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Sample Academic Plan

 

If you plan well, you can achieve all your academic objectives. The following is just a guideline to help you plan your major program of study and gage your academic progress. Planning can be challenging if you want to do a double major or more than one minor, and/or if you study abroad. In order to maximize the value of your degree and prepare you to make contributions in the new global arena, we strongly encourage you to "internationalize" your education through coursework, service, travel, and study abroad opportunities.

Freshman Year (or immediately after declaring the major)

  • Declare the Communication major (if you have not) and attend mandatory orientation meeting for new majors in the fall of freshman year
  • Begin planning academic program, including strategic use of core classes
  • Consider new or continuing foreign language if this requirement is complete
  • Work with student newspaper, radio station, HAM channel, or magazine
  • Attend mandatory pre-registration in the spring semester for fall classes

Sophomore Year

  • Take CO 100 and CO 101 in the fall if neither taken freshman year
  • Take CO 130 and CO 200 in sequence
  • Decide on an emphasis within the major of Communication
  • Get involved in the Communication Club
  • Work with student newspaper, radio station, HAM channel, or magazine
  • Get involved in community service
  • Consider new or continuing foreign language
  • Plan for study abroad (optional, 2.8 GPA req.)

Junior Year

  • Take 2 required courses in area of emphasis
  • Take 1-3 electives related to your special focus, minor, or academic interests
  • Take a leadership position in the Communication Club and/or student media
  • Get involved in Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society
  • Study abroad or have international experience through a course or with campus ministries
  • Plan for and arrange internship for spring, summer or senior year (optional, 3.0 GPA req.)
  • Meet with an advisor to chart academic progress in the major and discuss possible awards, scholarships, and other honors for which you might be eligible

Senior Year

  • Take CO 309: Research Capstone
  • Take 1-3 electives as needed related to your specialized focus, minor, or academic interests
  • Do an internship (3.0 GPA required)
  • Take a leadership position in Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society
  • Participate in an international opportunity through a course or with campus ministries
  • Meet with your advisor to strategize plans for after graduation (take GRE if necessary)