To study communication at Texas A&M University is to be involved in one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most nationally ranked programs in the country. Whether just entering the university as a freshman or pursuing high-level graduate work as a doctoral student, everyone who studies at the Department of communication is actively involved in the study, research, and practice of communication to become better scholars, citizens, and professionals. The Department of Communication offers a Ph.D and Direct Admit M.A./Ph.D. at the graduate level and four undergraduate degrees, the B.A. in Communication, the B.S. in Communication, the B.A. in Telecommunication Media Studies, the B.S. in Telecommunication Media Studies, and the B.A. in University Studies – Journalism Studies Concentration.
Communication
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication (COMM-BA) provides the theoretical, historical, and practical tools by which students describe communication phenomena, interpret them, evaluate them, and when appropriate, transform the world around them. Communication provides students with a broad liberal arts education while at the same time focusing on vital communication skills such as public speaking, argumentation, and technical communication, as well as other communication proficiencies, such as small group interaction, interviewing, rhetorical criticism, research skills, blogging, and communication technology literacy. Students use their communication skills to become leaders in business, non-profit, social, religious and political contexts. Some students pursue advanced degrees in communication, law, business, or religion while others take communication-related positions in marketing and sales, training and human resources, public relations, communication media, or prepare for teaching careers.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Communication (COMM-BS) harnesses the power of collaborative communication to solve problems through the very essence of this degree, communication intervention. Communication intervention is the skill of collaborating with others effectively to modify outcomes, conditions and processes while also preventing harm with the goal of transforming system functioning. It draws from a transdisciplinary Liberal Arts and STEM knowledge base. It is a critical key to analyzing and addressing 21st century challenges. We address problem-solving by integrating the critical thinking and perspective taking skills embraced by the Liberal Arts with the analytical and quantitative proficiencies of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.) The Bachelor of Science in Communication provides a marketable set of skills aimed toward communication intervention in areas such as business, health communication, media, politics, non-profits and social issues. In addition to core curriculum required by the University and the State of Texas, Bachelor of Science students will take foundation coursework in the social scientific study of communication and intervention, communication technology, communication research methods, acquisition, analysis and visualization of data, team facilitation and collaboration, and the design, implementation and assessment of communication interventions.
Journalism
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism (JOUR-BA)
incorporates immersive experiences both inside and outside the classroom enabling skill-building in journalistic writing, broadcasting, and digital production, prompting pragmatic and conceptual analyses of the corporate practice of journalism and implementation of entrepreneurial endeavors, and directing the enactment of journalistic ethics articulated by the Society of Professional Journalists: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable and transparent. Each BA student will complete a formal, supervised, credit-bearing internship relevant to their area of interest and focus. The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism offers preparation in the art of journalism to the journalists of the future.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism (JOUR-BS) is for journalists of the future who want to cover scientific topics, engage in data journalism, employ digital technologies and who are quantitatively oriented. Many immersive experiences in journalism are encouraged, provided and facilitated. Each BS student will complete a formal, supervised, credit-bearing internship relevant to their area of interest and focus. The science aspect of the degree is rounded out with a course in statistics, a course in research methods, and with the guidance of their academic advisor, will select a two-course combination to round out their individualized and customized focus area. Each Bachelor of Science in Journalism student will earn a minor in one of the many scientific minors offered at Texas A&M University.
Telecommunication Media Studies
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunication Media Studies (TCMS-BA) focuses on media industries, technologies, and communication systems in cultural and historical contexts, their audience processes and effects, and social implications of the media. Students take courses that address media industries, law and policy, technology and society, media audiences, processes, and effects, and the theory, history, and criticism of media, culture, and communication. The curriculum is designed to educate citizens for a productive future in a changing world. Our students may become industry leaders, government regulators, spokespeople, politicians, writers, artists, activists, and informed citizens.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication Media Studies (TCMS-BS) overlaps considerably with the curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts degree, but is more directed and emphasizes developing quantitative skills in contrast to the more flexible, liberal arts media-oriented degree. A degree in Telecommunication Media Studies is useful in a broad variety of careers, from media and telecommunication industries, through communication-related positions in business, government, or non-profit organizations, to higher education.