Communications

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Contact

Stephen Burt, Chair
sburt@une.edu

Mission

The mission of the Department of Arts and Communications is to provide competent, supportive faculty and to offer relevant curricula that will help prepare students to cope with and thrive in an ever-changing world. More specifically, the department strives:

  • to prepare students for ethically and socially responsible roles in their chosen professions and society;
  • to develop in students the ability to recognize, analyze, and solve problems;
  • to help students achieve their personal and career goals; and
  • to prepare students for entry-level positions in either the private or public sector and/or to prepare students for coursework at the graduate level.

Admissions

Transfer Credit

Program Academic and Technical Standards

  1. Communication majors must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA ("C") in all Communications required courses and all additional required courses.
  2. Communication minors must earn a minimum of a 2.0 GPA ("C") in the two required courses and the four elective courses.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of participating in our Honors Program ( http://www.une.edu/cas/programs/honors-program ) and graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member.

Curricular Requirements

  Credits
CAS Core Requirements 42-43
(includes MAT 120)  
  Credits
Program Required Courses 36
CMM 110 - Introduction to Communication 3
CMM 210 - Understanding Media 3
CMM 211 - Introduction to Journalism 3
CMM 220 - Communication Dynamics in the Org 3
CMM 300 - Photo and Video Documentation 3
CMM 305 - Principles of Public Relations 3
CMM 311 - Digital Video and Audio Production 3
CMM 320 - Intercultural Communictions 3
CMM 410 - Writing for Digital and New Media 3
CMM 411 - Communication Law and Regulation 3
CMM 416 - Communication and Global Organization 3
One of the Following   
CMM 420 - Senior Project 3
CMM 430 - Internship/ Study Abroad 3
Additional Required Courses 12
CMM 122 - Oral Communication 3
CMM 201 - Intro to Information Technology 3
BUMK 200 - Marketing 3
BUMK 310 - Advertising 3
Open Elective Courses 30
   
Minimum Total Required Credits 120

Learning Outcomes

The program goals of the Bachelor of Arts in communications are strongly focused on providing our students with the oral, written, technical and critical thinking skills that are necessary for them to function effectively in the professional and personal world. Learning outcomes for the degree relate to the teaching of communication skills and practices that extend across different communication contexts.  The learning outcomes listed here are built upon the core competencies that are inherent in each course required for the degree.

  1. Demonstrate oral communication skills expected of a future professional in the field.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Effectively speak in public settingsApply advance decision-making processes within groups
    • Negotiate and collaborate effectively
  2. Demonstrate written communication skills expected of a future professional in the field.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Write for specific purposes and situations
    • Write informatively, persuasively and clearly
  3. Use current technology related to the communication field effectively and ethically.
    Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Use a range of applications software effectively
    • Use communication technology effectively and ethically in a professional setting
    • Understand the limitations of technology
  4. Competently employ digital media in professional settings as an effective communication tool. Indicators of achievement are as follows:
    • Have a working knowledge of media story structure
    • Create media content that communicates effectively using a variety of tools
    • Contribute to the production of media content by serving in different roles and working effectively in teams.

Minor

The Minor in Communications examines questions about society, business and communication practices with critical attention to the newest media and computer-related technologies. Students will explore communications theory and also learn how to communicate effectively using a full range of media channels including new media technology. Upon completion of the minor students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the history and evolution of communication and the role of societies and institutions in shaping communications;
  • Articulate and apply the theories and best practices for the use and presentation of images and digital information including audio and video;
  • Apply tools and technologies used in the communications professions.
  Credits
Required Courses  
COD 110 - Introduction to Communication 3
COD 210 - Understanding Media 3
   
Elective Courses  
Select two of the following communication theory courses:   
COD 220 - Communication Dynamics in the Organization 3
COD 305 - Principles of Public Relations 3
COD 320 - Intercultural Communication 3
COD 411 - Communication Law and Regulation 3
COD 416 - Communication and Global Organization 3
   
Select two of the following communication practice courses:  
CITM 201 - Intro to Information Technology 3
COD 300 - Photo and Video Documentation 3
COD 311 - Digital Audio and Video Production 3
COD 410 - Writing for Digital and New Media 3
Total Credits 18

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2014-2015 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication May 30, 2014.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.