Program: Communication, B.A. - University of Southern Maine

Apr 02, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

The communication bachelor of arts degree program takes a broad view of communication including the examination of face-to-face contexts and mediated ones. The program examines communication theories and their practices including intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organization, intercultural, gender and family, and mass media. This program embraces a liberal arts philosophy and emphasizes critical thinking rather than vocational training.

This degree program can also be taken in a fully online format.

Students electing to complete the Double Major in Communication and Media Studies can follow the pathway outlined here .

Program Requirements

Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses for the major.

Foundation Courses (6 credits)

CMS 102 - Introduction to Communication Credits: 3
CMS 200 - Research Methods in Communication Credits: 3

Communication Courses (9 credits)

CMS 190 - Nonverbal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 201 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
CMS 235 - Communicating Security Credits: 3
CMS 242 - Communication and Social Media Credits: 3
CMS 265 - Intrapersonal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 272 - Persuasion Credits: 3
CMS 290 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
CMS 298 - Topics in Communication I Credits: 3

Intermediate Communication Courses (9 credits)

Of the 9 credit hours, a minimum of 3 credit hours must be completed at the 400-level.

CMS 303 - Media Effects Credits: 3
CMS 323 - Understanding Technology Credits: 3
CMS 330 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
CMS 332 - Communication in the Family Credits: 3
CMS 345 - Small Group Communication Credits: 3
CMS 360 - Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age Credits: 3
CMS 374 - Media Criticism and Aesthetics Credits: 3
CMS 375 - Meaning and Communication Credits: 3
CMS 398 - Topics in Communication II Credits: 3
CMS 401 - Launching into Life After College Credits: 3
CMS 423 - The First Amendment Credits: 3
CMS 480 - Gender Communication Credits: 3
CMS 497 - On Bullshit Credits: 3
CMS 498 - Topics in Communication III Credits: 3

Capstone Senior Seminar (3 credit hours)

CMS 495 - Communication Capstone Credits: 3

CMS Electives (9 credits)

Communication majors may select any three courses offered by the Department as electives as long as they have fulfilled the necessary prerequisites. This includes CMS 430 Communication Internship (up to 3 credits can be used in this category). Majors are strongly encouraged to take additional internship credits, which will count toward the 120 needed for graduation. Internship experiences involve students in the community and strengthen resumes. Please contact Dr. Kivatisky (russellk@maine.edu) if you are interested in an internship.

USM Core Requirements

The USM Core Curriculum is a coherent, integrative, and rigorous liberal education that enables our graduates to be world-minded, intentional, life-long learners and captures your general education degree requirements.

Please Note: Core requirements may be part of your major and/or minor, and Core may have been fulfilled with transfer credit. Please consult your MaineStreet Degree Progress Report (DPR) and review your degree progress with your Advisor. For additional information, access the USM Core webpage.