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.

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.

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