Communication Studies - Health Communication Emphasis, BS
Program Description
Communication Studies majors learn human interactions and skills including: public speaking, academic writing, relationship maintenance and ethical strategies. This scholarship results in an environment in which lifelong learners thrive. We offer 5 different degree emphases, and a degree completion program. Come learn alongside our award-winning faculty as we prepare you to enter the workforce upon graduation. Utah Tech University Communication Studies graduates are skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared to create their own path for success. Join us in our pursuit to understand how human interaction affects the world we live in today.
Admission Requirements
Students must be admitted to Utah Tech University including submitting previous college transcripts to the Registrar’s Office before they will be considered for admission to the Communication Studies program. Departmental approval is required prior to formally declaring communication as a major. Students are admitted to the Communication Studies baccalaureate program upon completion of the following admission requirements:
1. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) or higher
2. Completion of a Communication Studies Program admission application
3. Consultation with a Communication Studies Advisor
Students may self-declare “pre-Communication Studies” (BS-CMST-P) as their major before completing the consultation with a Communication Advisor.
Advisement
Students will consult with the Communication Department advisor who will review the student's current academic status, explain degree requirements, and assist in creating a degree completion plan. Students must submit a program admission application with their advisor to declare a major. Upon nearing degree completion, the student must again meet with the advisor to go over the graduation checklist and sign the graduation audit. Advisors provide an important resource in helping to stay on track toward academic goals throughout the Communication course of study.
Academic Requirements
To remain in the Communication baccalaureate program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 (C) or better. Students are also required to achieve not less than a C in each lower- and upper-division core communication class. If a student does not achieve this level in any core class, s/he will be required to take it again until the standard is met.
Program Curriculum
120 credits
Utah Tech General Education Requirements
All Utah Tech General Education requirements must be fulfilled. A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to Utah Tech's minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.
General Education Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English | 3-7 | |
| Mathematics | 3-5 | |
| American Institutions | 3-6 | |
| Life Sciences | 3-10 | |
| Physical Sciences | 3-5 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Literature/Humanities | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Exploration | 3-5 | |
Communication Studies Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 1010 | Elements of Effective Communication | 3 |
| COMM 1020 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 1270 | Critical Thinking and Communicating (SS) | 3 |
| COMM 2060 | Communication Theory (SS, GC) | 3 |
| COMM 2110 | Interpersonal Communication (SS, GC) | 3 |
| COMM 2120 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3020 | Communication Research | 3 |
| COMM 3190 | Intercultural Communication (SS, GC) | 3 |
| COMM 3400 | Gender Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3510 | Ethics in Communication | 3 |
| COMM 4980 | Senior Seminar (Capstone) | 3 |
Health Communication Emphasis Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 3180 | Provider and Patient Relations | 3 |
| COMM 3200 | Community Health Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3230 | Health Communication | 3 |
| COMM 4010 | Persuasion | 3 |
Health Communication Emphasis Elective Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete nine (9) credits from the following: | ||
| COMM 3120 | Family Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3150 | The Dark Side of Interpersonal Relationships | 3 |
| COMM 3290 | Globalization, Culture, and Identity | 3 |
| MDIA 3450 | Social Media Campaigns | 3 |
| COMM 4500 | Communication and Conflict | 3 |
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits (1000 and above).
- Complete at least 40 upper-division credits (3000 and above).
- Complete at least 30 upper-division credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency.
- Cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher.
- Grade C or higher in each Core Discipline Requirement course.