Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts

Communication fundamentally focuses on how messages are used to generate meaning within and across various contexts. Hence, the Communication Arts major is designed to help students develop intergraded skills in oral, written, and mediated communication. Communication Arts majors acquire an overview of the discipline in our introductory courses of CM 113, Public Speaking, and CM 231, Foundations of Human Communication. Along with taking other required courses in rhetoric, communication theory, and research methods, students select from a variety of courses that prepare them to become competent communicators in both their professional and personal lives. 

All communication arts majors culminate their coursework by participating in a capstone course, CM 431, which provides an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in their courses of study toward a substantial project that bridges classroom knowledge with practical application. 

Concentration Areas

• General Communication Arts
• Public Relations

The major offers an array of courses that enhance students’ speaking, writing, research, and critical thinking skills.

The Public Relations concentration is designed to prepare students for professional work in the area of public relations through a mix of journalism, media, and public relations coursework. Students blend theory with practice to help them become better communicators, thinkers, writers, and content creators in preparation for professional work in public relations organizations. Students gain hands-on experience through a public relations-focused internship completed during the senior seminar course.

Bachelor of Arts in Writing

The writing major prepares students for careers in writing-related fields, such as technical writing, publishing, social media consulting, journalism, and public relations, and/or for graduate school in rhetoric and composition, communication, creative writing, education, or law. Its curriculum comprises a combination of courses offered by both the English Department and the Communication Arts Department.

Majors in the program can choose from one of six concentrations:

• Technical & professional writing
• Creative writing
• Media writing
• Rhetoric & composition
• Public relations
• A customized concentration created by the student in consultation with their advisor

Three of these concentrations – technical & professional writing, media writing, and public relations – include an internship component.

The program culminates in a capstone course in which students compile a professional portfolio of pieces that can be shared with prospective employers.

Communication Arts Minor

A minor in communication arts consists of 21 semester hours of coursework taken within the department of which at least 12 semester hours must be taken at or above the 300 level, and at least half of the upper-level requirements must be taken at UAH.