ESC Emphasis Areas
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
The Elliott School of Communication offers an integrated major in communication leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Students majoring in communication must maintain a 2.5 grade point average (overall and in the major), complete a minimum of 40 credit hours in communication (including 22 credit hours in the communication core) and submit a portfolio of their work during their senior year (via Comm 472).All students must take the communication core courses: Comm 130, 301, 305, 325, 472, 535, and two courses from 430, 630 and 631. At least 18 credit hours must be in either a structured or an open emphasis area.
Information
Sandy Sipes - Undergraduate Adviser, Academic Lecturer
sandra.sipes@wichita.edu
Eric Wilson- Undergraduated Adviser, Instructor
eric.wilson@wichita.edu
(316) 978-5465
Undergraduate Emphasis Areas
INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS (IMC) prepares students for the field of advertising, public relations, marketing and related creative media. The courses emphasize writing and marketing skills that build understanding of how publications and campaigns are packaged and produced for businesses and consumers. Creating, writing, editing and organizing are essential elements for excellent marketing campaigns. Students majoring in this area are poised for the advertising/marketing/public relations field to work with media, do market research, or serve as an account representative at an agency. In addition to the communication core, IMC requirements are Comm 324, 502, 510, 525, 626 and 3 hours of upper-division communication elective credit. Other requirements are Marketing 300 and 405.STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION emphasizes building meaningful relationships, grooming civic leadership, and producing marketable employees through public relations and human relation skills. The curriculum includes giving effective presentations, facilitating small-group discussions, handling conflict, managing diverse constituencies and cultivating leadership. These skills are needed in business, government, education, law and social services. There are many positions in business that require strategic skill sets: public affairs, consulting, human resources, research and development, fundraising and special events planning. In addition to the communication core, Strategic Communication requirements are: Choose either Comm 311 or 328, (Foundation cluster); chose one course from among Comm 290, 302 or 312 (Interpersonal Communication cluster); choose either Comm 640 or 650 (Organizational Communication cluster); choose one course from among Comm 313, 502 or 632 (Public Affairs cluster); choose one course from the following, or two courses that combine for three credits, from among Comm 398, 402, 481, 581, 622, and 690 (Practicum); choose one additional course selected in consultation with your adviser (Elective).PRINT JOURNALISM provides students with the academic background and professional skills to be successful at newspapers, magazines and related publications. Writing, editing, photography, design and presentation for mass audiences are stressed. Students also are cross-trained to function in such fields such as broadcasting, public relations, advertising, desktop publishing, book publishing and website creation. Print journalism majors study law, ethics, media theory and other scholarly matters. Students are encouraged to gain practical experience by working for the student newspaper, The Sunflower, and by participating in Cooperative Education, internships and summer jobs.In addition to the communication core, Print Journalism requirements are Comm 310, 401, 500, 510; one course from among 340, 550, 571, 660; and 3 hours of upper-division communication elective credit, which can include Co-Op hours.BROADCAST JOURNALISM teaches about the real world of broadcast journalism and the ever-changing role that today's professional experiences. In addition to regular coursework, a weekly live newscast, Studio B, teaches students to understand the expectations of today's journalist. Students will understand what it is like to be a reporter, photographer or producer — plus get the hands-on experience of working in a team environment. The classroom exposes students to an integrated approach that gives them a well-rounded education while making them more attractive to potential employers. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities available from television and radio stations in the Wichita area through internships or employment.In addition to the communication core, Broadcast Journalism requirements are Comm 401, 422 and 622; one course from among Comm 304, 500, 522, 604 or 609; and 6 hours of upper-division communication elective credit.ELECTRONIC MEDIA uses theoretical and applied methods to show how technology is changing the ways information is created and distributed. Students learn to clearly communicate using new media techniques, as well as filtering credible information from propaganda. There is exposure to digital video storytelling techniques for use in a number of communication platforms, including television and radio broadcasting; the Internet; and corporate, institutional and educational videos. Electronic Media majors are prepared for producing, directing, writing, doing videography or working in any number of visual platforms.In addition to the communication core, Electronic Media requirements are Comm 303, 304, 332, 604, 609, and 3 hours of upper-division communication elective credit.OPEN EMPHASIS provides students with an opportunity to develop the most appropriate communication degree for their interests if a more structured area does not meet the needs of their background and experience. The Open Emphasis major is a proposal consisting of a unique blend of communication courses that is developed by students in consultation with a faculty adviser. The proposal must be substantially different from the other areas of emphases. The proposal for the Open Emphasis must be submitted at the beginning of the student's junior year.
Other Communication Options
MINOR: A Minor in Communication requires two courses from the communication core, plus at least 12 hours of electives in communication chosen with the approval of a faculty adviser (6 of the 12 hours must be at the 300-level or above)FIELD MAJOR: Field Majors are students seeking to elect either an 18-hour concentration in communication (as the major area of study) or a 9-hour concentration in communication (as one of two allied departments taken in addition to the major area of study). Some or all of the upper-division course work may be in the communication core courses.BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES: Students seeking a BGS degree may elect either a 15- to 21-hour concentration in communication (as the focal or primary concentration) or a 6- to 12-hour concentration (as one of two secondary concentrations taken in addition to another primary concentration). Some or all of the upper-division course work may be in the communication core courses.CERTIFICATE IN APPLIED COMMUNICATION: This certificate program is designed for supervisors, managers and other professionals who interact with employees and coworkers. The six courses (18 hours) are standard college courses offering practical tools for professionals. The required courses are: Comm 302, 312, 325, 328, 360 and 650. Comm 111 or its equivalent is a prerequisite.TEACHING CERTIFICATIONS: The Elliott School offers secondary education teaching certificates (secondary field only) in two areas: speech communication and journalism. The requirements for speech communication are: Comm 111, 130, 190, 311 and 661; also, Theater143 and 272. The requirements for journalism are: Comm 130 or 631, 301, 310, 510, 612, 630 and one upper division writing course in journalism.