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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.

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)