Purdue University, BA, Mass Communication

The Brian Lamb School of Communication curriculum begins with a thorough introduction to the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations upon which all communication activity is based. Students begin in Pre-Communication, and after successfully completing three required Pre-Communication courses with a 3.0 GPA or higher, may proceed to the upper-level General Communication major or select a major in: General communication* - instead of focusing on a particular area, students may choose to study communication in general. Corporate communication* - focuses on the theory, concepts, and skills necessary to understand how communication functions in and between organizations; provides background in organizational development, communication training, personnel placement and assessment, supervision and management, labor relations, or internal communication systems development. Human relations* - develops students' ability to analyze communication context, solve communication difficulties, and build productive relationships - both personal and professional. The concentration includes courses focused on managing conflict, providing support, leading and influencing others, and presenting oneself effectively. Mass communication* - includes courses in professional and journalistic writing and includes writing for mass communication; media & society and the role of mass media; and media production and courses in video, digital, and multi-media production and courses translate theory of mass communication into practice. Public relations and strategic communication* - includes topics in PR (includes instruction in persuasion, campaigns, writing, and image repair); advertising theory and practice; emphasizes the planning, creation, and evaluation of advertising messages.