Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Interpersonal Communication)
About This Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Interpersonal Communication) program empowers students to explore and master the complexities of human interaction in interpersonal contexts. Through engaging coursework in areas such as interpersonal communication, group dynamics, rhetorical analysis, persuasion, business communication, and public speaking, students develop a versatile communication skill set that bridges theory and real-world application. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles of human communication, helping students understand the communicative self, analyze how people share and interpret information, and effectively articulate ideas across various platforms. Students gain the ability to craft and deliver compelling, audience-specific messages while honing their skills in professional communication writing and presentation. Rooted in experiential learning, the program equips students with practical tools and confidence to excel in communication-intensive careers such as business, education, public relations, and more.
Competencies
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in analyzing audience characteristics to construct and deliver effective messages tailored to both small and large audiences, while demonstrating confidence and adaptability in public speaking.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in formulating persuasive messages in both interpersonal and public communication contexts, using evidence-based arguments and rhetorical strategies.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in creating well-structured written materials for various purposes, including reports, training plans, interview questions, and presentation outlines.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in designing and conducting probing, persuasive, survey, and employment interviews with an emphasis on strategic questioning and active listening.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in applying teamwork skills to collaborate effectively in diverse group settings and achieving shared goals.
Admissions Requirements
Declaring a Major
All undergraduate students seeking to declare a major in the Department of Communication must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of a minimum of 12 hours in residence at The University of Texas at Arlington with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25/4.0.
Students who do not meet these minimum requirements can request to be admitted as an intended major. Please see restrictions below.
Intended Major
- Completion of a minimum of 12 hours in residence at The University of Texas at Arlington with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0/4.0.
- Intended majors may enroll in up to a total of 18 hours in the Department of Communication (ADVT, BCMN, COMS, CTEC, JOUR, PCOM, PREL)
- Students who do not achieve a cumulative UT Arlington GPA of 2.25/4.0 by the completion of 18 hours in the Department of Communication will not be cleared to continue in the department.
Dismissal from Intended Status
Students who do not meet the requirements for declaring a Department of Communication major after completing eighteen (18) hours of communication course work will not be allowed to take additional communication courses at UT Arlington. The student will be suspended from the Department of Communication Intended status and must choose a major not offered by the Department of Communication at that time in order to remain enrolled at UT Arlington.
Curriculum
| Foundations | ||
| General Core Requirements | 42 | |
| Students must complete specific courses in certain core areas. | ||
| For Communication select: | ||
| RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I and RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | ||
| College of Liberal Arts Core | ||
| Select two courses (1441, 1442) in any foreign language. | 8 | |
| UNIV 1101 | CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS | 1 |
| or UNIV 1131 | STUDENT SUCCESS | |
| Organizational Communication Specialization | ||
| COMM 3300 | COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| COMM 3303 | COMMUNICATION GRAPHICS | 3 |
| COMM 3310 | COMMUNICATION LAW & ETHICS | 3 |
| COMM 3315 | COMMUNICATION THEORY | 3 |
| COMS 1301 | FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 |
| COMS 2304 | GROUP COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES 1 | 3 |
| COMS 3310 | GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY 1 | 3 |
| COMS 3312 | BACKGROUNDS OF PUBLIC ADDRESS 1 | 3 |
| or COMS 4302 | MODERN PUBLIC ADDRESS | |
| COMS 3315 | COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATORS 1 | 3 |
| COMS 3316 | COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN RELATIONS 1 | 3 |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE 1 | ||
| ORAL INTERPRETATION OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 1 | ||
| Select three from the following: 2 | 9 | |
| PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION 1 | ||
| PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS 1 | ||
| READERS THEATRE 1 | ||
| COMMUNICATION RESEARCH 1 | ||
| INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 1 | ||
| PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP 1 | ||
| Electives in the department at the 3000/4000 level | 3 | |
| Minor, Certificate, or Electives | ||
| Students may complete an optional minor consisting of 18 hours, six of which must be at the 3000/4000 level in the selected minor. The minor will be selected after consulting with an advisor. Students may also complete the Certificate in Digital Media, the Certificate in Professional Communication, the Certificate in Fundraising and Nonprofit Management, or the minor may be combined with the Certificate. Students must also take electives as needed to bring the total number of credit hours to 120. | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
Majors must obtain a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
- 2
COMS majors must select at least two COMS courses from the list.
Program Completion
To graduate as a major in the Department of Communication students must:
- Meet the UT Arlington graduation standard of a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0.
- Meet the department graduation standard of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0/4.0 in all department courses (ADVT, BCMN, COMS, CTEC, JOUR, PCOM, PREL).
Advising
Advisors assist with many tasks via email:
- Remove enrollment holds.
- Evaluate progress and make course suggestions.
- Assist choosing majors/minors.
- Help enrolling/dropping courses.
For more assistance students may schedule in-person or virtual appointments in advance, thru the advising resources webpage link, or drop by our office.
Location:
126 Fine Arts Building
Email:
commadvising@uta.edu
Phone:
817-272-5760