Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Department Chair:

Dr. Felicia Stewart (Professor)

Faculty:

Dr. Natasha Howard (Assistant Professor); Prof. Kenneth Newby (Senior Assistant Professor NTT); Dr. Keisha Tassie (Associate Professor)

Program overview:

The mission of the Communication Studies program is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to observe, interpret and evaluate communication behaviors and processes. Students in Communication Studies will continuously develop their abilities to communicate effectively in the context of oral, written and interpersonal communication.
This course of study works towards Morehouse College’s mission of producing leaders. Quality leadership skills in any context are dependent upon mastering effective communication strategies. Communication is primarily a social process that is used in personal, academic, and professional spheres, and studying communication increases the ability to be effective in those contexts. Therefore, the Communication Studies program prepares students for positions in business, law, education, government, sociology, medicine, the arts, and performance. Those who major or minor in Communication Studies can expect to hone skills in presentations, public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, document preparation, and academic and professional writing. Students in this program will have a solid foundation for graduate and professional schools.

Communication Studies is a program that emphasizes theoretical foundations in communication and promotes the ethical practice of human communication in various interpersonal, professional and cultural contexts.

Students who intend to pursue graduate education are strongly encouraged to complete HSOC 302 Social Research Methods.

Communication Studies minor is a program designed to increase the overall communication effectiveness of students.

The minor in Communication Studies is open to all Morehouse College students, regardless of major, who meet the following prerequisites: C or above in HENG 101/102 OR HENG 103.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will be able to understand and apply knowledge of human communication and language processes as they occur across various contexts, e.g., interpersonal, intrapersonal, small group, organizational, media, intercultural, interracial, and mediated communication, from multiple perspectives.
• Students will be able to understand and evaluate key theoretical approaches used in the interdisciplinary field of communication –i.e., students will be able to explain major theoretical frameworks and concepts and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of those approaches.
• Students will develop knowledge, skills, and judgment around human communication that facilitate their ability to work collaboratively with others, including communication competencies such as making effective presentations, active listening, making sound arguments, and managing conflict.
• Students will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Department policies and/or General Education modifications:

• Students who major in Communication Studies must complete 18 credits of core courses and 18 credits of upper-level elective courses in the COM scheme with a grade of C or higher.
• Students who minor in Communication Studies must complete 9 credits of core courses and 9 credits of elective courses in the COM scheme.