Overview

The major in Communication Studies empowers students to acquire advanced skills in many areas involving human interaction, intercultural communication, advocacy, argumentation, relationship building, leadership, presentation (oral and written), critical thinking, research and writing. Students become familiar with the rich tradition of communication theory and research, investigate emerging knowledge about communication, and contribute to the growth of new understanding by developing and applying their research capabilities. Students also are challenged to employ their communication understanding and skills in meaningful ways through experimental learning, and professional and community involvement. Communication Studies blends a broad-based theoretical understanding of communication principles with specific and concrete applications to particular contexts.

Students are prepared for a variety of career options in health communication, business and the professions, politics and public advocacy, education, training and media, as well as further graduate and professional study in communication, law and other areas.

Curriculum Requirements for Communication Studies Track

Core Courses
COS 120Exploring Human Communication3
COS 220Communication Theory3
COS 355Applied Communication Research Methods3
COS 479Capstone for Communication Studies3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Select one of the following writing skills courses:3
COS 210
Writing for Communication Studies
COS 360
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
COS 211
Public Speaking
COS 333
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
CCA 151
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
CIM 103
Web Lab
JMM 106
Visual Design
STC 102
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
15 credits in COS electives chosen with department advisor15
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

Curriculum Requirements for Intercultural Track

Core Courses
COS 120Exploring Human Communication3
COS 220Communication Theory3
COS 355Applied Communication Research Methods3
COS 479Capstone for Communication Studies3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Select one of the following writing skills courses:3
COS 210
Writing for Communication Studies
COS 360
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
COS 211
Public Speaking
COS 333
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
CCA 151
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
CIM 103
Web Lab
JMM 106
Visual Design
STC 102
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Other Required Courses
Select three of the following:9
COS 112
Interpersonal Communication
COS 318
Nonverbal Communication
COS 343
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
COS 345
Interracial Communication
COS 545
Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
COS 546
Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
6 credits in COS electives chosen with department advisor6
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

 Curriculum Requirements for Organizational Track

Core Courses
COS 120Exploring Human Communication3
COS 220Communication Theory3
COS 355Applied Communication Research Methods3
COS 479Capstone for Communication Studies3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Select one of the following writing skills courses:3
COS 210
Writing for Communication Studies
COS 360
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
COS 211
Public Speaking
COS 333
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
CCA 151
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
CIM 103
Web Lab
JMM 106
Visual Design
STC 102
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Other Required Courses
Select three of the following:9
COS 212
Interview Skills
COS 316
Small Group Communication
COS 325
Communication in Health Organization
COS 330
Conflict Management
COS 333
Business Communication
COS 418
Organizational Communication
6 credits in COS electives chosen with department advisor6
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120

 Curriculum Requirements for Public Advocacy Track

Core Courses
COS 120Exploring Human Communication3
COS 220Communication Theory3
COS 355Applied Communication Research Methods3
COS 479Capstone for Communication Studies3
COM 250Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics3
Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement
Select one of the following writing skills courses:3
COS 210
Writing for Communication Studies
COS 360
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
COS 211
Public Speaking
COS 333
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
CCA 151
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
CIM 103
Web Lab
JMM 106
Visual Design
STC 102
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Other Required Courses
Select three of the following:9
COS 304
Intercollegiate Debate Theory and Practice
COS 311
Advanced Oral Advocacy
COS 314
The Power of Dialogue
COS 330
Conflict Management
COS 336
Political Communication
COS 354
Organizing for Action
COS 377
Argumentation and Critical Thinking
COS 472
Persuasion
COS 473
Words that Shaped the World
COS 474
Presidential Debates
6 credits in COS electives chosen with department advisor6
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or WRS 107 First-Year Writing II: STEM
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics3
or JMM 285 Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or STC 103 Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts & Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Requirements
Minor, Second Major and Electives54
Total Credit Hours120
*

School of Communication students are required to complete a minimum of a minor (inside or outside of the school) in addition to their Communication major to graduate. For an optional 2nd major, please see your advisor. 

*

School of Communication students must complete 6 credits of Written Communication Skills unless exempt based on SAT/ACT score or AP/IB exam, 3-6 credits of Mathematics, http://www.miami.edu/cognates/ and the Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Proficiency requirement. 

Upper Level Elective Requirement

36 credits at the 300 level or higher are required for graduation. These credits may be earned from your major, minor and/or second major, and electives. 

Suggested Plan of Study for Communication Studies Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
COS 120 Exploring Human Communication 3
CCA 151, CIM 103,
JMM 106, or STC 102
 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
or Web Lab
or Visual Design
or Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
or STC 103
 Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
 3
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
WRS 106, 107,
or ENG 106
 First-Year Writing II
or First-Year Writing II: STEM
or Writing About Literature and Culture
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
COS 355 Applied Communication Research Methods 3
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 479 Capstone for Communication Studies 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Intercultural Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
COS 120 Exploring Human Communication 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
or STC 103
 Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
CCA 151, CIM 103,
JMM 106, or STC 102
 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
or Web Lab
or Visual Design
or Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
 3
WRS 106, 107,
or ENG 106
 First-Year Writing II
or First-Year Writing II: STEM
or Writing About Literature and Culture
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Intercultural Track Bulletin course list 3
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Intercultural Track Bulletin course list 3
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
COS 355 Applied Communication Research Methods 3
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Intercultural Track Bulletin course list 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 479 Capstone for Communication Studies 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Organizational Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
COS 120 Exploring Human Communication 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
or STC 103
 Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
 3
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
WRS 106, 107,
or ENG 106
 First-Year Writing II
or First-Year Writing II: STEM
or Writing About Literature and Culture
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
 3
CCA 151, CIM 103,
JMM 106, or STC 102
 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
or Web Lab
or Visual Design
or Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Organizational Track Bulletin course list 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Organizational Track Bulletin course list 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Organizational Track Bulletin course list 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
COS 355 Applied Communication Research Methods 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 479 Capstone for Communication Studies 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Suggested Plan of Study for Public Advocacy Track

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
COS 120 Exploring Human Communication 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
MTH 113, JMM 285,
or STC 103
 Finite Mathematics
or Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management
or Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
 3
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
WRS 106, 107,
or ENG 106
 First-Year Writing II
or First-Year Writing II: STEM
or Writing About Literature and Culture
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
COS 211 or 333 Public Speaking
or Business Communication
 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Public Advocacy Track Bulletin course list 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Public Advocacy Track Bulletin course list 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS elective chosen with department advisor 3
Select 3 credits in Communication Studies - Public Advocacy Track Bulletin course list 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
COS 355 Applied Communication Research Methods 3
CCA 151, CIM 103,
JMM 106, or STC 102
 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
or Web Lab
or Visual Design
or Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 479 Capstone for Communication Studies 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Mission

Students in the Communication Studies (COS) Department explore the role of communication in personal and professional relationships. This program is rooted in research and theory promoting student development in advanced knowledge of human communication in specific contexts.

Goals

Program objectives provide students with an extensive understanding of communication principles, opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills, and application of critical analysis and research skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of advanced communication concepts and critical analysis of research.
  • Students will demonstrate advanced writing skills.
  • Students will demonstrate advanced presentational skills.
  • Students will demonstrate application of communication and professional skills.