A degree in Communication means professional agility in a rapidly changing world. The Department of Communication empowers students to creatively manage professional communication challenges. Students learn how to design and deliver effective audience-centered messages across a variety of media platforms. Students engage in hands-on learning in the department’s production studio, video editing room, and social media lab. Internships, capstones, and a professional ePortfolio prepare graduates for the workforce. Graduates speak effectively, write clearly, communicate persuasively, solve problems, lead, and practice professional ethics. The Communication major offers three tracks, all with elective options to pursue individual interests. All tracks consist of 48 credit hours.
The Advertising, Public Relations, & Social Media Track builds from a core of integrated advertising, public relations, and social media strategies and tactics. Students in this track choose from concentrations in either Advertising or Public Relations while earning a certificate in Social Media Communication.
The Digital Storytelling & Journalism Track engages in the theory, writing, production, and practice of journalistic, documentary, and cinematic storytelling in a converged media environment. Students can choose between Multimedia Journalism or Digital Cinema & Film concentrations.
The Communication Studies Track provides students the flexibility to build their own areas of specialization according to their professional goals. The Communication Specialist concentration explores the contexts and professional skills needed for public, private, or non-profit industries, while the Communication Studies concentration allows students to draw knowledge from each of the tracks and concentrations.
Program Requirements
Students who are majors in the Department of Communication must complete the Department of Communication core. The 12-hour core consists of the following courses:
A maximum of 12 sh of lower division course work in the Department of Communication may be applied to degree requirements. No grade below a C minus in a Department of Communication course may be applied toward graduation.
A minimum grade of "C" is required for SPC 2608 Public Speaking and COM 2713 Introduction to the Communication Professions.
Internships for a maximum of 3 sh are available in a variety of settings.
Students must take 18 hours of lower-division courses outside their major beyond the 36 sh of General Education requirements. Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement.
Students must complete 9 hours of 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division. Students must complete an additional 3 hours of electives at any level to meet UWF's requirement of 120 semester hours overall.
The department offers three minors for students from other disciplines in which communication plays a vital role. The minor in Communication consists of 15 sh of Department of Communication courses.
The minor in Leadership Communication promotes leadership communication competencies, self-confidence, ethical character, and service to others. The program involves hands-on learning activities that empower students to apply and to develop leadership skills in a range of university, community, and professional environments.
The minor in Strategic Communication for the Sciences promotes competencies in developing communication strategies, tactics and messaging of scientific knowledge for general audiences. Scientific illiteracy is a significant problem amongst the American public which may lead to increased politicization of scientific issues, misuse or misinterpretation of data, and poor or inaccurate media coverage.
The certificate in Social Media Communication prepares students for the digitally converged communication industry. Courses train students in key skillset areas including public relations, advertising, writing, branding, and the basics of social media. This certificate is offered to any student who wishes to add credentials as they pursue their degree, including Communication majors.
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Students should take SPC 2608 Public Speaking to meet the Humanities component and MMC 2000 Principles of Mass Communication to meet the Social Sciences component.
Multicultural Requirement
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
1000/2000 level courses outside major and beyond the 36 sh of General Education requirements.
18
Total Hours
18
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement.
6
Total Hours
6
It is recommended that these courses be taken at the lower division because they are required for the degree.
All students must complete the Department of Communication Core, consisting of 12 credit hours.
COM 4940 Internship in Communication is highly recommended but not required.
Major-Related
Upper Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
9
Students must complete sufficient electives to meet UWF's requirement of 120 semester hours overall.
3
Total Hours
12
Major GPA Calculation
The upper-division courses (3000-4000 level) with the following prefixes will be used in calculating the major grade point average: ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, and RTV.
Advertising, Public Relations, and Social Media Specialization
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Multicultural Requirement
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
1000/2000 level courses outside major and beyond the 36 sh of General Education requirements.
18
Total Hours
18
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement.
6
Total Hours
6
It is recommended that these courses be taken at the lower division because they are required for the degree.
Major Requirements
Common Core: 12 hours
12
Advertising, Public Relations, & Social Media Major Core
COM 4940 Internship in Communication is highly recommended but not required.
Major-Related
Upper-Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper-division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
9
Students must complete sufficient electives to meet UWF's requirement of 120 semester hours overall.
3
Total Hours
12
Major GPA Calculation
The upper-division courses (3000-4000 level) with the following prefixes will be used in calculating the major grade point average: ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, and RTV.
Digital Storytelling and Journalism Specialization
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, and foreign language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "University Requirements" section of this catalog.
Algebra-Based Physics is usually recommended for non-science majors, while Calculus-Based Physics is recommended for science majors
***
Although students receive 5 semester hours credit for PHY 2048C, an additional 3 semester science course will be needed to meet General Education requirements.
Choose an additional course from two of the three areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
Multicultural Requirement
An important component of a liberal education is the study of cultures other than one's own. As such, multiculturalism encompasses the appreciation of the values, expressions, and modes of organization of diverse cultural communities. To further such study, the University of West Florida requires all students pursuing a bachelor's degree to complete at least one course that explores one or more of the dimensions of another culture (language, religion, socio-economic structures, etc.). Students are exempt from this requirement if they have completed an A.A. degree, the general education program at a Florida public institution, or a baccalaureate degree.
The requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of a multicultural course designated on the following list. Several of the selections are General Education courses, and students may enroll in these to meet both the General Education and the multicultural requirements.
**Passed by UWF Faculty Senate on 11/08/2002
This list is continually updated and students are encouraged to check with their advisors for alternative options.
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions subject to varying requirements. As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
Simply Text
Column 1
Column 2
Students Included in Cohort
Civic Literacy Competency Requirement
Cohort 1: Students first entering the SUS or FCS prior to fall 2018
None
Cohort 2: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2018 – summer A 2021
Complete a course or exam
Cohort 3: Students first entering the SUS or FCS in summer B 2021 (on or after July 1, 2021) and thereafter
Complete both a course and exam
Additionally, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website.
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
1000/2000 level courses outside major and beyond the 36 sh of General Education requirements.
18
Total Hours
18
Lower Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to satisfy at least 60 sh in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement.
6
Total Hours
6
It is recommended that these courses be taken at the lower division because they are required for the degree.
9 hours at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, or RTV**
9
Total Hours
30
**
COM 4940 Internship in Communication is highly recommended but not required.
Major-Related
Upper Division Electives
Students must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF's requirement of 48 semester hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
9
Students must complete sufficient electives to meet UWF's requirement of 120 semester hours overall.
3
Total Hours
12
Major GPA Calculation
The upper-division courses (3000-4000 level) with the following prefixes will be used in calculating the major grade point average: ADV, COM, FIL, JOU, MMC, PUR, SPC, and RTV.
General Communication
The department offers a Minor in Communication for students from other disciplines in which communication plays a vital role. The minor consists of at least 15 sh of communication courses. Communication majors may not earn this minor.
To fulfill the requirements for the minor, a student must complete 15 sh of the required courses in a program of study (advertising, journalism, communication, public relations, telecommunication and film).
15
Total Hours
15
Leadership Communication
The Leadership Communication program promotes leadership communication competencies, self-confidence, ethical character, and service to others. The program involves hands-on learning activities that empower students to apply and to develop leadership skills in a range of university, community, and professional environments. Communication majors may not earn this minor.
The minor in Strategic Communication for the Sciences promotes competencies in developing communication strategies, tactics and messaging of scientific knowledge for general audiences. Scientific illiteracy is a significant problem amongst the American public which may lead to increased politicization of scientific issues, misuse or misinterpretation of data, and poor or inaccurate media coverage. This minor provides future professionals in the sciences and/or professional communication fields with the skills and knowledge to become effective advocates for the sciences. A C- or greater must be earned in all required courses in the minor.
The goal of this certificate is to prepare students for the digitally converged communication industry. This certificate allows communication students to add credentials as they pursue their degree. The Social Media Communication Certificate encompasses courses that train students in key skillset areas including public relations, advertising, writing, branding, and the basics of social media.