Mar 30, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication BA

The reality is, you’ve been studying communication your whole life. Every text you send, every smile you see, every podcast and news report you hear … it’s all communication. At UB, you’ll learn how humans relate to each other through different types of communication, how you can be a more effective communicator, how to analyze communication methods and more, all using a scientific-based approach.

Visit the Communication academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Communication department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the Communication BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements

Introductory Social Science Courses (6 credits)

Communication Core (15 credits)

One Statistics Course (3-4 credits)

A grade of C or better must be earned.

One Advanced Writing Course (3 credits)

One Research Methods Course (3 credits)

One Advanced Social Science course (3 credits)

Ten COM Electives (30 credits)

  • At least seven courses (21 credits) must be at the 300/400 level.
  • Only two informal courses (e.g., COM 496   or COM 499  ) of 3 credit hours or more may be counted toward the ten COM elective courses.

Total Credits Required for Major: 63-64

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This chart should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA of 2.500 in communication courses at UB is required for graduation. Minors and/or joint majors are encouraged (see communication advisor).

Transfer Credit Policy

The department accepts no more than four appropriate communication courses toward the major requirements, specifically the core required classes and the communication electives.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall

Total Credits: 15 or 16

First Year Spring

Total Credits: 15 or 16

Second Year Fall

Total Credits: 17

Second Year Spring

  • Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy Lab Credits: 1
  • COM Elective Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16

Third Year Fall

  • Communication Literacy 2 Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Advanced Writing course Credits: 3
  • Research Methods course Credits: 3
  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15

Third Year Spring

  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • COM Elective Credits: 3
  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • Credits: 1

Total Credits: 16

Fourth Year Fall

  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 4

Total Credits: 13

Fourth Year Spring

  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • COM Elective 300/400 level Credits: 3
  • COM Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 12

Total Credits Required: 120

Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge to:

  • Students will develop an understanding of major domains and theories that define the field of communication, including the ability to define and apply theories relevant to their concentrations.
  • Students will develop an understanding of communication research methods, including:
    • The ability to describe fundamental procedures relative to various approaches to research
    • An understanding of critiques of each approach;
    • The ability to make a research argument including problem statement, hypotheses, evidence for testing hypotheses, and support of hypotheses based on evidence and reasoning
  • Students will develop an understanding of technologies associated with communication, including:
    • Knowledge of historical development in terms of society and culture
    • Knowledge of use and implications of technologies for research and professional use
    • Awareness of the theoretical and practical implications of new technologies for the students’concentration

 

(HEGIS: 06.01 COMMUNICATIONS- GENERAL, CIP: 09.0101 Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric)

 

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