Communication Bachelor's Degree

Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree in Communication

Major Requirements: Students in the department may obtain a bachelor's degree in one of the following majors:

  • Audio/Radio Production – Bachelor of Science - B.S.

  • Communication Studies – Bachelor of Science - B.S.

  • Journalism – Bachelor of Arts - B.A.

  • Media Management – Bachelor of Science - B.S.

  • Public Relations – Bachelor of Science - B.S.

  • Video Production – Bachelor of Science - B.S.

A major program in the Department of Communication requires 40 to 45 credit hours of study including 7 credit hours of core courses required by every student in the department and 33 to 38 credit hours of courses in the individual major. Students must complete at least 66 credit hours of course work from disciplines other than communication. This may include non-communication courses taken from other universities.

Department of Communication Minimum Standards Policy

Students in any of the communication majors must earn at least a C grade in all courses in the major. This includes all courses taken as part of the major including those in the department core (101, 105, 199).

A student who receives a grade below C in a course may repeat that course only once. If a student does not achieve a C or better the second time, he/she will be required to change to a major outside of the Department of Communication.

If a course in the major is a prerequisite for another course in the major, the student will not be allowed to enroll in the second course if the grade in the prerequisite was less than a C. In addition, students must have, in order to graduate, a least a 2.5 average in the departmental core and in the rest of the courses in their chosen major. This does not include courses taken in the Department of Communication that do not apply to the student’s major.

Any student whose cumulative average in the major falls below 2.3 for three consecutive semesters in the department will be required to change to a major outside of the Department of Communication.

Double Major: Any student wishing to take a double major with both majors inside the communication department must take at least 15 additional credit hours in the second major (i.e., credit hours not used in the first major). Students should be aware that they may have to take more than 120 credit hours in order to accumulate the required 66 credit hours outside the department to graduate. Students who have dual majors with both majors inside the Department of Communication are still required to have a minor outside the department or to meet the criteria for the study abroad option.

Minor: The department requires all students to declare and complete a minor outside the communication department or a 15 credit hour semester study abroad. The minor must be officially recognized by the offering department (including Interdisciplinary Studies minors) and be chosen in consultation with a Department of Communication advisor. A second major outside the communication department will also satisfy the minor requirement. Students electing the study abroad option are required to complete a complementary 3 credit hour course at Fredonia and should consult the department's policies on appropriate overseas course work. International students, by virtue of studying at SUNY Fredonia, have already completed the study abroad/minor requirement.

Cross-using Courses for Minors: Certain minors include some communication courses that may fulfill course requirements for that minor. Students may use (double-dip) only one COMM course (maximum 4 credit hours) required for the Communication major to fulfill course requirements for the minor.

Substitutions in requirements for majors may be made only by approval of faculty members designated for the specific majors.  Special topics classes used to fulfill the requirements for majors must be approved by faculty members designated for the specific majors.

Course offerings and requirements for the majors may be changed. Students are urged to see the department for the latest requirements.

Communication Core: 7 credit hours (included in all programs)

COMM 101Fundamentals of Communication

3

COMM 105Public Speaking

3

COMM 199Communication Orientation

1

A. Communication: Audio Production Bachelor of Science degree: 41 credit hours (including core requirements)

Development of conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills in audio production for radio and other media. Focus is on listening and the creative use of sound to engage an audience through the selection and use of voice, music, and ambiance. Applications to commercial and public service announcements, news, documentary, drama, music programming, audio art, and audio for television, theater and film.

Audio Production Major courses: (34 credit hours - at least 12 credit hours at Fredonia)

Group A - Major Core - 25 credit hours

COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3

COMM 251Audio Production I

3

COMM 253Digital Audio Production

3

COMM 351Audio Production II

3

COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3

One of the following:
COMM 200Electronic Media Writing

3

or

COMM 361Script Writing Video/Film/Radio

3

One of the following 4 credit courses as Capstone course:
COMM 395Radio News

4

COMM 451Audio Documentaries/Soundscapes

4

COMM 456Radio Programming/Production

4

COMM 466Sound Design

4

Group B - Major Electives - 9 credit hours –choose from the following: Note: Only three credit hours may be from the one-credit mini-courses (COMM 111-116).

COMM 111Web Design

1

COMM 112Desktop Video

1

COMM 113Flash

1

COMM 114Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 115Advanced Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 116Desktop Publishing

1

COMM 118Desktop Audio

1

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3

COMM 221Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 222Principles of Public Relations

3

COMM 244Introduction to Social Media

3

COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3

COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3

COMM 313Political Communication

3

COMM 350Telecommunication Technology

3

COMM 375Mass Media Theory

3

COMM 385International Media

3

COMM 386International Films

3

COMM 400Telecommunications Management

3

 

B. Communication: Communication Studies Bachelor of Science degree: 40 credit hours (including core requirements)

Emphasizes the study of human interaction in both mediated and non-mediated communication. Courses will cover theories and skills regarding relational development, group decision-making, public speaking, communication ethics, research and evaluation, and organizational communication. The goal of the major is to develop the student’s ability to understand and apply theories and skills in communication performance, message construction, and communication analysis and evaluation across social and professional settings.

Communication Studies Major courses: (33 credit hours - at least 12 at Fredonia)

Group A - Major Core – 18 credit hours:

COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

or

COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3

COMM 221Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 295Communication Research & Survey Methods

3

COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3

COMM 430Communication Theory

3

COMM 465Intercultural Communication

3

Group B - Major Electives - 15 credit hours from the following:

COMM 222Principles of Public Relations

3

COMM 301Group Communication

3

COMM 303Health Communication

3

COMM 313Political Communication

3

COMM 321Environmental Communication

3

COMM 259Special Topics in Communication

1-3

COMM 359Special Topics in Communication

1-3

COMM 459Special Topics in Communication

1-3

COMM 373Gender and Communication

3

COMM 379Persuasion

3

COMM 460Organizational Communication

3

C. Communication: Journalism Bachelor of Arts degree: 41 credit hours (including core requirements)

Emphasizes the theory and practice of all forms of journalism including print, electronic, and Internet. An interdisciplinary approach will prepare critical thinkers and reflective practitioners. Research, writing, production, and analysis are all stressed. The program balances the teaching and learning of the practical skills needed in the profession with intellectual, historical, theoretical, and analytic foundations necessary for good journalists.

Journalism Major courses: (34 credit hours - at least 17 at Fredonia)

Group A - Major Core - 19 credit hours

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3

COMM 230News Gathering

3

COMM 231Storytelling: Words, Images, Sound

3

COMM 232Critical Analysis of Journalism

3

COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3

COMM 440Journalism Convergence Capstone

3

Group B - 6 credit hours – one of the following two-course sequences:

COMM 358Television News

3

COMM 395Radio News

4

or

COMM 346Print/Digital Editing and Design

3

COMM 347Print/Digital Narrative

3

Group C - 9 credit hours – one course from each of the following three categories:

C1 Communication Experiential Training – minimum 3 credit hours
Short-term study abroad

COMM 470Fredonia Radio Systems/WNYF/Leader Practicum

3

COMM 480Communication Internship

1-15

C2 Theory Courses
COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

COMM 221Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 222Principles of Public Relations

3

COMM 295Communication Research & Survey Methods

3

COMM 301Group Communication

3

COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3

COMM 313Political Communication

3

COMM 359Special Topics in Communication

1-3

COMM 385International Media

3

COMM 460Organizational Communication

3

COMM 465Intercultural Communication

3

COMM 359: if applicable

C3 Skills Courses
COMM 110Desktop Motion

1

COMM 111Web Design

1

COMM 112Desktop Video

1

COMM 113Flash

1

COMM 114Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 115Advanced Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 116Desktop Publishing

1

COMM 118Desktop Audio

1

COMM 244Introduction to Social Media

3

COMM 251Audio Production I

3

COMM 255Studio Production

3

COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3

COMM 367Opinions in Journalism

COMM 459Special Topics in Communication

1-3

COMM 110-119: 3 mini courses

Note:  Only three credit hours may be from the one-credit mini-courses (COMM 111-116)

Outside Courses

18 credit hours – at least 3 credit hours in each of the following categories. Up to 12 credit hours may be used to satisfy College Core Curriculum requirements.

Global Studies

HIST 101World History I

3

HIST 102World History II

3

HIST 135World Cultures

3

HIST 261Islamic Civilization

3

HIST 264East Asian Civilizations

3

HIST 273Africa From the 1800s

3

HIST 283Latin America: Revolution and Reform

3

HIST 311Europe in the Modern World

3

Science and the Environment

CHEM 107Chemistry for Consumers

3

GEO 175Thirsty Planet

3

GEO 180Weather and Climate

3

ESCI 105Global Environmental Issues

3

HIST 310World Environmental History

3

ESCI 410Environmental Assessment

3

BIOL 115Environmental Biology

3

PHYS 205Science and Civilization

3

HIST 352Environmental History of North America

3

SOC 215Introduction to Public Health

3

Economics/Statistics

POLI 200Statistics

3

PSY 200Statistics

3

ECON 200Fundamentals of Statistics for Business Administration and Economics

3

SOC 200Social Statistics

3

STAT 200Statistical Methods I

3

ECON 201Principles of Macroeconomics

3

STAT 150Statistical Ideas

3

Culture

AMST 210American Popular and Mass Cultures

3

HIST 33920th Century American Culture

3

POLI 371Civil Rights and Liberties

3

INDS 105Introduction to American Indian Studies

3

SOC 316Minority Groups

3

ENGL 296American Identities

3

ANTH 300Sex and Gender

3

HIST 359Ethnicity and Race

3

HIST 225Introduction to Latino History and Culture

3

HIST 353U.S. Consumer Culture

3

HIST 343Civil Rights Movement

3

PSY 255Psychology of Women

3

SOC 335Sociology of Sport

3

Government and Legislature

POLI 120American Politics

3

POLI 150U.S. and World Affairs

3

PHIL 228American Philosophy

3

POLI 276Law and Society

3

Arts, Education, and Philosophies

ENGL 206Survey of American Literature

3

ENGL 207Drama and Film

3

ARTH 345Film Criticism

3

THEA 114Introduction to the Performing Arts

3

ARTH 102Art in Culture from 1400 to the Present

3

MUS 270The History of American Popular Music, 1900-1963

3

EDU 215Education in American Society

3

PHIL 115Introduction to Philosophy

3

D. Communication: Media Management Bachelor of Science degree: 40 credit hours (including core requirements)

For students interested in non-production areas of electronic media. Includes sales, management, regulation, promotion, and research in broadcast and other electronic media such as cable television, telephone, and satellites.

Media Management Major courses: (33 credit hours - at least 12 at Fredonia)

Group A - Major Core - 21 credit hours - choose seven from among the following:

COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

COMM 222Principles of Public Relations

3

COMM 295Communication Research & Survey Methods

3

COMM 350Telecommunication Technology

3

COMM 385International Media

3

COMM 400Telecommunications Management

3

COMM 460Organizational Communication

3

Any three of the 1 credit hour computer courses
COMM 110Desktop Motion

1

COMM 111Web Design

1

COMM 112Desktop Video

1

COMM 113Flash

1

COMM 114Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 115Advanced Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 116Desktop Publishing

1

COMM 118Desktop Audio

1

Group B - Major Electives - 12 credit hours - choose four from among the following, at least two at 300-400 level:

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3

COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3

COMM 221Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 235Introduction to Business Communication

3

COMM 244Introduction to Social Media

3

COMM 301Group Communication

3

COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3

COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3

COMM 313Political Communication

3

COMM 375Mass Media Theory

3

COMM 379Persuasion

3

COMM 386International Films

3

COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3

COMM 430Communication Theory

3

COMM 465Intercultural Communication

3

E. Communication: Public Relations Bachelor of Science degree - 40 credit hours (including core requirements):

Focuses on the theoretical constructs and professional skills necessary to effectively mediate the goals and obligations of an organization and the needs and concerns of the public. The emphasis on ethics, campaign design and management and the production of messages for targeted audiences prepares students to serve as communication advocates in a variety of professional and civic settings.

Public Relations Major courses: (33 credit hours - at least 12 at Fredonia)

Group A - Major Core - 21 credit hours

COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

COMM 222Principles of Public Relations

3

COMM 295Communication Research & Survey Methods

3

COMM 302Rhetoric and Criticism

3

COMM 322Public Relations Writing

3

COMM 344Public Relations Case Analysis

3

COMM 422Public Relations Campaigns

3

Note: COMM 422 serves as Capstone experience

Group B - Major Electives - 12 credit hours – 6 credit hours at 300 or above level from the following:

COMM 110Desktop Motion

1

COMM 111Web Design

1

COMM 112Desktop Video

1

COMM 113Flash

1

COMM 114Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 115Advanced Electronic Darkroom

1

COMM 116Desktop Publishing

1

COMM 118Desktop Audio

1

COMM 130Foundations in Journalism

3

COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3

COMM 221Interpersonal Communication

3

COMM 235Introduction to Business Communication

3

COMM 244Introduction to Social Media

3

COMM 251Audio Production I

3

COMM 255Studio Production

3

COMM 301Group Communication

3

COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3

COMM 313Political Communication

3

COMM 321Environmental Communication

3

COMM 350Telecommunication Technology

3

COMM 375Mass Media Theory

3

COMM 379Persuasion

3

COMM 385International Media

3

COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3

COMM 424International Public Relations

3

COMM 430Communication Theory

3

COMM 444Public Relations Senior Seminar

1-3

COMM 460Organizational Communication

3

COMM 465Intercultural Communication

3

COMM 110-118: Computer mini courses (1 credit hour each)

Note:  Only three credit hours may be from the one-credit mini-courses (COMM 111-116).

 

 

F. Communication: Video Production Bachelor of Science degree - 45 credit hours (including core requirements)

Focuses on the theoretical, technical, and practical issues of television and digital film production. Hands-on project-based major with emphasis on pre-production, production, postproduction and distribution. Students gain experience in multi-camera studio production, electronic news gathering, field production, documentary, and narrative. Topics covered include: concept development, visualization, writing, aesthetics, ethics, shooting and editing techniques, and sound design.

Video Production Major courses: (38 credit hours - at least 18 credits and capstone classes must be taken at Fredonia):

Group A - Major Core - 21 credit hours

COMM 102Mass Media and Society

3

COMM 155Rhetoric of Vision and Sound

3

COMM 251Audio Production I

3

COMM 255Studio Production

3

COMM 354Video Field Production

3

COMM 366Postproduction

3

COMM 420Communication Law and Ethics

3

Group B

One of the following four course sequences must be taken at Fredonia. The documentary and drama classes must be taken in consecutive semesters.

Narrative Fiction Track

COMM 309Film Analysis

3

COMM 361Script Writing Video/Film/Radio

3

COMM 454Fiction I

4

COMM 464Fiction II

4

or

Documentary Track

COMM 200Electronic Media Writing

3

COMM 308Documentary History and Criticism

3

COMM 452Documentary I

4

COMM 462Documentary II

4

or

Broadcast Track

COMM 200

3

COMM 307History of Television

3

COMM 358Television News

3

COMM 401Television Studio Production II

4

Group C - Electives (3 credit hours)

ARTS 155Introduction to Photography

3

COMM 312Multimedia Integration

3

COMM 358Television News

3

COMM 466Sound Design

4

COMM 368Video Camera and Lighting Techniques

3

THEA 130Acting for Non-Majors

3

COMM 400Telecommunications Management

3

Notes for the Broadcast Track:

ARTS 155 is not an elective for the Broadcast Track.

COMM 400 is only for the Broadcast Track.