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Communication Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in communication

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 Communication degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

95%
Grad school
acceptance
rate

(Approximately 95% of SBU communication graduates applying to graduate school are accepted to the program of their choice.)

SBU students sitting outside laughing and talking

The SBU Advantage

SBU is home to a nationally recognized forensics team which 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.

Faith Integration

As a communication major at SBU, you will be challenged to consider how all aspects of your communication impact those you interact with and how your communication skills can be an effective tool for reaching others with the Gospel message.

This integration of faith with the academic discipline of communication is built on the example of the apostle Paul in Acts 17. Like Paul, you will learn how to communicate effectively with others, even those who have different beliefs and opinions. You will learn how to discuss topics that are important to you in a way that is meaningful and influential.

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, 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

Clubs and Organizations

Student Media

Put your learning into action through participation in Infuse, SBU's podcast radio reporting campus and community news. Get real-life, hands-on experience with content creation, production and distribution.

Forensics Team

Join the Speaking Bearcats, SBU's nationally acclaimed forensics speech and debate team, which has won 12 Pi Kappa Delta (intercollegiate speech and debate honorary organization) national championships.

Lambda Pi Eta

As a communication major at SBU, you may have the opportunity to join Lambda Pi Eta, a national honor society for communication majors recognizing academic achievement and quality character.

Full-Time Faculty

Taylor Corlee, Instructor

Jonathan Wehmeyer, Assistant Professor

Rachael Morrow, Instructor

Rebecca Rankin, Assistant Professor

Communication Four-Year Plan

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.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Communication Plan (PDF)