Communications Studies (BA)

Description

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication Studies uses a project-centered approach to develop student understanding of and skill in the use of digital audio, video, print and web-based media. It also provides an ethical and theoretical context for communication.

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    Degree/Major Requirements

    To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major and have completed a minimum of 126 credit hours.

    The communication studies major is required to:

    1. Complete a total of 36 credit hours in Communication Studies (CST), excluding CST 1010, only 12 of which may be from independent studies (Transfer students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours in CST at Detroit Mercy.).
    2. Complete at least 15 of those 36 credit hours in courses at the 3000/4000 level.
    3. Submit a portfolio in the senior year.
    4. Include in the required 36 credit hours the following seven courses:

    Required Courses (12 credits)

    • CST 1110 Mass Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 1120 Visual Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 3000 Mass Media Ethics (3 credits)
    • CST 4990 Capstone Seminar: Media Social Responsibility (3 credits)

    One Course from Each of the Following Three Categories:

    Research (3 credits)

    Theory (3 credits)

    • CST 2040 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 3040 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 3050 Theories of Listening Behavior (3 credits)
    • CST 3070 Organizational Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 3091 Persuasion (3 credits)
    • CST 3140 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
    • CST 3170 Argumentation (3 credits)

    Writing (3 Credits)

    • CST 2030 News Writing and Reporting I (3 credits)
    • CST 2230 Electronic Media Writing (3 credits)
    • CST 3400 Public Relations Writing (3 credits)
    • CST 3240 Feature Writing (3 credits)
    • CST 4210 News Editing, Design and Management (3 credits)
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    Sports Communication Minor

    The Sports Communication minor gives students a solid foundation for succeeding in the growing field of multimedia sports journalism and sports information/media relations. The minor produces graduates who are prepared for entry-level sports positions with media outlets and with the media relations departments of professional teams and collegiate athletic departments. It also offers expertise to students who hope to pursue sports-related careers in other disciplines, such as business, law, English, history and education. The minor requires 18 credits and the submission of a portfolio at the completion of the courses.

    Required Courses (12 credits):

    • CST 2030 News Writing and Reporting I (3 credits)
    • CST 2100 Digital Video Production (3 credits)
    • CST 3300 Sports Writing (3 credits)
    • CST 3305 Sports Broadcasting (3 credits)

    One Course from the Following (3 credits):

    • CST 2400 Principles of Public Relations (3 credits)
    • CST 2410 Principles of Advertising (3 credits)
    • BUS 3120 Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
    • BUS 3880 Sports and Entertainment Marketing (3 credits)

    One Course from the Following (3 credit hours):

    • CST 3307 Sports Information and Public Relations (3 credits)
    • CST 3315 Detroit Sports History and Journalism (3 credits)

    For both minor programs, please contact: Professor Tom Stanton at tstanton@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1698.

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    Multimedia Journalism Minor

    The Multimedia Journalism minor gives students a solid foundation for succeeding in the field of journalism. The minor produces graduates who are multifaceted in their skills and prepared for entry-level positions with media outlets. It also offers expertise to students who hope to pursue careers in other disciplines that intersect with the media, such as business, law, English, history, political science and education. The minor requires 18 credits and the submission of a portfolio at the completion of the courses.

    Required Courses (9 credits):

    • CST 2030 News Writing and Reporting I (3 credits)
    • CST 2100 Digital Video Production (3 credits)
    • CST 3033 News Writing and Reporting II (3 credits)

    One Course from the Following (3 credits):

    Two courses from the Following (6 credits):

    • CST 3100 Audio Production and Direction (3 credits)
    • CST 3110 Single Camera Video Production (3 credits)
    • CST 3120 Multi-Camera Video Production and Direction (3 credits)
    • CST 4210 News Editing, Design and Management (3 credits)

    For both minor programs, please contact: Professor Tom Stanton at tstanton@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1698.

Program Contact Information

Department Chair: Vivian Dicks, Ph.D., J.D.
Briggs Building, Room 121
McNichols Campus

Email: dicksvi@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-3286
Fax: 313-993-1166

Department Website