Department of Communication Studies

Chair: Dr. Timothy Levine

The Department of Communication Studies is concerned with human interaction and communication in all of its forms. The department offers concentrations in Communication Management, Sports Communication, and Mass Communication.

Students interested in studying communication should consult the department chair or college advisor as well as the requirements set by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Major in Communication Studies with Communication Management Concentration

The Communication Management concentration is designed for students interested in the general principles and applications of communication from interpersonal relationships to organizational and health settings, to the theory and practice of public dialogue. A minor is available in Communication Management for non-majors.

Major in Communication Studies with Sports Communication Concentration

The Sports Communication Concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in the fastest growing area within the field of communication. Sports communications includes sports information, sports media relations, sports administration, and sports management. 

Major in Communication Studies with a Mass Communication Concentration

The Mass Communication concentration allows students to specialize in journalism, broadcasting, or public relations. Minors are available in Mass Communication. A Minor is required for a degree in Mass Communication. 

Specializations

Students interested in developing a concentration in mass communication may select from one of three specializations available in the department: journalism, broadcasting, or public relations. Students specializing in one of the mass communication specializations may also major or minor in communication management.

Journalism

The curriculum in journalism is designed to prepare students for work with newspapers, magazines and company publications. In addition to courses in writing, reporting, and editing, the journalism program frequently offers special courses aimed at meeting the media demands of Birmingham, its people, and its publications.

Broadcasting

Students in broadcasting prepare for professional careers in digital media, television production, news operations, or management. In addition to skills courses, students are given a strong theoretical foundation designed for both the media professional and the potential graduate student in mass communication.

Public Relations

Public relations is a pre-professional program designed to acquaint students with the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to master all aspects of the public relations process.  The program stresses writing, oral and analytical skills, ethical reasoning, problem solving, strategic thinking, media selection, and identification of publics.  Students receive hands-on experience in developing client representation skills as well as strengthening essential team-building, networking and leadership skills.  Students also participate in the internship program which gives them actual on-the-job experience.

Accelerated Learning Opportunities

The Department of Communication Studies offers a Communication Management Master's (ABM) option for high-achieving undergraduate students. All CM Graduate classes may be used for undergraduate BA in Communication Studies through the ABM, excluding: CM 618, CM 675, CM 698, CM 699.

Communication Management Master's (ABM)

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Communication Management

RequirementsHours
Required Courses 1
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 110Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships3
CMST 494Communication Research Methods3
Communication Management Electives30
Select 30 credit hours from the following courses. At least 6 hours must be taken at the 400 level.:
History of Mass Media (Required Courses)
Introduction to Political Campaign Communication
Human Communication in Everyday Life
Classical Theories of Social Influence
Applied Communication Theory
Interviewing
Communications and Teamwork
Organizational Communication
Ethics and Leadership
Persuasion Communication
Argumentation Theory
Gender, Sex Similarities and Differences in Communication
Introduction to Public Relations
Propaganda and Public Persuasion
Health Communication
Health Communication Campaigns
Professional Presentations
Instructional Communication
Pragmatics and Human Interaction
Contemporary Philosophies of Communication
Organizational Communication Project
Nonverbal Communication
Language and Thought
Intercultural & International Communication
Cyborg Communication
Communication in Social and Personal Relationships
Seminar in Political Communication
Media Criticism
Communication and Social Movements in America
Seminar in Health and Medical Communication
Internship
Independent Study
Special Topics in Communication Studies
Total Hours39

Students must make a C or better in their requirements for the major.

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Broadcasting

RequirementsHours
Required Courses 1
CMST 103History of Mass Media3
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 210Media Writing3
CMST 283Visual Media Production I3
CMST 315Ethics and Leadership3
CMST 370Introduction to Broadcast Media3
CMST 402Mass Communication Law3
Mass Media Internship
Select two internship hours:2
Internship
Writing
Select one of the following:3
Media Writing II
Copywriting for Broadcast Media
Media and Design
Select two of the following:6
Audio Production
Social Media Strategy and Management
Digital Design and Animation
Visual Media Production II
Live Studio Production
Major Electives
Select three hours from the following:3
(not previously taken)
Investigative Reporting
Media Writing II
Interviewing
Communications and Teamwork
Introduction to Advertising
Persuasion Communication
Sports in the Mass Media
Audio Production
Communication and Sports
Introduction to Public Relations
Sports and Media Relations
Propaganda and Public Persuasion
Feature Writing
Social Media Strategy and Management
Digital Design and Animation
Copywriting for Broadcast Media
Visual Media Production II
Select six hours from the following:6
(not previously taken)
Professional Presentations
Nonverbal Communication
Intercultural & International Communication
Seminar in Political Communication
Live Studio Production
Internship
Independent Study
Special Topics in Communication Studies
Communication Research Methods
Impacts of Social Media
Total Hours41
1

 Students must make a C or better in all classes required for the major. 

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Journalism

RequirementsHours
Required Courses 1, 2
CMST 103History of Mass Media3
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 210Media Writing3
CMST 306Investigative Reporting3
CMST 308Media Writing II3
CMST 350Publication Editing and Design3
CMST 360Feature Writing3
CMST 402Mass Communication Law3
CMST 494Communication Research Methods3
CMST 495Mass Media and Society 3
Mass Media Internship
Take at least two hours in the following:2
Internship
Major Electives
Select nine credit hours from the following: 9
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Introduction to Political Campaign Communication
Classical Theories of Social Influence
Applied Communication Theory
Interviewing
Ethics and Leadership
Introduction to Advertising
Persuasion Communication
Argumentation Theory
Sports in the Mass Media
Communication and Sports
Introduction to Public Relations
Sports and Media Relations
Propaganda and Public Persuasion
Crisis Management
Social Media Strategy and Management
Digital Design and Animation
Sports Communication Practicum
Issues in Global Communication
Seminar in Political Communication
Internship
Independent Study
Special Topics in Communication Studies
Total Hours41

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Mass Communication - Public Relations

RequirementsHours
Required Courses 1, 2
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 210Media Writing3
CMST 315Ethics and Leadership3
CMST 339Introduction to Public Relations3
CMST 340Public Relations Principles3
CMST 402Mass Communication Law3
CMST 440Public Relations Methods I3
CMST 442Conducting Public Relations Campaigns3
Mass Media Internship
Take at least two hours in the following:2
Internship
Writing
Select one of the following:3
Media Writing II
Introduction to Advertising
Feature Writing
Professional Presentations
Major Electives
Select three courses not previously taken9
History of Mass Media
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships
Communications and Teamwork
Organizational Communication
Ethics and Leadership
Introduction to Advertising
Persuasion Communication
Argumentation Theory
Public Relations Methods II
Sports and Media Relations
Propaganda and Public Persuasion
Crisis Management
Social Media Strategy and Management
Digital Design and Animation
Health Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Communication in Social and Personal Relationships
Seminar in Political Communication
Internship
Communication Research Methods
Special Topics in Communication Studies
Impacts of Social Media
Total Hours38
1

 Students can minor in Communication Management.

2

 Students must make a C or better in all their classes required for the major. 

Additional Requirements

Minor

Completion of a minor is not required for this degree. 

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Communication Studies and a Concentration in Sports Communication

RequirementsHours
CMST 103History of Mass Media3
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 494Communication Research Methods3
Sports Communication Concentration Courses:24
Newswriting and Reporting I
Visual Media Production I
Communications and Teamwork
Communication and Sports
Sports in the Mass Media
Introduction to Public Relations
Sports Communication Practicum
Internship
Major Electives 1
Select 6 hours from the following:6
Human Communication in Everyday Life
Organizational Communication
Persuasion Communication
Sports and Media Relations
Professional Presentations
Media Criticism
Mass Media and Society
Sport Psychology
Sport and Society
Total Hours39
1

 At least one elective must be at the 400 level

2

Completion of CMST 105 automatically satisfies the Core Curriculum Area IV Speech requirement.

3

 Students must make C or better in their requirements for the major

4

 Students can minor in Communication Management

Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Communication Management

Freshman
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 1013CMST 1103
CMST 1053 
 6 3
Sophomore
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
Communication Management Electives I36Communication Management Elective II46
 6 6
Junior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 4943Communication Managment Electives IV66
Communication Management Electives III56 
 9 6
Senior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
Other Communication Management Elective3Other Communication Management Elective3
 3 3
Total credit hours: 42
1

Public Speaking is highly recommended as a core choice for Communication Studies majors and minors.

2

Ideally, at the end of the first year, the student would have completed the university composition requirement (6 hours), 6 hours of humanities, 9 hours of social science, and 3 hours of science and mathematics.

3

Select two courses from CMST 103, CMST 255, CMST 310, CMST 311, CMST 315, CMST 339 or CMST 356.  

4

Select two courses from CMST 103, CMST 255CMST 309 or CMST 310.

5

Select two courses from CMST 401CMST 413CMST 455 or CMST 492

6

Select two courses from  CMST 400CMST 411, CMST 415, or CMST 492

Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Broadcasting Specialization

Freshman
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 1013CMST 1053
CMST 1033 
 6 3
Sophomore
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 2103CMST 2833
CMST 3703CMST 3713
 6 6
Junior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 3833CMST 4023
CMST 4943CMST 4953
 6 6
Senior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 4911-3CMST 4933
 1-3 3
Total credit hours: 37-39
1

Ideally, at the end of the first year, the student would have completed the university composition requirement (6 hours), 6 hours of humanities and fine arts, 9 hours of social science, and 4 hours of science and mathematics.

2

 Public Speaking is highly recommended as a core choice for Communication Studies majors and minors; however, other options exist.

Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Journalism Specialization

Freshman
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
EH 10113EH 10213
CMST 1013CMST 1033
CMST 1053 
 9 6
Sophomore
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 2103CMST 3103
MC/CM Elective (300 level or above)3CMST 4023
 6 6
Junior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 3063CMST 3603
CMST 3503CMST 4953
CMST 4943MC/CM Elective (300 level or above)3
 9 9
Senior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 4911-3MC/CM Elective (300 level or above)3
 1-3 3
Total credit hours: 49-51
1

EH 101 and EH 102 are listed because they are prerequisites for CMST 210, which is required for these specializations (Public Relations and Journalism).  Additionally, at the end of the first year, the student would have completed the university composition requirement (6 hours), 6 hours of humanities and fine arts, 9 hours of social science, and 4 hours of science and mathematics.

2

 Ideally, at the end of the first year, the student would have completed the university composition requirement (6 hours), 6 hours of humanities and fine arts, 9 hours of social science, and 4 hours of science and mathematics.

3

 Public Speaking is highly recommended as a core choice for Communication Studies majors and minors; however, other options exist.

Proposed Program of Study for a Major in Mass Communication with a Public Relations Specialization

Freshman
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
EH 10113EH 102*3
CMST 1013CMST 1053
CMST 1033 
 9 6
Sophomore
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 2103CMST 4023
CMST 4953CMST 4943
 6 6
Junior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 3393CMST 3103
CMST 3563CMST 3403
 6 6
Senior
First TermHoursSecond TermHours
CMST 4403CMST 4423
CMST 3113CMST 4911-3
 6 4-6
Total credit hours: 49-51
1

EH 101  and EH 102 are listed because they are prerequisites for CMST 210, which is required for these specializations (Public Relations and Journalism.)  Additionally, at the end of the first year, the student would have completed the university composition requirement (6 hours), 6 hours of humanities and fine arts, 9 hours of social science, and 4 hours of science and mathematics.

2

 Public Speaking is highly recommended as a core choice for Communication Studies majors and minors; however, other options exist.

Minor in Communication Management

A minor for non-majors consists of the following:

RequirementsHours
CMST 105Introduction to Human Communication3
CMST 311Organizational Communication3
CMST 413Nonverbal Communication3
Three additional courses, approved by departmental advisor or chair. 9
Total Hours18

A grade of C or better is required for courses applying to this minor.

Minor in Mass Communication

RequirementsHours
Required Courses
CMST 103History of Mass Media3
CMST 210Newswriting and Reporting I3
Communication Studies Electives
Under advisement by the Program Director of Broadcasting, Journalism or Public Relations, select four 300-level or 400-level Mass Communication courses.15
Broadcasting
Visual Media Production I
Introduction to Advertising
Social Media Strategy and Management
Digital Design and Animation
Introduction to Broadcast Media
Visual Media Production II
Visual Media Production III
Journalism
Applied Communication Theory
Interviewing
Introduction to Public Relations
Propaganda and Public Persuasion
Nonverbal Communication
Media Citizenship
Public Relations
Introduction to Public Relations
Public Relations Principles
Social Media Strategy and Management
Public Relations Methods I
Conducting Public Relations Campaigns
Total Hours21

A grade of C or better is required for courses applying to this minor.

Honors in Communication Studies

The Honors Program in Communication Studies offers an enhanced and challenging academic experience for exceptional and highly motivated undergraduate students, especially those considering graduate school. Students who complete the program will graduate “With Honors in Communication Studies.”

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible, a student must be a declared Communication Studies major and must have a cumulative, institutional, and Communication Studies GPA of 3.5 or above.

Requirements

  1. Fulfill the normal requirements for the Communication Management major or Mass Media concentrations.
  2. Submit a completed Communication Studies Honors Program application form to the Director of Departmental Honors for approval. Students must secure permission of the Director and their mentor in order to enter the Communication Studies Honors Program.
  3. Maintain and graduate with a cumulative, institutional, and Communication Studies GPA of 3.5 or above.
  4. Successfully complete and defend (no later than four weeks before graduation) an Undergraduate Honors Thesis conducted under the supervision of a faculty member in the department.

Contact

  1. For more information and/or admission to the Communication Studies Honors Program, please contact the Chair of the Department.

Courses

CMST 100. Media & Society. 3 Hours.

Examines the impact of mediated messages on society. What theories help to shape perception and understanding of the interplay between media, society, and human behavior.

CMST 101. Public Speaking. 3 Hours.

Effective public speaking. Analysis, research, organization, delivery, to enhance speaking performance. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Communicating in the Modern World.

CMST 103. History of Mass Media. 3 Hours.

The history of newspapers, books, magazines, radio, television, cinema, recording industry, and the internet, focusing on current events, civic responsibilities and the role, value of diversity when appropriate. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course.

CMST 105. Introduction to Human Communication. 3 Hours.

Communication and persuasion as ideas in Western thought, ranging from Greek to contemporary period. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Communicating in the Modern World.

CMST 110. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication and Relationships. 3 Hours.

This class introduces students to interpersonal communication theory and research. We focus on the foundations of interpersonal communication (self, perception, and emotion) and how they influence our relationships with friends, family, romantic partners, and professional coworkers. We explore relationship challenges, conflict, and maintenance; and examine the practical skills and critical self-reflection associated with competent communication.

CMST 210. Media Writing. 3 Hours.

Recognizing story, gathering information and media writing. Emphasis on writing skills including grammar, punctuation, word choice, conciseness and accuracy. This is a foundational course for all mass communication majors and minors.
Prerequisites: EH 102 [Min Grade: C](Can be taken Concurrently) or EH 107 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 255. Introduction to Political Campaign Communication. 3 Hours.

A discussion of current theories and practices related to political campaign communication. This will included relevant media theories, campaign strategies, campaign financing, speech writing, and other topics as they relates to political campaigning.

CMST 283. Visual Media Production I. 3 Hours.

An introduction to digital video production. The course covers the full production process from planning to recording to editing visual media, with instruction in composition, storytelling, camera and audio operations, and editing software.

CMST 305. Applied Communication Theory. 3 Hours.

Major theoretical approaches to issues involved in human communication. Various psychological and sociological conceptualizations of communication process.

CMST 306. Investigative Reporting. 3 Hours.

Gathering and writing in-depth news; covering courts, police, schools, and county and city governments.
Prerequisites: MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 308. Media Writing II. 3 Hours.

Practice in gathering and writing news, with experience in writing under pressure of deadlines and covering beats.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 309. Interviewing. 3 Hours.

Theory and practice in various types of interviews, such as employment, counseling, research, and journalistic.

CMST 310. Communications and Teamwork. 3 Hours.

Theories of small group communication and practice in decision making in various group formats as part of organizational structure.

CMST 311. Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to organizational communication theories, models, and processes and how to apply these principles in organizational communication exercises.

CMST 315. Ethics and Leadership. 3 Hours.

Theory and research on ethics, leadership and communication management. Specific attention to contexts in which leaders and managers function.

CMST 320. Introduction to Advertising. 3 Hours.

Survey of history, methods, techniques, and strategy involved in creating an advertising campaign.

CMST 321. Persuasion Communication. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the study and practice of persuasive discourse using both the rhetorical and behavioral science traditions.

CMST 322. Argumentation Theory. 3 Hours.

Bases of argument and nature of issues in controversy. Evidence, logic, refutation, and argumentative formats. Recommended for pre-law as well as general students.

CMST 323. Deception. 3 Hours.

This course examines theory and research on the topic of human deception from the perspective of Truth Default Theory. Topics include verbal and nonverbal aspects of deception, prevalence of deception, deception motives, information manipulation, truth-bias, and improving accuracy.

CMST 324. Gender in Communication. 3 Hours.

This class introduces students to gender and how it influences communication and relationships in a variety of personal and professional contexts. Theory, research, and historical perspectives are reviewed and applied to interpersonal, family, romantic, educational, health, and organizational contexts.

CMST 326. Sports in the Mass Media. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the study of communication as it relates to sports. Topics include discussions of athlete-coach interactions, fan behaviors, and media coverage of sporting events.

CMST 330. Audio Production. 3 Hours.

Basics of recording and mixing audio for multimedia projects with applications for film, television, radio, and digital media.

CMST 335. Communication and Sports. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the study of communication as it relates to sports. Topics include discussions of athlete-coach interactions, fan behaviors, and media coverage of sporting events.

CMST 339. Introduction to Public Relations. 3 Hours.

Survey of public relations in the United States. Relationships among marketing, advertising and public relations.

CMST 340. Public Relations Principles. 3 Hours.

Relationship of business, industrial, educational, health, and service institutions to audiences. Public relations as management function in areas of communication analysis, counseling, and public information activities.
Prerequisites: (CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C]) and (CMST 339 [Min Grade: C] or CM 339 [Min Grade: C] or MC 339 [Min Grade: C])

CMST 343. Public Relations Methods II. 3 Hours.

Graphics, brochure and newsletter design, slide shows, broadcast PSAs, and multimedia presentations.
Prerequisites: CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] or MC 340 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 350. Publication Editing and Design. 3 Hours.

News selection, copy editing, picture editing, and headline writing.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or CM 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 353. Sports and Media Relations. 3 Hours.

An examination of the role of media relations in the sports communication environment. Students will acquire multiple competencies, including writing press releases, putting together media kits and media guides, preparing press conferences, and arranging interviews for sports personalities.

CMST 356. Propaganda and Public Persuasion. 3 Hours.

Theory and practice of propaganda with emphasis on mass media as tools of propagandist. Nazi, Soviet, and U.S. propaganda analyzed and critiqued in context of communication theory and ethics.

CMST 360. Feature Writing. 3 Hours.

Finding subjects, collecting information, interviewing, writing, and marketing magazine and newspaper features.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 210 [Min Grade: C] or MC 106 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 364. Crisis Management. 3 Hours.

The course will provide sufficient knowledge about crisis management in order to perform professional duties with all available information in how to anticipate and respond to a crisis—both negative and positive. Historical and traditional responses to crises will be examined, and particular instances of response by corporations, politicians, and government to disasters and catastrophic events analyzed. A crisis environment and preparation of a response will be simulated.
Prerequisites: EH 101 [Min Grade: D] or CMST 210 [Min Grade: D]

CMST 365. Social Media Strategy and Management. 3 Hours.

Basics of strategic design and management for social media.

CMST 366. Digital Design and Animation. 3 Hours.

Basics of design for digital media, including web and motion graphics.

CMST 370. Introduction to Broadcast Media. 3 Hours.

Broadcasting and digital technology, history of radio and television, economics of broadcasting, government regulation of industry, and assessment of media in society.

CMST 371. Copywriting for Broadcast Media. 3 Hours.

Copywriting for freelance, in-station, agency, corporate in-house, and institutional settings.
Prerequisites: CMST 103 [Min Grade: C] or MC 101 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 380. Health Communication. 3 Hours.

This class introduces students to the theory, research, and practice of health communication. Emphasis upon patient and caregiver perspectives; communication contexts, relationships, and campaigns.

CMST 382. Health Communication Campaigns. 3 Hours.

This class provides students with a fundamental awareness and comprehension of and ability to apply a broad range of communication concepts, theories, and practices as they apply to the area of health.

CMST 383. Visual Media Production II. 3 Hours.

Advanced digital video production for media applications on the web, television and film.
Prerequisites: CMST 283 [Min Grade: C] or MC 283 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 391. Sports Communication Practicum. 3 Hours.

The student will gain practical experience by working in a sports environment on a regular basis. The experience will be directed by a communication studies faculty member, while the day-to-day experiences of the student will be directed by a supervisor in the work environment.

CMST 400. Professional Presentations. 3 Hours.

Advanced speaking and delivery techniques in professional settings. Audience analysis, professional delivery, research, and application of theories of persuasion.
Prerequisites: CMST 101 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 401. Instructional Communication. 3 Hours.

Communication problems in the classroom. Translation of data into lecture discussion. Empirical research on verbal and nonverbal elements of effective presentation.

CMST 402. Mass Communication Law. 3 Hours.

Legal limitations and privileges affecting publishing and broadcasting. Major court decisions. Fair comment, libel, right of privacy, fairness doctrine, and license renewal.

CMST 403. Pragmatics and Human Interaction. 3 Hours.

This class examines how people use language to create meanings within conversations; with a focus on the nature of language, speech act theory, conversation analysis, face and face maintenance, sexism in language, conversation implicature, honesty, and deception.

CMST 411. Organizational Communication Project. 3 Hours.

Theory and research in communication audits of organizations.
Prerequisites: CMST 311 [Min Grade: C] or CM 311 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 413. Nonverbal Communication. 3 Hours.

Elements of nonverbal behavior (physical appearance, gestures, space, voice) which affect communication in person-to-person situations.

CMST 415. Intercultural & International Communication. 3 Hours.

This course helps students discover how communication is influenced by culture and how culture is created and maintained through communication. In this course, students will be introduced to the process of communication between and among individuals from different cultures or subcultures.

CMST 425. Communication in Social and Personal Relationships. 3 Hours.

The course offers an in-depth examination of the role of communication in the initiation, development, maintenance, and termination of social, professional, and personal relationships.
Prerequisites: CMST 110 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 440. Public Relations Methods I. 3 Hours.

Planning and executing ongoing programs and campaigns to improve organizational and institutional relations with publics. Preparing and distributing news releases, reports, letters, pamphlets, position papers, public statements, speeches, and backgrounders.
Prerequisites: CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] or MC 340 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 442. Conducting Public Relations Campaigns. 3 Hours.

National and local programs that illustrate good and bad practices. Student teams research, plan, and design public relations campaign for client.
Prerequisites: CMST 210 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 339 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 340 [Min Grade: C] and CMST 440 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 455. Seminar in Political Communication. 3 Hours.

Emerging cross-disciplinary field of political communication. Literature and propositions surrounding key approaches, methods, and substantive areas of inquiry in political communication.

CMST 483. Live Studio Production. 3 Hours.

Applied advanced digital video production. Students work as a team to produce a live, studio-based TV show, complete with commercials.
Prerequisites: CMST 283 [Min Grade: C] or MC 283 [Min Grade: C]

CMST 491. Internship. 1-3 Hour.

Students who meet eligibility requirements may take three hours of academic credit per semester for participating in an advisor approved internship experience. All internships require a minimum of 70 hours of work per academic credit per semester.

CMST 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hour.

The purpose of this class is to provide the student with an opportunity to conduct significant research under the direct supervision of a Communication Studies faculty member. This research is to be an extension of an existing class or classes that you have already taken. It is not to be used to replace existing classes or fulfill requirements that existing classes already fill.

CMST 493. Special Topics in Communication Studies. 3 Hours.

Topics selected by faculty.

CMST 494. Communication Research Methods. 3 Hours.

Research questions, design, methodology, data gathering, and analysis. Practice in conducting, interpreting, and communicating research findings to public. Ethical considerations of conductions research with human subjects. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course. Junior standing required.

CMST 495. Impacts of Social Media. 3 Hours.

This course walks you through the history of significant mass communication theories and furthers your understanding of key theories/studies in the field of media and communication. This heightened awareness is intended to encourage critical thinking among media consumers and practitioners of media production, especially in relation to social media, digital media, and other communication technologies.

Faculty

Amsbary, Jonathan H., Professor, 1988, B.A. (New Mexico), M.A., Ph.D. (Indiana)
Benoit, William, Distinguished Professor, 2017, B.S. (Ball State), M.A. (Central Michigan), Ph.D. (Wayne State)
Franks, Alan E., Assistant Professor; Director, Broadcasting, 2013, B.S. (UAB); MFDI (Sydney); MFA (Montana State)
Levine, Timothy R., Distinguished Professor and Chair, 2015, B.A. (Northern Arizona); M.A. (West Virginia); Ph.D. (Michigan State)
McCornack, Steven, Professor, 2015, B.A. (Washington); A.M. (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Morrison, Kelly, Professor, 2015, B.A. (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); M.A., Ph.D. (Michigan State)
Powell, Larry, Professor, 1998, B.A., M.A. (Auburn), Ph.D. (Florida)
Shaia, Jacquelyn S., Assistant Professor, Director, Public Relations, 2015, B.A., Ph.D. (University of Alabama); J.D. (Cumberland School of Law)
Shebib, Samantha, Assistant Professor, 2021, B.S. (Arizona State University), M.S. (Illinois State University), Ph.D. (Michigan State)
Yang, Fan, Assistant Professor, 2017, B.A. (China Youth University for Political Science), M.A., Ph.D. (University of Miami)