2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Health Communication
B.A. and B.S. Degree Requirements
All undergraduate programs in the School of Communications offer both the B.A. degree and the B.S. degree. All students selecting majors in the School of Communications must choose either the B.A. degree requirements or the B.S. degree requirements for a particular undergraduate program.
B.A. in Health Communication
The B.A. degree in health communication requires a third-semester proficiency in a classical or modern foreign language of the student's choice.
B.S. in Health Communication
The Bachelor of Science degree in health communication requires the following three courses:
- COM 374 - Qualitative Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
- COM 375 - Quantitative Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
Requirements for a Major in Health Communication (52 credits)
School of Communication Core (12 credits)
All students majoring in Health Communication at the School of Communications must complete the following core courses, for a total of twelve credits:
- COM 101 - Concepts of Communication (3 credits)
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)
- COM 295 - Communication Theory (3 credits)
- COM 495 - Issues in Communication (Capstone) (3 credits)
All students majoring in Health Communication must take COM 495 during their senior year. This Capstone course offers a synthesis of ideas and theories about one or more current critical issues in communication.
Biomedical Sciences Core Requirements (10 credits)
- AHS 100 - Medical Terminology (3 credits)
- BMS 202 - Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
- CHM 102 - Chemistry and Society (3 credits)*
*A higher-level laboratory chemistry class (such as CHM 125 and CHM 126, CHM 109 ) can be substituted for CHM 102. See the School of Communications for an evaluation and further recommendations.
Health Communication Core Requirements (21 credits)
- CAP 210 - Fundamentals of Advertising (3 credits)
- CAP 220 - Fundamentals of Public Relations (3 credits)
- CAP 330 - Social Media Strategy (3 credits)
- HCO 209 - Health Communication Systems (3 credits)
- HCO 290 Communication in Science, Environment, and Health (3 credits)
- HCO 410 - Health Communication Campaigns (3 credits)
- COM 490 - Internship (1 to 6 credits)
Elective Courses (9 credits)
Students choose nine credits from any of the following academic interest options. Note that departmental advising will play an important role. Students need to consult with the faculty advisor for assistance in choosing other electives in line with their specific professional goals.
Global Communication, Health, and Ethics
- CAP 325 - Advertising and Public Relations Ethics and Law (3 credits)
- CAP 425 - International Advertising and Public Relations (3 credits)
- COM 372 - Global Communications (3 credits)
- COM 378 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
- COM 438 - Communication Ethics (3 credits)
Health and Media
- CAP 315 - Advertising Copywriting (3 credits)
- CAP 321 - Media Relations Writing (3 credits)
- CAP 331 - Social Media Analytics (3 credits)
- CAP 415 - Social Media Campaigns (3 credits)
- CAP 423 - Writing Corporate Communications (3 credits)
- JBM 256 - News Reporting (3 credits)
- JBM 260 - Digital Journalism Workshop (3 credits)
Health and Science
- AHS 310 - Equity in Health Care (3 credits)
- AHS 340 - Health Care Management (3 credits)
- BMS 223 - Infectious Human Diseases: Prevention and Control (3 credits)
- PH 222 - Public Health Concepts (3 credits)
Community Health and Safety
- PNH 101 - Public and Nonprofit Organizations in Action (3 credits)
- PNH 310 - Politics and Health Policy (3 credits)
- PNH 330 - Health Care Financing (3 credits)
- PNH 335 - Grant Writing (3 credits)
- PNH 395 - Emergency Management (3 credits)
Business and Marketing
- MGT 268 - Business Processes and Management Information Systems (3 credits)
- MGT 331 - Managing People and Organizations (3 credits)
- MKT 300 - Fundamentals of Marketing for Nonbusiness Majors (3 credits)
Internships
The School of Communications faculty believes that an internship can be a significant part of the individual's undergraduate program. Students may elect to take multiple internships. Students are strongly urged to work closely with their faculty advisor or internship coordinator in identifying internships that best suit their interests and career ambitions.