Undergraduate Programs

The disciplines of communication are concerned with the processes and effects of human communication in a variety of contexts ranging from interpersonal communication through the mass media. Majors are offered in the areas of film and video, journalism, speech and theatre.

The major in film and video is designed to introduce students to the complexities of media art. This is reflected in the program structure, which includes critical studies (history, theory, industry, and criticism), production (film, video, digital), and writing. Students will cover all of these areas but may specialize in one or two in their work. Internships are available in the Atlanta metro area and beyond.

Journalism is the study of the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of current information and opinion. The journalism major seeks to prepare students for newspaper and magazine careers (print journalism), radio and television careers (telecommunication) or public relations careers. In addition, the courses in journalism are designed to be useful electives for students planning to enter other vocations who wish to become media-literate individuals.

Speech communication explores the creation, transmission, analysis and impact of differing kinds of spoken messages as they occur among individuals, groups, organizations and cultures. Speech courses examine such areas as interpersonal and nonverbal communication, persuasion and argumentation, rhetorical criticism, public address, communication development and communication disorders. The concepts and skills provided by the major in speech are useful in a wide variety of occupations, including business, law, politics, teaching, the ministry and public relations, that require an understanding of the dynamics of human communication and proficiency in oral expression.

The major in theatre focuses on the history, theory and practice of creating live theatrical performance. Theatre courses are designed to promote the artistic development of students whose interests and talents will lead them to careers in theatre or allied arts and to help students with other vocational interests to understand and appreciate the cultural heritage represented in the drama and to improve their oral communication skills. The University Theatre, The Players of Georgia State University and Theradicals-Black Student Ensemble, a co-curricular activity of the Department of Communication, afford theatre majors practical experience through participation in productions.

Credit for special projects and internships are available in all majors. Internships enable students who already have completed the appropriate course work and have met departmental eligibility criteria to take advantage of the expertise in the professional sector of the metropolitan area and to tailor programs to their specific career goals.

Degrees Offered- Bachelor of Arts

Major in Film and Video

Major in Journalism

Concentration in Print Journalism
Concentration in Public Relations
Concentration in Telecommunication

Major in Speech

Concentration in Public and Political Communication
Concentration in Communication Across the Lifespan

Degrees Offered- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Concentration in Performance Studies
Concentration in Design and Production

 

Minor and Electives:

(A grade of “C” or better is required in all minor courses)

A. Each student will select a minor consisting of at least 15 hours, 9 of which must be at the 3000/4000 level. The minor may be in a discipline within the Department of Communication other than the major (i.e., journalism, speech, or theatre for film majors) or in another academic department/school/institute. The requirements for a minor must be fulfilled in a department/school/institute that offers a baccalaureate degree and with courses at the 3000/4000 level, unless the courses are otherwise specified by the minor granting department/school/institute.

B. Additional courses from department/schools/institutes must be taken to complete a minimum of 120 semester hours exclusive of 1000/2000 level physical education or military science courses.

C. A minimum of 39 semester hours in courses numbered 3000 or above must be completed in residence at Georgia State University with an average of “C” or better

advisement

Carmela Pattillo, Administrative Specialist (Undergraduate)

Presidential Assistantships

The Department of Communication offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in the Presidential Assistantship program. This program rewards highly competitive students who meet specific requirements and who are interested in working with faculty to learn more in their field of interest.