Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Organizational Communication)
About This Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Organizational Communication) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and master communication processes within organizations. Combining foundational theories with hands-on application, this program develops a versatile communication skill set that prepares students to navigate complex organizational dynamics, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful organizational changes. Students will learn to analyze organizational challenges, design tailored communication strategies, and deliver impactful messages that foster collaboration and drive results. Rooted in experiential learning, the program offers students practical opportunities to apply their knowledge through case studies, research opportunities, and service-learning projects. Graduates emerge as confident, innovative leaders ready to thrive in fields such as business, healthcare, and education.
Competencies
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in analyzing organizational communication processes by identifying barriers, diagnosing communication breakdowns, and recommending evidence-based solutions to enhance collaboration and efficiency in diverse organizational contexts.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in applying strategies for effective audience analysis, message construction, and delivery tailored to organizational stakeholders, ensuring clarity and adaptability in intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and public communication scenarios.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in designing written and visual communication materials, such as reports, proposals, training programs, and presentations, to support organizational goals and facilitate clear, persuasive communication.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in conducting and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to assess organizational communication needs, evaluate interventions, and present actionable insights to decision-makers.
- Upon completion of this major, students will have competency in collaborating in team environments by applying problem-solving skills, managing diverse group dynamics, and fostering inclusive communication practices to achieve shared organizational objectives.
Admissions Criteria
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 2305 | BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION 1 | 3 |
| COMS 3309 | ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION 1 | 3 |
| COMS 4315 | PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS 1 | 3 |
| COMS 4320 | MANAGERIAL COMMUNICATION 1 | 3 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY 1 | ||
| COMMUNICATION FOR EDUCATORS 1 | ||
| COMMUNICATION IN HUMAN RELATIONS 1 | ||
| INTERVIEW PRINCIPLES 1 | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION 1 | ||
| COMMUNICATION TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 1 | ||
| COMMUNICATION RESEARCH 1 | ||
| INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 1 | ||
| PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP 1 | ||
| Select any 3000/4000 level course in Communication. | 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
COMS majors must obtain a minimum grade of C (2.0/4.0 scale) or higher in all of these classes.
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 Resources
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