Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions by Communications Majors

Are you a Communications major who has questions? Here are answers to some questions commonly posed by communication majors. See also the section on questions asked by non-majors, and never use web-page information to substitute for a good conversation with your advisor.

 

Students WalkingWhat if a class I want is full?

You have several choices. First, if the class has multiple sections, you can look for an open section of that class that fits into your schedule, and register for that section. If that doesn’t work, you can select a class from the list of alternates your advisor approved for you. If your advisor forgets to suggest alternates, ask him/her to do so. What if neither option above worked out? You can politely ask the department chair or school head of the course you want to take for an override or you can return to your advisor to identify another course to substitute for the one that was full.

Do not add a class that you and your advisor have not discussed.

What if I want to add a class?
The process is similar to that listed above. If you and your advisor have discussed taking the class, and the advisor approves, you can add the class. Courses can only be added during the first week of classes. As noted above, do not add a class your advisor hasn’t approved.

What if I decide I don't want to take a class for which I've registered?
You should always consult with your advisor before dropping a class. There are several issues to be considered; for example, is the course a requirement for your degree that isn’t offered again soon or is it a prerequisite to a course you need? Failure to consider these types of issues might delay your graduation. In addition, you should also be sure that dropping a course will not negatively impact your financial aid, scholarship eligibility or health/car insurance coverage.

What are my chances of graduating in four years?
Your chances are excellent, depending on several factors. You must complete 120 credit hours, so on average, you need to complete 15 hours per semester. You must keep track of your own progress and make sure all your courses will count toward graduation. Work closely with your advisor on that as well as on timing of classes. We do not offer every class every semester, so be aware of course rotations. Finally, if you have changed your major, you may have taken courses that will not count toward your Communications degree, and that may result in additional semesters.

How can I be sure I am taking my Communications classes in the right order?
For Communications majors, there is not one prescribed route or set of classes recommended for each semester. We do have some suggestions.

First year:


Second year:
  • Again, there is not a fixed order of courses to be taken, but pay attention to course numbers and try to take 200 level courses before 300 and 400 levels. Also, note course prerequisites.

  • Take ACOM 201, Interpersonal Communication and ACOM 241, Public Speaking. These classes will help develop a strong foundation for upper-level communications classes.

  • You might decide to take ACOM 376, Visual Communication. In this class, you learn how to apply the principles of design to your work. You will use various computer programs in the process.

  • If you haven’t already done so, consider undertaking your study of a foreign language. You must have two semesters of the same language, and you may choose to continue the language you studied in high school or begin a new language. If you choose to continue, you must take the on-line placement test before registering.

  • Continue completing your General Education Requirements.

  • Begin saving papers for the Rising Junior Writing Portfolio. After you have earned 60 hours, you should finalize the papers you plan to submit, write your reflective essay, and submit the portfolio by the advertised deadline.
Third and fourth years:
  • Submit the Rising Junior Writing Proficiency Portfolio. Do this as close to the 60 hour time as possible. Note that successful completion of the Portfolio is a pre-requisite for the capstone experience.

  • During your third year, you should take the classes required for your advanced communication focus in either writing or oral communication. Do not wait until your senior year to take these classes, as waiting could influence your internship options.

  • By this time, you should have declared your minor or worked out a cognate with your advisor, so you can be making steady progress toward finishing that secondary area of study.

  • During the fourth year, you should complete your capstone course, which is either the professional internship or the service-learning experience. More information is provided on each option later in the Communications Major's Handbook.

How do I know what "counts" as a Humanities class?
Take advantage of the information provided in the USCA Bulletin! On page 31 of the 2006-2007 edition, you will find a definition of "Humanities Courses" and a helpful listing of those classes that will fulfill the Humanities requirement.

My friends have to take a non-western world studies course. Do I?
Yes. However, we tend not to talk too much about that requirement because it is met when you take ACOM 450, Intercultural Communication, which is a core requirement for majors. You may take other non-western studies classes, but 450 fulfills your obligation and exposes you to cultures of the world other than those of European countries.

What math should I take?
You have several choices of math, statistics or logic classes from which to choose, including the following:

These are just some of the choices. As always, work with your advisor to select the math that best meets your needs.

How do I choose a minor, and what minors are popular?
You should select a minor based on your interests, whether personal or professional. If you enjoyed theatre in high school or think you would enjoy being involved with a community troupe, you might consider the theatre minor. Similarly, some students interested in broadcasting choose theatre. You probably don't have to declare your minor to your advisor until late in your sophomore year, but be thinking about it and exploring options prior to that time. Be sure you talk to faculty in the discipline and find out about course rotations and any special requirements for the minor.

Some popular minors among Communications majors include business, studio art, political science, psychology, sociology and English-writing. The 2006-2007 USCA Bulletin lists subjects in which you can minor. (view minors)

I see that Communications majors have to do a "capstone." What is a capstone and what are my choices?
The capstone course is a culminating experience that should integrate learning from the various communications classes you have taken. It should provide some closure to your course of study by having you evaluate, integrate and demonstrate what you have learned during your time as an undergraduate student studying Communications.

USCA Communications majors have two options for the capstone experience. One is to do the professional internship, where you apply the knowledge and skills you've obtained to a position in newspaper writing, broadcasting (radio or TV), public relations, graphic design, magazine writing, advertising, etc. You will work with a professional who has educational and/or work experience in the chosen area as well as with a faculty member from the department. You should both deepen and expand your understanding of the discipline in this very practical and applied experience. In contrast, the service learning experience involves applying your knowledge and skills in a non-profit, charitable organization. During your experience, you should find yourself integrating theory with practice, gaining a greater understanding of communication principles, and making a difference in the community.

Both capstone experiences are described in more detail under "Opportunities".

When are the classes that I need going to be offered?

We try to offer classes on a rotation that allows students to graduate in a reasonable amount of time. To help you plan your schedule, you can look at our tentative class rotations.