous institution for 1 academic year or more, and c) continued enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within 1 calendar year from their last term at the previous institution. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year and within the time frame allowable for that catalog year.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in communication studies will be able to:
- Understand and articulate communication as a process
- Apply communication theories, methods, and concepts to 21st century challenges and opportunities
- Critically create, interpret, and evaluate messages within the contexts of:
- communication, health, and well-being
- communication, public advocacy, and civic engagement and/or
- diversity, culture, and global communication
- Advocate, negotiate difference, and relate across personal, professional, and public life
Major Requirements
Thirty-six (36) credit hours in communication studies. Students may choose to declare one of three emphasis areas: Communication, Health, and Well-being; Diversity, Culture, and Global Communication; Communication, Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement; or follow their own interests for advanced coursework.
Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM 101 | Communication in the 21st Century 1 | 3 |
| COMM 250 | Rhetoric, Media, and Civic Life 2 | 3 |
| COMM 283 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 489 | Communication Studies Capstone | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Research Methods Course 1 | ||
| COMM 201 | Social Scientific Research Methods in Communication Studies | 3 |
| or COMM 202 | Rhetorical Research Methods in Communication Studies | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Performance Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
| Debate 2 | ||
| Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement 2 | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| University Speech and Debate Seminar | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
- 1
COMM 101 and COMM 201 or COMM 202 should be completed within the first 12 hours of the communication studies major.
- 2
COMM 212 or COMM 220, and COMM 250 are recommended for students pursuing the Communication, Public Advocacy, and Civic Engagement Emphasis.
Advanced Communication Studies or Emphasis Areas
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Communication Studies Courses | ||
| Select six COMM courses at the 300 level or above, including at least two at the 400 level. | 18 | |
| Students may select their own combination of advanced courses, or declare one of the following emphasis areas and select from the related list. 3 | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communication, Health, and Well-Being Emphasis | ||
| Select six of the following courses, including two at the 400 level: 4 | 18 | |
| Health Communication | ||
| Communication, Medicine, and Health Equity | ||
| Communication and Aging | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Narratives and Health | ||
| Gender and Communication | ||
| Communication and Social Identity | ||
| Interpersonal Communication Theory | ||
| The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity, Culture, and Global Communication Emphasis | ||
| Select six of the following courses, including two at the 400 level: 4 | 18 | |
| Intercultural and Intergroup Communication | ||
| Dialogue Across Difference | ||
| Communication, Medicine, and Health Equity | ||
| Gender and Communication | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Media and Culture | ||
| Communication and Social Identity | ||
| The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Voices of Dissent and Activism | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communication, Public Advocacy, and Civic Engagement Emphasis | ||
| Select six of the following courses, including two at the 400 level: 4 | 18 | |
| Argumentation | ||
| Freedom of Speech | ||
| Polls, Politics and Public Opinion | ||
| Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Theories of Persuasion | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Rhetorical Theory | ||
| Political Communication | ||
| Voices of Dissent and Activism | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 18 | |
- 3
No more than 3 hours from COMM 395 or COMM 397 may count toward the major.
- 4
Either COMM 395 or COMM 397 may be used in the emphasis areas when related and by approval of the undergraduate advisor.
Minor Requirement
A minor (or 2nd major/degree) is required by this major.
Additional Major Requirements
Prerequisite Requirements/Rules
COMM 101 must be completed before a student can enroll in any 400-level course. COMM 101, COMM 201, or COMM 202 must be taken before COMM 489.
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
A grade of C or above is required for all courses in the major and minor.
Pass/No Pass
No course taken Pass/No Pass will be counted toward the major, with the exception of 3 hours of either COMM 395 or COMM 397.
Requirements for Minor Offered by Department
Eighteen (18) hours in communication studies courses as follows.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM 101 | Communication in the 21st Century | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
| Debate | ||
| Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| University Speech and Debate Seminar 1 | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Additional Communication Studies Courses | ||
| Select 9 hours of 300/400-level COMM courses with at least 3 hours at the 400 level. 2, 3 | 9 | |
| Select one additional COMM course at any level. | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
- 1
No more than 3 hours of COMM 290 credit can be applied to the minor.
- 2
- 3
Of the 9 hours, at least 3 hours must be at the 400 level. COMM 101 must be completed before a student can enroll in any 400-level course.
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
A grade of C or above is required for all courses in the major and minor.
Pass/No Pass
No course taken Pass/No Pass will be counted toward the minor.
Description: Introduction to the discipline of communication studies through a problem centered learning approach. How communication theory can be applied to solve everyday problems in public, professional, and private lives through learning how to advocate, negotiate, and relate.
This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 400; COMM 440; COMM 452; COMM 464; COMM 465; COMM 470; COMM 471; COMM 489; COMM 492
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Introduction to the discipline of communication studies through a problem centered learning approach. How communication theory can be applied to solve everyday problems in public, professional, and private lives through learning how to advocate, negotiate, and relate.
This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 400; COMM 440; COMM 452; COMM 464; COMM 465; COMM 470; COMM 471; COMM 489
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Engage in semi-structured face-to-face discussion groups about important and polarizing social issues.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: Admission to the University Honors Program or by invitation.
University Honors Seminar 189H is required of all students in the University Honors Program.
Description: Topic varies.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Independent reading or research under direction of a faculty member.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Letter grade only.
Description: Introduction to social-scientific research methods in communication studies. Location, interpretation, and application of extant communication research.
This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 489
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Letter grade only.
Description: Introduction to the humanistic research tradition in communication studies with a focus on understanding and applying various critical approaches to the analysis of public discourse.
This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 489
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Detailed practice in composition and delivery of speeches leading to effective extemporaneous speaking. Critical analysis of contemporary speeches on vital public issues.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.
Description: Detailed practice in composition and delivery of speeches leading to effective extemporaneous speaking. Critical analysis of contemporary speeches on vital public issues will culminate in a major research paper.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Practice and theory of communication to participate in and lead small group discussion and problem solving.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Principles of argumentation and debate. Practice in analysis, briefing, use of evidence, reasoning, detection of fallacies, refutation, and delivery of argument.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Surveys theories of visual communication to improve critical thinking about images.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Introduction to fundamentals of public deliberation, advocacy, and civic engagement in a democratic society. Develop civic engagement campaigns using the resources of the rhetorical tradition.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
Description: Explores the centrality of communication in contemporary, digitally-networked civic life.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 5 Humanities |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 5 Humanities
Description: Examine communication processes that support organizing social change. Explore theories and case examples of how social change agents develop their voices, relationships and the organizational capacity to act on behalf of shared goals.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to communication and popular culture, e.g. television, music, film, popular literature, "self help" literature, etc., using rhetorical and critical methods of analysis to understand the communicative dimension of these cultural forms to explore the complex relationship of language, visual images, mediated communication, and cultural values.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Understanding the processes and challenges of interpersonal communication across a variety of relationship types. Issues of interpersonal communication in personal and professional relationships.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Letter grade only.
Description: An introduction to a variety of communication skills to help achieve maximum effectiveness on the job: verbal and listening skills, oral presentation techniques, small group problem solving/leadership, interviewing, and organizational communication.
This course is a prerequisite for: CSCE 488
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Prerequisites: Permission.
Limited to members of the intercollegiate forensics squad. Tournaments from September through April.
Description: Intensive research, practice, and application of principles of argumentation and persuasion in intercollegiate debate, public address, and oral interpretation.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
| Experiential Learning: | Creative Activity |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Prerequisites: Permission.
Pass/No Pass only.
Description: Structured professional experience for training instructor assistants to tutor, evaluate communication activities, and do other instructional assistance for communication studies courses.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Communication Studies major or minor and permission
Description: Examination of theory and research around effective peer mentor communication, relationship building, and instructional practices and putting those into practice in real life situations working as mentors and trainers.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Student Teaching/Education Practicum |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program, Communication Studies major or minor and permission.
Description: Examination of theory and research around effective peer mentor communication, relationship building, and instructional practices and putting those into practice in real life situations working as mentors and trainers.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to the theories and concepts of intercultural and intergroup communication. Communicative processes associated with social comparison, prejudice and discrimination, and social conflict in various relational and professional contexts.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
| Experiential Learning: | Community Engagement |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence ACE 9 Global/Diversity
Description: Special forms of debate and public discussion. Adaptation of argument to various types of audiences. Analysis of principles of argumentation in great historical debates.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Primary focus: studying and applying the principles and strategies of interviewing to practical situations; defining and discussing the applications of interviewing theory as it applies to interviewers and interviewees; and participation in interviews utilizing the strategies and techniques discussed in class including employment, counseling, informational, appraisal, complaint, reprimand, and/or persuasive.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Surveys philosophical debates, legal precedents, historical case studies, and contemporary controversies in freedom of speech in the United States.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
Description: Examination of the speeches and messages of the American presidents throughout history. Focus on presidents at war, presidents dispensing the duties of the office, and presidents in political crisis.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 5 Humanities |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 5 Humanities
Description: Attitudes and behavior of citizens with respect to politics, how these attitudes and behaviors are shaped, how they are measured, and what influence they have on government.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Overview of communication research and practice in various care contexts: client/provider interactions, provider/provider communication, communication in health care organizations, mediated messages in the marketing and promotion of health information, consumer advocacy, politics of health care.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Theories and research on communication and technology (e.g., social media). Understanding how the "digital age" is shaping our personal, relational, and social experiences. Grade only.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Overview of process for developing, facilitating, and evaluating dialogue across difference. Includes semester-long engagement in intergroup dialogue.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
| Experiential Learning: | Community Engagement |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: Examines the differences across groups in health, illness, health care access, health equity and the role of communication in defining health problems and creating intervention solutions.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Groups: | CAS Diversity in the US |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to theories and concepts of intergenerational communication, perceptions of aging, and attitudes about age groups. Focus on cultural variations, media and technology, personal relationships, health and health care.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Theories and research in family communication and relationships. The complexity and consequences of defining and interacting in the family. The diversity of family forms and experiences.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 6 Social Science |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 6 Social Science
Description: Introductory account of the role of conflict in relationships, organizations, and communities.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Explores the communication behaviors that constitute leadership, preparing you to deal with problems encountered by leaders and engage the behaviors, understand the attributes, and develop the communication skills needed to lead effectively. Includes a critical analysis of the social, cultural, psychological, and emotional dynamics that shape leadership.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Focus on understanding the intersections between narratives, health, and communication. Exploration of theory, research, and skills associated with narrative approaches to well-being and healthcare.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Examination of how and why mental health is talked about on multiple levels (e.g. self-talk, interpersonal and family relationships, organizations, communities, policies) and how this communication relates to attitudes and behaviors about mental health.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 2 Communication Competence |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence
Description: An upper-division course in the theories and perspectives of persuasion, including an examination of the dimensions, scope, and role of persuasion in our society. Critical analysis of persuasive messages, becoming familiar with persuasive research, and applying to practical situations.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship
Description: Introduction to theory and research in gender and communication. Emphasis on examining the relationships among gender, language, social reality, and cultural values.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Graded only
Description: Exploration of the theories, research, implications, and applications of communicative research on the nonprofit and voluntary sector. Focus on communication processes and structures that are tied to the work, people, and organizations of the nonprofit sector.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to the guiding theories in organizational communication field and key communication issues in contemporary organizations. Application of theories and issues through case studies.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Special topics through faculty-led education abroad program.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Description: Topic varies.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Independent reading or research under direction of a faculty member.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission
P/NP only.
Description: Structured professional experience in the field of communication studies outside of the traditional academic setting. Communication problems are confronted not as abstractions, but as specific occurrences with which the student must cope.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Pass/No Pass only.
Description: Structured research assistant experience with faculty-led research projects to provide undergraduate students interested in research processes with hands-on experience.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Description: Role of communication in the political process, with emphasis on communication strategies in political campaigns. Includes communication variables important in the political process, an application of communication theory and principles to political rhetoric, and analysis and criticism of selected political communication events.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Theories of mass media, digital media and culture as the basis for investigation of human communication in a variety of contexts and activities.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Examination of consent from multiple perspectives: interpersonal relationships, healthcare, social media posting, informed consent, etc. to gain a deeper understanding of how consent uniquely works within these contexts, and how to practice clear verbal requests and allocations of consent.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Overview of theories of communication and social identity. Focus on identity and social categorization, language use and attitudes, and intergroup contact.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Groups: | CAS Diversity in the US |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: In-depth exploration of interpersonal communication theory and research across contexts. How people interact to create, maintain, and dissolve relationships.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: In-depth exploration of theories and research associated with interpersonal communication phenomena presumed to be destructive and dysfunctional.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Explores the advocacy efforts of groups seeking social and political change outside of mainstream political institutions. Analysis of social protest rhetoric--including letters, manifestos, speeches, performance, and artwork--to understand how activists have used communication to advocate for social change. Also focuses on the African American civil rights movement to understand how movement leaders and members used discursive means to alter democratic notions of citizenship, opportunity, and community. Additional movements of study may include the suffrage movement, GLBTQ and AIDS awareness movements, anti-globalization, and environmental movements.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Examination of essays and completion of a semester project that integrates and applies theories, concepts and processes learned throughout the communication studies major.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: COMM 101
Description: Topic varies.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Independent research leading to a thesis.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Description: Independent research leading to a thesis.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
Communication Studies (B.A.)
Critical - ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
- A minimum 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Transferable Skills
- Communicate confidently and appropriately with individuals of different cultures
- Listen actively and facilitate individual and group communication
- Collaborate with a team to develop solutions
- Advocate for marginalized or underrepresented groups
- Develop a strong awareness of self and others
- Develop and defend evidence based arguments
- Motivate others to achieve common goals
- Offer empathetic, sensitive, and patient interactions with others
- Provide a creative, inquisitive approach to problem-solving
- Coordinate people, activities, and event details
- More...
- Examine and address social problems, and implement creative solutions
- Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information
- Simplify complex information and present it to others
- Examine problems from multiple perspectives
- Contextualize political, social, and historical events
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Executive Assistant, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table – Lincoln, NE
- Territory Manager, Sandhills Global – Lincoln, NE
- Child and Family Services Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services – Lincoln, NE
- Behavioral Health Specialist, Children’s Respite Care Center – Omaha, NE
- Coordinator of Student Athlete Development and Diversity & Inclusion, University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS
- Patient Services, Bryan Health – Lincoln, NE
- Teacher, Lincoln East High School – Lincoln, NE
- Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Long Island University – Brookville, NY
- Human Resources Generalist, United States Government – Washington D.C.
- Legal Aid Assistant, Mitra Tech – Austin, TX
Internships
- Medical Sales Associate, Kile & Associates - Lincoln NE
- Education Intern, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha NE
- United Way Midlands Intern, United Way - Omaha NE
- Sports Analytics Intern, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- People Services Intern, Nelnet - Lincoln NE
- Family Support Worker, Pathfinder Family Social Services - Lincoln NE
- Marketing Intern, Hudl - Lincoln NE
- Women's Advocate Intern, Friendship Home - Lincoln NE
- Sales Representative, University Directories - Lincoln NE
- Executive Human Resources Intern, Target - Omaha NE
- More...
- Management Training Intern, Enterprise Rent A Car - Lincoln NE
- Blog Intern, Pete Donova: Author/Writer - Palm Desert CA
- Research Intern, University of Nebraska Foundation - Lincoln NE
- Attractions Intern, Disney World - Orlando FL
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master’s Degree, Occupational Therapy, University of Nebraska at Omaha – Omaha, NE
- Master’s Degree, Communication Studies, University of North Carolina-Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
- Master’s Degree, Communication Studies, University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL
- Master’s Degree, International Studies, University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
- Master’s Degree, Business Analytics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Lincoln, NE
- Master’s Degree, Integrative Health and Wellness, Creighton University – Omaha, NE
- Master’s Degree, Educational Administration, University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Lincoln, NE
- Juris Doctor Degree, Yale Law School – New Haven, CT
- Juris Doctor Degree, University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS
- Doctoral Degree, Political Sciences, Stony Brook University – Long Island, NY