2019-20 Catalogs
BA in Communication
The communication bachelor of arts degree program takes a broad view of communication including the examination of face-to-face contexts and mediated ones. The program examines communication theories and their practices including intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organization, intercultural, gender and family, and mass media. Communication majors take two senior seminars. One seminar is chosen from a list of topics and the other is a capstone seminar designed to be a culmination of their undergraduate work and as a transition to graduate studies. This program embraces a liberal arts philosophy and emphasizes critical thinking rather than vocational training.
This degree program can also be taken in a fully online format. For more information about the online program, please visit Professional and Continuing Education at www.usm.maine.edu/pce.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements (36 credit hours)
A grade of "C" or higher is required in all courses for the major.
Foundation Courses (6 credits)
CMS 102 Introduction to Communication
CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication
Communication Courses (15 credits)
CMS 190 Nonverbal Communication
CMS 201 Introduction to Public Relations
CMS 235 Communicating Security
CMS 240 Rhetoric, Media, and Culture
CMS 242 Communication and Social Media
CMS 255 Business and Professional Communication
CMS 265 Intrapersonal Communication
CMS 272 Persuasion
CMS 290 Intercultural Communication
CMS 298 Topics in Communication I
CMS 303 Media Effects
CMS 323 Understanding Technology
CMS 330 Theories of Interpersonal Communication
CMS 332 Communication in the Family
CMS 345 Small Group Communication
CMS 350 Internet and Society
CMS 360 Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age
CMS 374 Media Criticism and Aesthetics
CMS 375 Meaning and Communication
CMS 390 Theories of Organizational Communication
CMS 398 Topics in Communication II
Senior Seminar (3 credits)
CMS 401 Launching into Life After College
CMS 420 Communication and Cognition
CMS 423 First Amendment
CMS 480 Gender Communication
CMS 498 Topics in Communication III
Topics courses allow faculty to develop and offer new courses on a rotating basis. Some previous courses include, Intergenerational Communication and the Internet, Discursive Practices, Communication in Sports, Crisis and Risk Management, and Communication Revolutions.
Capstone Senior Seminar (3 credit hours)
CMS 495 Theories of Communication
CMS Electives (9 credits)
Communication majors may select any three courses offered by the Department as electives as long as they have fulfilled the necessary prerequisites. This includes CMS 430 Communication Internship (up to 3 credits can be used in this category). Majors are strongly encouraged to take additional internship credits, which will count toward the 120 needed for graduation. Internship experiences involved students in the community and strengthen resumes. Please contact Dr. Kivatisky (russellk@maine.edu) if you are interested in an internship.
Admission Information
For the best overall Financial Aid package, submit your USM application and complete your FAFSA by January 15. However, you can apply at any time. Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn More about the Undergraduate Application Requirements & Process