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
Writing for Communication Studies
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
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 and 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
Writing for Communication Studies
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select 9 credits from the following Intercultural Track:9
Interpersonal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interracial Communication
Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
6 credits of additional 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 and 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
Writing for Communication Studies
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select 9 credits from the following Organizational Track:9
Interview Skills
Small Group Communication
Communication in Health Organization
Conflict Management
Business Communication
Organizational Communication
6 credits of additional 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 and 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
Writing for Communication Studies
Speech Writing
Select one of the following presentation skills courses:3
Public Speaking
Business Communication
Select one of the following digital skills courses:3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select 9 credits from the following Public Advocacy Track:9
Intercollegiate Debate Theory and Practice
Advanced Oral Advocacy
The Power of Dialogue
Conflict Management
Political Communication
Organizing for Action
Argumentation and Critical Thinking
Persuasion
Words that Shaped the World
Presidential Debates
6 credits of additional 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 and 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
MTH 113 Finite Mathematics 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106, 107,
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 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 3
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 3
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 at the 300 level or above 3
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 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 Finite Mathematics 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106, 107,
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 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select one of the following: 3
Interpersonal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interracial Communication
Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Interpersonal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interracial Communication
Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 one of the following: 3
Interpersonal Communication
Nonverbal Communication
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interracial Communication
Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives
Intercultural Communication: Domestic Perspectives
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 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 Finite Mathematics 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106, 107,
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 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select one of the following: 3
Interview Skills
Small Group Communication
Communication in Health Organization
Conflict Management
Business Communication
Organizational Communication
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Interview Skills
Small Group Communication
Communication in Health Organization
Conflict Management
Business Communication
Organizational Communication
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 one of the following: 3
Interview Skills
Small Group Communication
Communication in Health Organization
Conflict Management
Business Communication
Organizational Communication
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 Finite Mathematics 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 220 Communication Theory 3
COM 250 Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics 3
WRS 106, 107,
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 3
Minor or Second Major or Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
COS 210 or 360 Writing for Communication Studies
or Speech Writing
3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking
Web Lab
Visual Design
Graphic Design for Strategic Communication
Select one of the following: 3
Intercollegiate Debate Theory and Practice (Must take 3 times)
Advanced Oral Advocacy
The Power of Dialogue
Conflict Management
Political Communication
Organizing for Action
Argumentation and Critical Thinking
Persuasion
Words that Shaped the World
Presidential Debates
STEM Cognate 3
Minor or Second Major 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Intercollegiate Debate Theory and Practice (Must take 3 times)
Advanced Oral Advocacy
The Power of Dialogue
Conflict Management
Political Communication
Organizing for Action
Argumentation and Critical Thinking
Persuasion
Words that Shaped the World
Presidential Debates
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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 one of the following: 3
Intercollegiate Debate Theory and Practice (Must take 3 times)
Advanced Oral Advocacy
The Power of Dialogue
Conflict Management
Political Communication
Organizing for Action
Argumentation and Critical Thinking
Persuasion
Words that Shaped the World
Presidential Debates
COS Elective at the 300 level or above 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

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.