Department of Communication and Media

Location: 100 Communication Building, Phone: (409) 880-8153

Chair:  Dr. Natalie Tindall, ntindall@lamar.edu

The Department of Communication and Media offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication for students interested in the study of—and careers in—advertising, broadcasting, communication studies, film studies, journalism, and public relations. 

A new student beginning study at Lamar University must meet all admission requirements of Lamar University. Transfer students or students who wish to enter the Department of Communication and Media programs by change of major must meet the same requirements or hold a minimum grade point average of 2.00 or better. Grades of “D” are not accepted as course completion for required classes in departmental majors, nor are they acceptable as course completion for classes to be used as professional electives by student majors within the department.

Programs of Study

All majors in the department must complete the basic core curriculum requirements of Lamar University as their academic foundation course work. The student’s advisor will provide direction to the student concerning departmental requirements within the core curriculum when course choices are available to meet the university’s core curriculum requirements. Within the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Communication, students may specialize in one of the following areas:

• Advertising
• Broadcasting
• Communication Studies
• Film Studies
• Journalism
• Public Relations

Bachelor of Science in Communication–120 hours

The bachelor’s degree program in communication prepares students for careers in advertising, broadcasting, film, journalism, or public relations and requires each student to complete a REQUIRED departmental core curriculum of ten courses (30 hours). Required classes for the departmental core curriculum include COMM 1307, 1311, 1318, 1373, and a capstone; nine hours of communication theory courses; and six hours of communication performance courses. This program serves as an appropriate curriculum for those who wish to have a career as a communication practitioner or pursue professional or graduate studies.

Communication Minor

A total of 18 hours of communication courses are required for a minor, of which nine hours must be upper level. The department will not accept any grade in the minor below a "C."

Required courses: COMM 1307 or COMM 1311 and COMM 1318 or 1373, and 12 other COMMUNICATION hours selected by the student with the approval of the Department of Communication and Media advisor; nine of which are upper level. The chosen courses should reflect the enhancement of the student’s career plans or other life goals.