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Concentrations

Advertising :: Checksheet

The advertising program is designed to prepare students for careers in advertising agencies, the media, marketing or in-house advertising departments of organizations, or non-profit or political communications.

Students learn skills used in both creative and business aspects of the advertising profession. They take courses in copywriting for print and broadcast, print ad computer layout and design, broadcast production, media planning and sales, consumer behavior and strategic advertising campaign development, as well as communication courses in public speaking and persuasion. In addition, students learn about the history of advertising, laws and regulations affecting advertising, and social and ethical issues of advertising which affect society.

Advertising majors must complete a total of 57 semester hours of course work, including 12 semester hours of the communication core. Although not required, students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship in advertising. A minor is required. Suggested minors include marketing, business, graphic design, and English.

The Appalachian State University chapter of the American Advertising Federation gives students the opportunity to become involved in the foremost advertising professional association in the country. At ASU Ad Club meetings they can further their education and careers by meeting advertising professionals from around the country and taking field trips to agencies outside the Boone area, including New York and Atlanta.

Suggested Sequence

Freshman   Sophomore
Semester 1
ENG 1000
HIS 1101
COM 1200
Humanities
Humanities

3 3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
ENG 1100
HIS 1102
Math
Humanities
COM 2300

3
3 4
3
3
16
  Semester 1
Science Core
COM 2101
COM 2700
COM 2310
Sequence Selection

4
3
3
3
3
16
  Semester 2
Science Core
Humanities
Minor
ECO 2030
COM 3200

4
3
3
3
3
16
Junior   Senior
Semester 1
Sequence Selection
Sequence Selection
COM 3155
Elective
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
3
1
16
  Semester 2
MKT 3050
COM 3928
Sequence Selection
Minor
Social Science

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 1
MKT 4610
COM 3305
Elective
Minor
Minor
PE

Remember: Graduation Audit!


3
3
3
3
3
1
16
  Semester 2
COM 4040
COM 4400
Elective
Minor

3
3
3
3
12
Prerequisites
  • COM 1200 required before COM 2310
  • COM 1200 & COM 2101 required before COM 3155
  • COM 2300 required before COM 2700, COM 3300, COM 3305 and COM 4300
  • COM 2618 required before COM 3010
  • COM 2700 required before COM 3302
  • COM 2700, 3302 or 3640 required before COM 4400
  • ECO 2030 required before MKT 3050
  • MKT 3050 required before MKT 4610
  • COM 3302 suggested before COM 3320
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Communication Studies :: Checksheet

The Communication Studies major pursues an intellectually rigorous exploration of the theory and practice of communication. Because of this, the Communication Studies major is structured around general thematic areas, as opposed to a specific career focus. Students in Communication Studies can combine courses to explore communication in a manner uniquely suited to their interests.  Possible programs of study include interpersonal communication, political communication, organizational communication, rhetoric and public culture, health communication, critical/cultural studies, and strategic communication, just to name a few. Students choose two courses from each of the following four areas:

  • Practices: Courses in this area focus on developing students' abilities to communicate in a variety of settings. Students can expect a significant level of skills training.
  • Perspectives: Courses in this area focus on understanding theoretical approaches to communication. Students can expect significant reading and discussion.
  • Contexts: Courses in this area focus on exploring the role communication plays in society, politics, health settings, and other realms. Students can expect specialized readings, discussion, and practical applications.
  • Analysis: Courses in this area focus on conducting original research into communication. Students can expect advanced writing requirements in most of these classes.

Because of the flexibility of this major, students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor, who can help students choose appropriate courses for their desired profession.

While many graduates in Communication Studies choose to go to graduate school, law school, and seminary, others pursue careers in communication consulting, environmental advocacy, human resources, political campaigns, non-profit social service organizations, recreation and health care management, crisis communication consulting, and even public relations, advertising, and broadcasting (especially when combined with carefully chosen electives within the Department of Communication). Should you have questions about possible paths to take, you should feel free to contact one of the faculty who teach in the Communication Studies Program: Drs. Brewer, Clark, Cole, Dehart, Gray, Gregory, Moore, Spurlock, and Welsh; and Ms. Poulos, Mr. Willis and Ms. Willis.

Suggested Sequence

Freshman   Sophomore
Semester 1
COM 1200

3
  Semester 2
COM 2101

3
  Semester 1
Practices Course
COM 2300

3
3


  Semester 2
COM 2310
Practices Course
Contexts Course

3
3
3
Junior   Senior
Semester 1
Contexts Course
Perspectives Course


3
3
  Semester 2
Perspectives Course
Analysis Course

3
3
  Semester 1
Analysis Course
Major Elective
Remember: Graduation Audit!

3
3
  Semester 2
COM 4432
Major Elective

3
3
Prerequisites
  • COM 1200 required before COM 2310
  • COM 1200 & COM 2101 required before COM 3155
  • COM 2300 required before COM 3300 and COM 3305
  • COM 3152 required before COM 4152
  • Senior Standing required before COM 4432
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Electronic Media/Broadcasting :: Checksheet

This major has evolved over the years in both name and approach from "Broadcasting" to "Electronic Media / Broadcasting." This is because of the many career opportunities in the field in addition to broadcasting; for example, with audio or video production companies.

The Electronic Media/Broadcasting sequence is designed to give the student a theoretical foundation complemented by practical skills. Students edit video projects using Final Cut Pro in Video Production, get hands-on experience as camera operators and audio and technical directors in Television Studio Production, and can work at WASU, the department's broadcast radio station, to supplement their classroom learning.

Suggested Sequence

Freshman   Sophomore
Semester 1
ENG 1000
HIS 1101
COM 1200
Humanities
Humanities


3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
ENG 1100
HIS 1102
Math
Humanities
COM 2300

3
3
4
3
3
16
  Semester 1
Science Core
COM 2101
COM 2316
COM 2612
Humanities

4
3
3
3
3
16
  Semester 2
Science Core
Social Science
Minor
COM 2310
COM 3301

4
3
3
3
3
16
Junior   Senior
Semester 1
COM 3300
COM 3316
Sequence Selection
Sequence Selection
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
3
1
16
  Semester 2
COM 3333
COM 4316
Sequence Selection
Minor
Social Science

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 1
Sequence Selection
COM 4317
Elective
Elective
Minor

Remember: Graduation Audit!

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
COM 4315
Minor
Minor
Elective
PE

3
3
3
3
1
13
Prerequisites
  • COM 1200 required before COM 2310
  • COM 2300 required before COM 3300, COM 3301, COM 3333, COM 4315, COM 4317 & COM 4550
  • COM 2316 required before COM 3316, COM 3306, COM 4315 & COM 4317
  • COM 3316 required before COM 4302, COM 4315 & COM 4316
  • COM 4316 required before COM 4416
  • COM 2300 suggested before COM 2310
  • COM 3301 suggested before COM 3316
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Journalism :: Checksheet

The journalism major is designed to give students the skills necessary to collect information and write all types of stories for the print media, including news, features, editorials and commentary. Students attend meetings of city and county boards, interview officials, cover breaking news when possible and learn editing and fact-organization skills to produce copy on deadline. Writing courses emphasize grammar, punctuation, AP style and the use of popular word processing computer programs. Students also use computers to develop skills in electronic publishing, layout and design.

Students are required to complete 44 semester hours, including a core of 12 semester hours in communication, 20 semester hours of major courses in journalism, two semester hours of mass communication activity, 12 semester hours from two specialization areas and at least two semester hours of free electives outside the major. A minor is required. Suggested minors include English, political science, history, photography and sociology.

The Appalachian State University chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (Sigma Delta Chi) provides an opportunity for students to become involved in one of the world's largest professional organizations for print journalists. Students involved in SPJ make valuable professional contacts and have access to several professional publications for journalists. Students are also encouraged to enter professional writing and photography contests sponsored by SPJ, the North Carolina Press Club and other professional organizations.

Suggested Sequence

Freshman   Sophomore
Semester 1
ENG 1000
HIS 1101
COM 1200
Humanities
Humanities


3 3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
ENG 1100
HIS 1102
Math
Humanities
COM 2300

3
3 4
3
3
16
  Semester 1
Science Core
COM 2101
COM 2600
HIS 2102 or PS 2130 or PS 3280
Humanities

4
3
3

3
3
16

  Semester 2
Science Core
Social Science
COM 2310
COM 2610
COM 2618


4
3
3
3 3
16
Junior   Senior
Semester 1
COM 3210
COM 3300
COM 3600
Elective
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
3
1
16
  Semester 2
COM 3310
COM 3928
Minor
Minor
Social Science

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 1
COM 3305
COM 4210
Elective
Minor
Minor

Remember: Graduation Audit!

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
COM 4200
Elective
Elective
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
1
13
Prerequisites
  • COM 1200 required before COM 2310 COM 2300 suggested before COM 2310
  • COM 2300 required before COM 3300 & COM 3305
  • COM 2600 required before COM 2610
  • COM 2600 & COM 2610 required before COM 3600 and COM 4210
  • COM 2610 required before COM 3210
  • COM 2610 & COM 2618 required before COM 3310

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Public Relations :: Checksheet

The public relations major prepares students to enter the professional practice. While acknowledging the importance of writing to entry-level public relations practitioners, the program is also intended to prepare students for their eventual roles as strategists and issues managers. Students are required to complete two writing courses, an introduction to media publishing course, a media graphics course, public relations principles, public relations practices and a capstone-level public relations seminar. In addition, students are required to choose one of six sequences: law, international, finance, non-profits, corporate or "other." Students should choose a minor in the College of Business or a relevant minor in consultation with their academic advisor.

The Appalachian State University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America provides an opportunity for students to become involved in the professional association of their field. Students may opt to enter leadership roles as officers in the organization, as well as work with the student-run public relations firm, Omni. Many ASU PRSSA members attend the national PRSA-PRSSA conference, where they meet public relations students and professionals from across the nation.

Suggested Sequence

Freshman   Sophomore
Semester 1
ENG 1000
HIS 1101
COM 1200
Humanities
Humanities


3 3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
ENG 1100
HIS 1102
Math
Humanities
COM 2300

3
3 4
3
3
16
  Semester 1
Science Core
COM 2310
COM 2600
Humanities
Sequence Selection

4
3
3
3
3
16
  Semester 2
Science Core
Social Science
Minor
COM 2101
COM 2618

4
3
3
3
3
16
Junior   Senior
Semester 1
COM 3010
COM 3300
COM 3318
Elective
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
3
1
16
  Semester 2
COM 3618
COM 3928
Sequence Selection
Minor
Social Science

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 1
COM 4318
Sequence Selection
Elective
Minor
Minor

Remember: Graduation Audit!

3
3
3
3
3
15
  Semester 2
COM 4418
Sequence Selection
Elective
Minor
PE

3
3
3
3
1
13
Prerequisites
  • COM 1200 required before COM 2310
  • COM 2300 required before COM 3300
  • COM 2618 required before COM 3010
  • COM 2600 required before COM 3618
  • COM 3318 & COM 3618 required before COM 4318
  • COM 4318 required before COM 4418
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Minoring in Communication

A minor in communication is 18 hours and includes the following:

  • 3 of the 4 core courses, which are
    • COM 1200 Foundations of Communication
    • COM 2101 Public Speaking
    • COM 2300 Introduction to Mass Communication
    • COM 2310 Communication Ethics
  • 3 additional courses (3 credit hours each; students must meet the prerequisites for these courses)
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