Communication Program

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Department of Communication

See also Speech Communication and Theatre Art

An Interdisciplinary Program

A liberal arts degree with a major in communication is designed for people interested in corporate and industrial communication, the broadcasting industry, advertising, public relations, management and similar fields.

  A. The requirements for a general major in communication are eight course credits.
    1. SCTA 201
    2. One course chosen from SCTA 112, 203, 205, 207, 315
    3. Three courses in theories of communication chosen from SCTA 312, 313, 314, 316, 317, 331, 414
    4. Three additional courses in the communication curriculum. Courses listed in categories 2 and 3 may be used in this category if not chosen there.

  B. The requirements for an organizational communication concentration are eight course credits.
    1. SCTA 201, 312 or 314, and 414
    2. One course chosen from SCTA 112, 203, 205, 315
    3. Two additional courses chosen from SCTA 312 or 314 (depending on category 1 choice), 313, 316, 317, 331
    4. Two additional courses from SCTA 207, 214, 250*, 300*, 380*, 390*, 403, 413, 417, 480*; Religion 346; Business 339, 341, 352 or 462; Psychology 226 or 351; Sociology 341; English 316. At least one of these courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. Courses listed in categories 2 and 3 may be used in this category if not chosen there.

  C. The requirements for an advertising/public relations concentration are eight course credits.
    1. SCTA 201, 313, 403, 413
    2. One course chosen from SCTA 112, 203, 205, 207, 315
    3. Two courses chosen from SCTA 312, 314, 316, 317, 331, 414
    4. One additional course chosen from SCTA 214, 236, 250*, 300*, 332, 380*, 390*, 417, 480*; Business 351; Psychology 227 or 323; English 307 or 312; Art 370. Courses listed in category 3 may be used in this category if not chosen there.

  D. The requirements for a concentration in mass media are nine course credits.
    1. SCTA 201, 231, 331, 332
    2. One course chosen from SCTA 112, 203, 205, 207, 315
    3. Two courses chosen from SCTA 312, 313, 314, 316, 317, 414
    4. Two additional media courses (2.0 credits), one course credit selected from group a and one from group b
      a. SCTA 333, 334, 390*, 431, 432
      b. SCTA 139, 236, 250*, 300*, 333, 334, 380*, 390*, 413, 431, 432, 480*
Note: Those interested in careers in journalism are encouraged to secure a complementary major or minor in English writing and some course work in economics and political science.

Experience-based opportunities: The SCTA Department recognizes the importance of experience-based activities for our majors and minors. To complement our curriculum offerings we sponsor cocurricular activities including KORD Radio and Concordia On-Air Television, Advertising Club and Public Relations Student Association Club, and Concordia Forensics (debate and individual events) for any interested majors/minors. Students are encouraged to become involved in these activities at the earliest possible opportunity. We also suggest that students consider a young professional experience during their junior or senior year. To pursue this option, Cooperative Education (SCTA 390) planning and placement should be discussed with an SCTA adviser no later than the semester prior to the experience (or earlier). All SCTA 390 credit must be approved by the department prior to the internship in order to be used as a part of the student's major/minor coursework.

  E. The requirements for a minor in communication are five course credits.
    1. SCTA 201
    2. Two courses in theories of communication chosen from SCTA 312, 313, 314, 316, 317, 331, 414
    3. Two additional courses chosen from those listed under the headings "Speech Communication"or "Mass Media"in the Speech Communication and Theatre Art section of the catalog. Courses listed in category 2 may be used in this category if not chosen there.

*SCTA 250, 300, 380, 390 and 480 or Tri-College courses may be used to fulfill major/minor requirements as indicated above, but only with prior written approval by the SCTA Department. Students should contact their SCTA adviser or the SCTA Department chair to initiate the preapproval process. Normally only one credit in each of these courses will be counted toward the major/minor requirements. Note: Students with advisers in other departments should also seek advisement from an SCTA faculty member prior to each registration period. See the SCTA Department chair if you need assistance finding an SCTA adviser.