Degree: B.A.

Coordinator: Barbara Munson Goff (goff@aesop.rutgers.edu)

Offered in cooperation with the Department of Com-munication (School of Communication, Information and Library Studies), the undergraduate program emphasizes the role of communication in human affairs. The program prepares students for communication careers in business, education, or government, or for the pursuit of graduate study in communication or other fields. As offered through Cook College, the program allows students to develop a strong background in environmental, scientific, or technical fields, areas in which communication specialists are in high demand.

Entry Requirements for the Major

The Department of Communication faculty seeks highly motivated students and encourages applications from a diverse student population. Admission to the major program is competitive, and students should be advised that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Minimum requirements include the following: a grade point average of 2.0 or higher; a combined average of C+ in 04:189:101 Introduction to Communication and Information Systems and Processes, and 102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes, with no grade below C; a grade of C or higher in expository writing; and a well-written personal statement.

The admissions committee seeks the following when reviewing student essays: (1) a persuasive statement of purpose, (2) an understanding of issues in communication, (3) strong written communication skills, and (4) evidence that the student will contribute to the community of learners in the department of communication.

Applications are available on the department`s web site (http://scils.rutgers.edu) and are due by the close of business on October 1 for spring term admission or February 15 for fall term admission. Students are advised to consult the department`s handbook, web site, and bulletin boards for up-to-date information regarding admissions procedures.

Degree Requirements for the Major

Cook College students majoring in communication also must complete a minor or certificate program offered by the Cook College faculty.

Please see the Programs of Study Summary on page 272 for information regarding changes in degree requirements.

I. Interdisciplinary/Ethical Analysis (5 credits)

  11:015:101  Perspectives on Agriculture and the Environment (2)

  11:015:400  Junior/Senior Colloquium (3)

II. Introductory Life and Physical Sciences (7 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter. Selection of courses may be determined by the student`s choice of minor or certificate program.

III. The Arts (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter.

IV. Human Diversity (6 credits)

  04:192:346  Intercultural Communication (3) or 04:192: 345 International Communication (3) or 04:192:405 Communication and Gender (3) or 04:192:434 Intercultural Communication Workshop (3) an additional course from those suggested in the Degree Requirements chapter

V. Economic and Political Systems (6 credits)

See suggested courses in the Degree Requirements chapter. Selection of courses may be determined by the student`s choice of minor or certificate program.

VI. Oral and Written Communication (6 credits)

  04:192:359  Persuasive Communication (3) or 04:192: 380 Public Speaking (3) or 04:192:381 Argumentation (3) or 04:192:407 Health Communication (3)

  01:355:101  Expository Writing I (3) or equivalent

VII. Experience-Based Education (1-3 credits)

  04:192:369  Internship in Communication (3) or 04:192: 470 Research in Communication (3) or 04:192:491,492 Independent Study in Communication* (1-3,1-3) or an appropriate cooperative education placement

VIII. Competence in Communication (42-48 credits)

A. REQUIRED COURSES (42)

Quantitative Methods (3)

  04:192:300  Communication Research (3)

Computer Competence (3)

  01:198:110  Introduction to Computers and Their Application (3) or equivalent

Professional Ethics (3)

  04:192:365  Principles of Public Relations (3)

Other Required Courses (33)

  04:189:101  Introduction to Communication and Information Systems and Processes (3)

  04:189:102  Introduction to Media Systems and Processes (3)

  04:192:200  Communication Theory (3)

  04:192:201  Interpersonal Communication Processes (3)

At least one of the following courses (3):

  04:192:354  Mediated Communication Theory (3)

  04:192:355  Interpersonal Communication Theory (3)

  04:192:357  Organizational Communication Theory (3)

A minor or certificate program offered by Cook College (18)

Students should consult the description of the communication program in the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies chapter for a recommended sequence of communication courses.

B. ELECTIVES (0-6)

At least two courses at the 400 level (excluding 04:192: 491,492, and 495) must be included in the total of 33 credits of 04:192 courses required for the major. Students who have completed 33 credits of courses in communication must apply to the department for special permission to take additional 04:192 courses.

IX. Unspecified Electives (43-49 credits)

* 04:192:491, 492 does not count toward the minimum 33-credit communication course requirement.