Mission Statement

The Communication program at Prairie View A&M University is designed to integrate theory with technology to prepare students for careers as communication professionals. The faculty teach classes using up-to-date skills and techniques
and a sophisticated understanding of the organization of various media formats. Course offerings enhance the acquisition of knowledge of the methods used in television and video production, news broadcasting, and writing and editing for print media. In addition, students are trained in public speaking, debate, public relations, advertising, and ethics and laws that govern public communication.

Communication Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students apply theories of communication.
  2. Students communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences.
  3. Students will demonstrate effective use of a variety of communication tools and styles.
  4. Students will demonstrate communication proficiency appropriate for meeting personal and professional needs.

Opportunities

The Department of Languages and Communications has an MPEG-2, HD digital television studio, PC/MAC computer labs, and a media production laboratory to teach television production, news broadcasting, video animation, video editing, and Internet web site development. The newly renovated television studio has state-of-the-art digital equipment and video management systems that offers a unique opportunity for students to learn production in a hands on environment. For students interested in print media, the student newspaper, The Panther, is an excellent platform to obtain experience in writing, editing, design and photojournalism.

Students choose one of two concentrations for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, either the Communication Studies track or the Mass Communication track. Both tracks give students a foundation in important concepts and skills including law and ethics, interpersonal communication, disciplinary writing, theory, research, and criticism.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Communication majors are also required to select a minor of their choice. Popular minors include English, marketing, sociology, and psychology.

Core Curriculum 1 42
Foreign Language Requirements (Any One Language) 6
Core Major Requirements
COMM 1713 Introduction to Mass Communication 3
COMM 2603 Interpersonal Communication 3
COMM 3513 Communication Law & Ethics 3
COMM 4503 or COMM 4513 Media Criticism or Rhetorical Criticism 3
COMM 4533 Communication Research 3
COMM 4893 Senior Communication Capstone 3
Communication Writing Requirements 6
COMM 2513 Principles of Writing for the Discipline
Select one of the following:
COMM 2523 Broadcast Writing
COMM 2533 Screen Writing
COMM 2543 News Writing and Reporting
COMM 3523 Feature and Magazine Writing
COMM 4543 Advanced Writing for the Discipline
Select one of the following concentrations 18
Communication Studies Concentration Requirement
COMM 2623 Small Group Communication
Select five of the following
COMM 2553 Communicaton, Globalization, International Media
COMM 2613 Argumentation and Debate
COMM 2633 Voice and Diction
COMM 2643 Media Literacy
COMM 2713 Visual Communication
COMM 3213 Media Management
COMM 3603 Persuasion
COMM 3643 Nonverbal Communication
COMM 3653 Gender Communication
COMM 3663 Intercultural Communication
COMM 3673 Communication and Conflict Management
COMM 3713 Communication Technology
COMM 3743 Principles of Advertising
COMM 3753 Principles of Public Relations
COMM 4603 Organizational Communications
COMM 4523 Communication Theory
COMM 4613 Political Communication
COMM 4623 Rhetoric of Social Movements
COMM 4693 Special Topics in Communication Studies 2
COMM 4703 Professional Internship
COMM 4713 Voice and Performance
Mass Communication Concentration Requirement
COMM 4703 Professional Internship
Select five of the following
COMM 1733 Basic Digital Video Production
COMM 2553 Communicaton, Globalization, International Media
COMM 2633 Voice and Diction
COMM 2643 Media Literacy
COMM 2703 Photojournalism
COMM 2713 Visual Communication
COMM 2723 Copy and Editing Production
COMM 3213 Media Management
COMM 3713 Communication Technology
COMM 3723 Digital Video Production I
COMM 3733 Television Studio Production
COMM 3743 Principles of Advertising
COMM 3753 Principles of Public Relations
COMM 4523 Communication Theory
COMM 4613 Political Communication
COMM 4713 Voice and Performance
COMM 4723 Digital Video Production II
COMM 4733 Advanced Nonlinear Editing
COMM 4793 Special Topics in Mass Communication 2
COMM 4703 Professional Internship 2
Minor Requirements 3 18
Unrestricted Electives 4 12
Total Hours 120

1 All Core Curriculum requirements are shown on the suggested degree program. COMM 2643 and COMM 2603 are options for the core, but they may not satisfy both core and major requirements.

2 May be repeated up to 6 SCH

3 Communication majors are required to select a minor of their choice. They must satisfy the catalog requirements for the selected minor.

4 Electives may be chosen from any area, though additional COMM courses are encouraged.

Professional Internship. COMM 4703 is a professional internship required of communication majors with a concentration in mass communication. It may be repeated for up to 6 SCH.

Degree Plans

Communications (COMM) Courses