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
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
COS 120 | Exploring Human Communication | 3 |
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COS 355 | Applied Communication Research Methods | 3 |
COS 479 | Capstone for Communication Studies | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
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 advisor | 15 | |
General Education Requirements | ||
Written Communication Skills: | ||
WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
or WRS 107 | First-Year Writing II: STEM | |
or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
Quantitative Skills: | ||
MTH 113 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
or JMM 285 | Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management | |
or STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | |
Areas of Knowledge: | ||
Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major) | ||
STEM Cognate | 9 | |
Additional Requirements | ||
Minor, Second Major and Electives | 54 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Curriculum Requirements for Intercultural Track
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
COS 120 | Exploring Human Communication | 3 |
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COS 355 | Applied Communication Research Methods | 3 |
COS 479 | Capstone for Communication Studies | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
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 advisor | 6 | |
General Education Requirements | ||
Written Communication Skills: | ||
WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
or WRS 107 | First-Year Writing II: STEM | |
or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
Quantitative Skills: | ||
MTH 113 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
or JMM 285 | Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management | |
or STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | |
Areas of Knowledge: | ||
Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major) | ||
STEM Cognate | 9 | |
Additional Requirements | ||
Minor, Second Major and Electives | 54 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Curriculum Requirements for Organizational Track
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
COS 120 | Exploring Human Communication | 3 |
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COS 355 | Applied Communication Research Methods | 3 |
COS 479 | Capstone for Communication Studies | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
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 advisor | 6 | |
General Education Requirements | ||
Written Communication Skills: | ||
WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
or WRS 107 | First-Year Writing II: STEM | |
or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
Quantitative Skills: | ||
MTH 113 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
or JMM 285 | Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management | |
or STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | |
Areas of Knowledge: | ||
Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major) | ||
STEM Cognate | 9 | |
Additional Requirements | ||
Minor, Second Major and Electives | 54 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Curriculum Requirements for Public Advocacy Track
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
COS 120 | Exploring Human Communication | 3 |
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COS 355 | Applied Communication Research Methods | 3 |
COS 479 | Capstone for Communication Studies | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
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 advisor | 6 | |
General Education Requirements | ||
Written Communication Skills: | ||
WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
or WRS 107 | First-Year Writing II: STEM | |
or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
Quantitative Skills: | ||
MTH 113 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
or JMM 285 | Applied Statistics for Journalism and Media Management | |
or STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | |
Areas of Knowledge: | ||
Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major) | ||
STEM Cognate | 9 | |
Additional Requirements | ||
Minor, Second Major and Electives | 54 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
- *
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
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit 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 Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Suggested Plan of Study for Intercultural Track
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit 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 Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Suggested Plan of Study for Organizational Track
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit 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 Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
Suggested Plan of Study for Public Advocacy Track
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credit 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 Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
COS 220 | Communication Theory | 3 |
COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
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 Hours | 15 | |
Total Credit Hours | 120 |
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.