Professional Communication Major: Visual Communication and Social Media Option (B.S.)

https://cps.unh.edu/online/program/bs/professional-communication-visual-communication-social-media-option

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication hones the skills of analytical thinking, compelling writing, effective persuasion, and clear expression to prepare graduates to work in an information-based economy and to be engaged citizens of a media-driven culture. The major is well-suited to students interested in careers or further studies in such areas as public relations, public service, nonprofit advocacy, and corporate communications. Courses provide students the opportunity to study fundamental theory and multiple sectors of practice in the discipline of communication and to prepare to contribute to public and private enterprises that consistently need to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, and respond ethically and effectively to opportunities and to crises.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements, including CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar, must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601	Interdisciplinary Seminar	4
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses along with CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Professional Communication
Foundational Courses
COM 440	Persuasive Communication	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 465	Communication Theory	2
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
Intermediate Courses
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication	4
Advanced Courses
COM 707	Communication for Training and Performance Improvement	2
Option in Visual Communication and Social Media
COM 504	Web Development I	4
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
COM 670	Advanced Visual Communication	4
Select two of the following:		8
ART 512	Fundamentals of Design
CMPL 540	Best Practices in Website Design
CMPL 622	Human Computer Interaction
COM 685	Web Development II
MKT 510	Principles of Marketing
MKT 600	Social Media Marketing
MKT 720	Digital Advertising
Integrative Capstone
COM 797	Integrative Capstone: Project in Professional Communication	4
Total Credits		52

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
COM 440	Persuasive Communication	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 465	Communication Theory	2
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
	Credits	14
Second Year
Fall
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 504	Web Development I	4
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
General Education Course		4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
ART 512 or CMPL 540 or CMPL 622 or COM 685 or MKT 510 or MKT 600 or MKT 720	Fundamentals of Design or Best Practices in Website Design or Human Computer Interaction or Web Development II or Principles of Marketing or Social Media Marketing or Digital Advertising	4
COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication	4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 670	Advanced Visual Communication	4
COM 707	Communication for Training and Performance Improvement	2
COM 685 or ART 512 or CMPL 540 or MKT 510 or MKT 600 or MKT 720	Web Development II or Fundamentals of Design or Best Practices in Website Design or Principles of Marketing or Social Media Marketing or Digital Advertising	4
Elective		4
	Credits	14
Fourth Year
Fall
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
IDIS 601	Interdisciplinary Seminar	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 797	Integrative Capstone: Project in Professional Communication	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	120

Survey foundational theories of communication relating to individuals, groups, and mass media.
Create and deploy distinct messages suited to specific audiences and situations, in written, verbal, and digital formats.
Compose, design, and deliver targeted and engaging presentations.
Identify and respond to complex communication practices and challenges within organizations, and effect strategic improvements thereto.
Analyze and critique rhetorical strategies and communication methods specific to cultural and industry norms.
Employ an understanding of the impact of cultural differences on communication in a global context.
Integrate individual reflection on questions of ethics and citizenship, particularly in digital contexts, to include the personal and professional ramifications of netiquette, digital footprint, and digital citizenship.
Demonstrate aptitude with research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, as these inform and are applied in the field of professional communication.
Develop specialized knowledge and skill in a specific aspect or professional practice within professional communication.