Catalog 2021-2022

Communication and Speech Studies Major

Students majoring in Communication and Speech Studies will study theories of interpersonal and small group communication, techniques and practices related to effective speaking, argument and advocacy, and applications that can be applied to a variety of professional and organizational contexts. Communication and Speech Studies will help students better understand how humans connect and communicate in families, relationships, healthcare settings, court rooms and organizational contexts both small and large

Coursework consists of communication theory including interpersonal and oral communication. A culminating capstone course engages students in original team-based research projects alongside faculty. Communication and Speech Studies students may seek employment opportunities in communication management, integrated campaigns, arts management, speech writing, social justice and advocacy roles, corporate training roles, sales, corporate communication, human resources, and graduate school in law or a variety of other disciplines.

Degree Requirements

Core requirements

For the core, students must take either SPE 200 or SPE 208. They also must take COM 224, SPE 310, SPE 400, and SPE 425 for a total of 20 credits.
One of the following:

SPE 200Oral Communication

4

SPE 208Speech for Business and the Professions

4

and

COM 224Media and Society

4

SPE 310Interpersonal Communication

4

SPE 400Public Messages and Technology

4

SPE 425Persuasion, Argumentation, and Conflict Resolution

4

Total Credit Hours:20

Electives

Students must choose courses from the following list for a total of at least 16 credit hours.
COM 301Introduction to Organizational Communication

4

COM 327Communication and Law

4

COM 401Intercultural Communication

4

SPE 192Independent Study

1-4

SPE 200Oral Communication

4

SPE 205Oral Performance of Literature

4

SPE 208Speech for Business and the Professions

4

SPE 212Global Speech, Human Rights and Social Justice

4

SPE 292Independent Study

1-4

SPE 300Storytelling: Voice, Script and Movement

4

SPE 308Group Presentation and Leading Change

4

SPE 315Freedom of Speech and First Amendment Studies

4

SPE 330Special Topics in Speech

2-4

SPE 392Independent Study

1-4

SPE 492Independent Study

1-4

Total Credit Hours:16
If either SPE 200 or SPE 208 is being used to fulfill a core requirement, that course may not be used to fulfill an elective requirement.

Total Credit Hours: 36