Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2014-2015 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication Studies, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Communication and Fine Arts

Student Learning Outcomes


Upon and after graduation, a Communication Studies major will:

(Foundations)

  1. Explain, analyze, and critique basic communication theories and principles.
  2. Demonstrate ethical approaches to the production, delivery, and analysis of message across interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and global contexts.
  3. Assess the needs, interests, and values of an audience.
  4. Evaluate argumentative claims and reasoning processes.
  5. Support their analyses and arguments with evidence and reasoning.
  6. Retain and assess information as active listeners.

(Competencies)

  1. Research topics, organize/outline the material, and deliver oral presentations that are designed to influence audience understanding, belief, and action.
  2. Research topics, organize/outline the material, and revise written products that are created to influence audience understanding, belief, and action.
  3. Research topics, organize/outline the material, and revise visual products that are created to influence audience understanding, belief, and action.
  4. Utilize electronic technology as a tool for designing and delivering oral, written, and visual messages to influence audience understanding, belief, and action.

(The Research Experience)

  1. Utilize electronic technology as a tool for effective research.
  2. Evaluate the credibility of evidence and sources of information.
  3. Demonstrate proper citation of sources.
  4. Explain, analyze, and critique the methods used to produce communication research and information in communication and other academic disciplines.
  5. Compile information and generate new knowledge through the following research approaches: participant observations, focus group, interviewing, survey, and textual analysis.

(Moving Beyond the Classroom)

  1. Demonstrate time-bound problem-solving attitude.
  2. Explain, analyze, and critique a variety of everyday communicative texts.
  3. Apply oral, written, visual and electronic communication skills in professional contexts.
  4. Explain and assess the communication of power relations, cultural similarities, and cultural differences in intercultural and global contexts.
  5. Articulate the relationships among communication, social justice, and ethics by participating, evaluating, and reporting on critical events concerning social justice.

Major Requirements: (42 semester hours) (CMST)


Lower Division Requirements:


12 semester hours of lower division:

Upper Division Requirements:


30 semester hours of upper division:

Satisfactory completion of


Choose six of the following:


Application courses* to meet the graduation requirement:

Note:

*Application courses defined: Advanced courses in which students “apply” communication concepts, theories, and research methods to address “real world” issues/problems in concrete contexts. They range in subject matter and conceptual content, yet remain consistent with our departmental mission in social justice, requiring students to apply their knowledge for the purpose of sustaining a more humane and livable world. Application courses are creative and/or theoretical in focus in the critique and/or production of persuasive messages (in oral, written, visual, or electronic form) adapted to target audiences to accomplish ethical and effective change. Students learn to analyze communication messages; understand the relationship between communication, audience, and context; and demonstrate a commitment to cultivating critical thinking skills about the complex role of communication in society locally and globally. Application courses may also offer students opportunities to develop their group and community-oriented communication skills by working in teams or partnering with organizations on and/or off-campus in service learning contexts or internships.

Communication Studies Model Four-Year Plan


Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 15 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • CMST Complete one of the 6 required CMST application courses 3 semester hours**
  • CMST Complete one of the 6 required CMST application courses 3 semester hours**
  • Elective 3 semester hours
  • Elective 3 semester hours
  • Elective 3 semester hours
Total: 15 semester hours

Spring Semester


 

  • CMST Complete one of the 6 required CMST application courses 3 semester hours**
  • CMST Complete one of the 6 required CMST application courses 3 semester hours**
  • Elective 3 semester hours
  • Elective 3 semester hours
  • Elective 3 semester hours
Total: 15 semester hours

Note:


* Talk with your advisor to use the partial or full credit hours for University electives for a minor or a second major to complement your CMST major for a viable professional or career pathway.

** Talk with your advisor to plan and select your six CMST application courses for a viable professional or career pathway (see below).

This schedule is typical. The sequence and choices of courses must be decided in consultation with an advisor.

Potential Career Pathway


A degree in Communication Studies (CMST) from Loyola Marymount University provides students with the opportunity to develop essential skills-Writing, Oral Communication, Critical Thinking, and Teamwork-that are in high demand in today’s challenging and ever-changing world.

With additional specific education and pre-professional training and experience, our graduates are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions emphasizing both internal and external communication management across corporate, nonprofit, and/or public fields.

Below are a few of those fields:

  • Campaign Strategy
  • Corporate and Non-profit Communication
  • Social Media Management
  • Training and Development
  • Development/Fundraising
  • Human Resources
  • Public Relations and Advertising
  • Sales and Marketing

Our graduates often successfully pursue additional education, including advanced degrees, in a variety of academic fields. These fields include:

  • Communication Studies and related fields
  • Mediation/Conflict Resolution
  • Education
  • Law
  • Business

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: College of Communication and Fine Arts