The B.A. in Communication Arts is grounded in the notion that effective communication is vital to the success of any organization in the 21st century, and the Department of Communication Arts empowers students to creatively manage professional communication challenges. Graduates learn to use technology, speak effectively, write clearly, question, communicate persuasively, explain, critique, edit, solve problems, innovate, lead, reason, practice ethics, and exceed expectations.
The department prepares students for careers in five areas of specialization: Advertising, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, and Telecommunications and Film. Communication Arts students have been recognized in a resolution by the State of Florida House of Representatives, won the State Advertising Championship seven times, won more than 100 ADDY Awards for Creative Excellence, won a National Forensic Association National Championship, recieved numerous accolades from the Southeast Journalism Conference, and been recognized with the Florida Public Relations Association's Golden Image Award multiple times. The department provides students opportunities to extend their classroom education with hands-on, skill-building with positions in Nautilus News,The Voyager, UWF Forensics, and a multitude of projects, practica, and community engagement opportunities.
Program Requirements
In addition to the university’s general requirements, students seeking the B.A. in Communication Arts must meet the requirements listed below.
A maximum of 6 sh of lower division course work in Communications may be applied to degree requirements. No grade below a “C-” in a Communication Arts course may be applied toward graduation. Internships for a maximum of 3 sh are available in a variety of settings.
No more than 24% of the program requirements for an undergraduate degree in Communication Arts may be in traditional business subjects.
General Studies
In addition to the general studies 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 Studies curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the "Graduation and General Degree Requirements" section of this catalog.
General Physics is non-calculus based and is usually recommended for non-science majors. University Physics is calculus based and is usually recommended for science majors.
Total Semester Hours:
36-37
Students should take SPC 2608 Basic Communication Skills to meet the contemporary values and expression component.
Common Prerequisites
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 Studies 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.
The Advertising Specialization at UWF is the nation’s only three-time national advertising champion. The program allows students to pursue careers with advertising agencies, advertisers, and the media in marketing, account management, media, sales, promotion, and creative design.
Students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student’s career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside communication arts.
21-27
Total Hours
21-27
Upper Division Electives
Student 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.
0-6
Total Hours
0-6
Communication Specialization
The Communication program prepares students to fulfill leadership roles in human resources, event planning, management, and media relations. All Communication graduates earn Leadership Skills Certification.
Students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student’s career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside Communication Arts.
18-21
Total Hours
18-21
Journalism Specialization
The Journalism specialization prepares students for responsibilities in contemporary news media with roles ranging from reporter to columnist.
Students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student’s career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside communication arts.
30
Total Hours
30
Public Relations Specialization
The Public Relations Specialization at UWF ranked one of the “Top 100 PR Programs in the U.S.” This specialization prepares students for communication careers in corporate and organizational settings including health, education, entertainment, sports, and travel. Graduates assume many different roles, including communication director, media specialist, and sports promoter.
In addition to the courses listed below, students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student's career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside communication arts.
Students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student’s career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside communication arts.
The Telecommunications and Film program teaches students management and production of the art and craft of television, radio, and film. Future positions for graduates range from news anchor to station manager to filmmaker.
Students must complete a minor or its 15 sh equivalent in a field related to the student’s career objectives and additional approved 3000/4000 level electives outside communication arts.
30-33
Total Hours
30-33
Minors
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 arts courses. Communication Arts 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. Students completing the Leadership Communication Minor will also earn a Leadership Certificate, which will be noted on their transcripts. Communication Arts majors may earn the certificate, but not the minor.
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.
