Optional Emphases

The requirements for our major provide students with considerable flexibility to tailor a plan of study that satisfies their educational objectives and career plans. Below are sample plans of study for various emphases. These sample plans are offered to help our majors consider the full range of possibilities available to them. These plans should not be considered prescriptive. The plan that best meets your needs could be considerably different than any of the plans offered below. Talk with our advising staff about what is best for you and your educational goals.

Emphasis: Communication Theory

Depth Subject Matter Requirements  

CMN 101: Communication Theories

CMN 102: Empirical Methods in Communication

CMN 120: Interpersonal Communication

CMN 140: Introduction to Mass Communication

CMN 170: Digital Technology and Social Change

Electives

CMN 110: Communication Networks                  

CMN 112: Theories of Persuasion

CMN 114: Communication and Cognition

CMN 121: Language Use in Conversation

CMN 122: Nonverbal Communication

Emphasis: Interpersonal Communication 

Depth Subject Matter Requirements

CMN 101: Communication Theories

CMN 102: Empirical Methods in Communication

CMN 120: Interpersonal Communication

CMN 140: Introduction to Mass Communication

CMN 172: Computer-Mediated Communication

Electives

CMN 111: Gender Differences in Communication

CMN 121: Language Use in Conversation

CMN 122: Nonverbal Communication

CMN 123: Intercultural Communication

CMN 124: Family Communication

Emphasis: Organizational Communication 

Depth Subject Matter Requirements

CMN 101: Communication Theories

CMN 102: Empirical Methods in Communication

CMN 120: Interpersonal Communication

CMN 140: Introduction to Mass Communication

CMN 170: Digital Technology and Social Change

Electives

CMN 130: Group Communication

CMN 131: Strategic Communication in Public Relations

CMN 132: Social Media for Public Relations

CMN 136: Organizational Communication

CMN 139: Advanced Organizational Communication

Emphasis: Media Processes & Effects 

Depth Subject Matter Requirements

CMN 101: Communication Theories

CMN 102: Empirical Methods in Communication

CMN 120: Interpersonal Communication

CMN 140: Introduction to Mass Communication

CMN 170: Digital Technology and Social Change

Electives

CMN 141: Media Effects: Theory and Research               

CMN 142: News Policies, Practices and Effects                                  

CMN 143: Analysis of Media Messages                               

CMN 144: Media Entertainment

CMN 147: Children, Adolescents, and the Media

Emphasis: Information & Communication Theory 

Depth Subject Matter Requirements

CMN 101: Communication Theories

CMN 102: Empirical Methods in Communication

CMN 120: Interpersonal Communication

CMN 140: Introduction to Mass Communication

CMN 170: Digital Technology and Social Change

Electives

CMN 110: Communication Networks

CMN 172: Computer-Mediated Communication

CMN 174: Social Media

CMN 176: Video Games Theory and Research

CMN 141: Medial Effects: Theory and Research