Programs  
 
The Department of Communication offers a diversity of graduate and undergraduate programs in Communication Arts leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Master of Arts degrees. Click on any of the listed degrees for more information.
 
  • Undergraduate Programs - B.A. & B. S. degrees with specializations in the following: (Click on the specialization for more detailed information.)
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  • Graduate Programs - M. A. in Communication Arts with specializations in the following: (Click on the specialization for more detailed information.)
 
  • Course Descriptions (Click on the class links below for undergraduate or graduate course descriptions.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

 
Broadcast Media Specialization
 
     
     
 
Description: Radio and television broadcasting are two of the most demanding, high-profile, competitive, and exciting communication careers available to intelligent and motivated students. Graduates of broadcast media are prepared for on-air careers or behind the scenes employment and learn what it takes to climb the ladder toward management success. You'll have opportunities to work on-air for WAPX - FM, Cable Channel 99, and produce and edit digital audio and video. Sound like a fit? Then APSU's broadcast media program in the Communication Arts major is for you.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200, Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 2000, News Reporting (3)
COMM 2100, Broadcast Equipment Operation and Technology (3)
COMM 3350, Broadcast Announcing (3)
COMM 3450, Broadcast News Writing and Editing (3)
COMM 3550, Audio Production I (3)
COMM 3760, Video Production I (3)
COMM 4600, Media Ethics (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
Electives (Select two classes.):
COMM 309a, International Communication: Broadcast Media (3)
COMM 4310, Documentary Production (4)
COMM 4350, Broadcast Management (3)
COMM 4550, Audio Production II (3)
COMM 4760, Video Production II (3)
 
Specialization Name: Broadcast Media
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. David von Palko
Telephone: (931) 221.6364
Fax: (931) 221.7499
Email Address: vonPalkoD@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 168
 
     
     
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Corporate Communication Specialization
 
     
     
 
If you are interested in being a professional corporate communicator for agency or other organizational work, then corporate communication in the Communication Arts major is for you. You'll learn a diversity of imperative communication skills in the areas of advertising, desktop publishing, marketing communication (branding), marketing, promotion, public relations, and sales. Consider a program offering you a complete toolbox of communication, business, and managerial skills. If that's what you want, you found your specialization in corporate communication.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200, Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 2400, Writing for the Electronic Media (3)
COMM 3010, Integrated Corporate Communication (3)
COMM 3100, Desktop Publishing (3)
COMM 3320, Business and Professional Communication (3)
COMM 3400, Mass Communication Research Methods (3)
COMM 3800, Principles of Media Advertising (3)
COMM 3910, Media Relations (3)
COMM 4020, Communication in Organizations (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
COMM 490A, Communication Internship (3)
 
Specialization Name: Corporate Communication
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Frank E. Parcells
Telephone: (931) 221.6308
Fax: (931) 221.6307
Email Address: ParcellsF@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 327 - A
 
     
     
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Information Specialist Specialization - Available all online.
 
     
     
 
The U. S. Information Service and military Public affairs together employ more than 5,000 information specialists. That opportunity exists in addition to state government, local government, Chambers of Commerce, and a variety of other nonprofit organizations employing information specialists. It's a growing career area. Our Information Specialist specialization is set up to help you achieve your information-based goals.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 1400, Introduction to Public Relations (3)
COMM 2000, News Reporting (3)
COMM 3010 Integrated Corporate Communication (3)
and
JOU 3410, PR Research Methods (3) [RODP Class]
or
COMM 3400, Mass Communication Research Methods (3) [NOT available online]
and
COMM 4150, Feature Writing (3)
COMM 4410, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation (3)
COMM 4020 Communication in Organizations (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
COMM 4910, Public Relations Campaigns (3) [RODP Class]
 
Specialization Name: Information Specialist
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Pamela Gray
Telephone: (931) 221.7244
Fax: (931) 221.7265
Email Address: GrayP@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 142
 
     
     
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Internet Technology Specialization
 
     
     
 
The information superhighway has become the communication tool for over 1-billion worldwide Internet users. With billions of dollars in e-commerce online sales, users make thousands of purchases on the Internet daily.Video and audio streaming have upgraded the Internet to a music and entertainment resources. Career opportunities abound from Internet service provider service agents to webmasters and web designers. It's a wide open field today, with numerous career alternatives for properly trained, college graduates. Internet technology is a growth field in Tennessee.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200, Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 2720, Introduction to the Internet (3)
COMM 3720, Authoring Web Pages (3)
COMM 3730, Internet and Web Technology (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
COMM 4730, Internet Content Management (3)
Elective 15 Hour Sequences; Pick one of the following: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A. Information Design:
ART 1010, Two-Dimensional Design (3)
ART 1070, Electronic Imaging (3)
ART 2090, Photography I (3) and
ART 2520, Typography (3) or
ART 3080, Illustration I (3) and
COMM 4720, Multimedia Design (3)
   
B. Electronic Commerce:
GB 3010, e-Commerce Basics I (3)
GB 3020, e-Commerce Basics II (3)
GB 3700, e-Commerce Shipping Cycles (3)
COMM 3740, e-Commerce Technology (3)
COMM 3800, Principles of Media Advertising (3)
   
C. Web Site Promotion and Publicity:
COMM 2400, Writing for the Electronic Media (3)
COMM 3010, Integrated Corporate Communication (3)
COMM 3100, Desktop Publishing (3)
COMM 3910, Media Relations (3)
COMM 4720, Multimedia Design (3)
   
D. Web Design Programming:
CSCI 1005, Computer Hardware and Software (3)
CSCI 1015, Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
CSCI 3300, Introduction to Web Development (3)
CSCI 4000, Advanced Web Development (3)
COMM 4720, Multimedia Production (3)
   
Web Network Administration:
CSCI 1005, Computer Hardware and Software (3)
CSCI 1015, Introduction to Computer Programming (3)
COMM 3300, Introductionn to Web Development (3)
CSCI 3700, Data Communications and Networking (3)
CSCI 4630, Web Server Administration (3)
   
Digital Video Production:
COMM 2100, Broadcast Operation and Equipment (3)
COMM 3550, Broadcast Announcing (3)
COMM 3760, Video Production I (3)
COMM 4720, Multimedia Production (3)
COMM 4760, Video Production II (3)
 
Specialization Name: Internet Technology
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Frank E. Parcells
Telephone: (931) 221.6308
Fax: (931) 221.6307
Email Address: ParcellsF@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 327 - A
 
     
     
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Media Technology Specialization
 
     
     
 
Graduates in Media Technology are prepared for careers in digital media including new technologies such as digital production, Internet design and content, and acting/production utilizing these technologies.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200, Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 2100, Broadcast Operations and Equipment (3)
COMM 3720, Authoring Web Pages (3)
COMM 3760, Video Production I (3)
COMM 3950, Methods of Film Analysis (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
Electives (Select five of the following courses):
COMM 2400. Writing for the Electronic Media (3)
COMM 309D, International Communication: Media Technology (3)
COMM 3450, Broadcast News Writing (3)
COMM 3600, Radio Theatre Workshop (3)
COMM 3800, Principles of Media Advertising (3)
COMM 3900, Motion Picture Production Workshop (4)
COMM 4150, Feature Writing (3)
COMM 4310, Documentary Production (4)
COMM 4600, Media Ethics (3)
COMM 4960, Film Scriptwriting (3)
COMM 4970, Television Scriptwriting (3)
THEA 1300, Acting I (3)
THEA 2300, Acting II (3)
THEA 3350, Musical Theatre Workshop (3)
THEA 335L, Musical Theatre Laboratory (1)
THEA 3700, Scenic Design (3)
THEA 4300, Lighting Design (3)
THEA 4650, Direction and Performance for the Camera (3)
 
Specialization Name: Media Technology
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Frank E. Parcells
Telephone: (931) 221.6308
Fax: (931) 221.6307
Email Address: ParcellsF@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 327 - A
 
     
     
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Print and Web Journalism Specialization
 
     
     
 
Print Journalism majors develop skills for careers at newspapers, book and magazine publishing companies as well as a variety of web related careers. Journalism is one of the most rewarding and exciting careers available to bright, well-educated individuals. Excellent journalists can talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. Today's reporters bear little semblance to members of the original Fourth Estate. The essence of gathering, writing and editing the news remains the same. To be successful in this millennium, reporters must be talented, educated and tenacious, and also fast, resourceful and adaptable.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 2000, News Reporting (3)
COMM 2720, Introduction to Internet (3)
COMM 300ABC, Communication Laboratory (3)
COMM 3100, Desktop Publishing (3)
COMM 3200, Copy Editing (3)
COMM 3400, Mass Communication Research Methods (3)
COMM 3720, Authoring Web Pages (3)
COMM 4150, Feature Writing (3)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
Electives (Select one course from the following.): 
COMM 309C, International Communication: Print and Web Journalism (3)
COMM 4400, Politics and the Mass Media (3)
COMM 4450, Mass Media and Women (3)
COMM 4600, Media Ethics (3)
COMM 470ABC, Magazine Production (1 each)
COMM 480ABC, Independent Study in Mass Communication (3 each)
COMM 490ABC, Communication Internship (3 each)
 
Specialization Name: Print and Web Journalism
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Patricia Ferrier
Telephone: (931) 221.
Fax: (931) 221.7265
Email Address: FerrierP@APSU.edu
Office:
 
     
     
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Public Relations Specialization
 
     
     
 
An understanding of public relations can open an unending number of doors in the communication industries. The fields of business, industry, government, and the arts and humanities all require exceptional individuals who can mold, shape or change the public's perceptions.
 
Whether it's via the written or spoken word, tele-conferencing or video production, public relations practitioners are a crucial part of any organization's operations. Austin Peay State University can help you hone your skills and prepare you to take your place alongside the movers and shakers of the business world. APSU's caring, experienced professionals can guide you toward realizing your potential.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 1010, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3) [general education]
THEA 1030, Introduction to Theatre (3)
COMM 4010, Communication Theory (3) [general education]
Required Courses:
COMM 1200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
COMM 1400, Introduction to Public Relations (3)
COMM 2000, News Reporting (3)
COMM 3100, Desktop Publishing (3)
COMM 3400, Mass Communication Research Methods (3)
COMM 3450, Broadcast News Writing (3)
COMM 3910, Media Relations (3)
COMM 426A, Communication Practicum (1)
COMM 4650, Media Law (3)
COMM 4810, Public Relations Strategies (3)
COMM 490A, Communication Internship (3)
COMM 4910, Public Relations Campaigns (3)
 
Specialization Name: Public Relations
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
Contact: Dr. Pamela Gray
Telephone: (931) 221.7244
Fax: (931) 221.7265
Email Address: GrayP@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 142
 
     
     
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M. A. in Communication Arts - General Communication Specialization
 
     
     
 
The General Communication Specialization in the Communication Arts M. A. program prepares students for doctoral studies as well as teaching at the high school or community college level. Courses in this sequence allows students to apply theoretical understanding to real world communication problems. This specialization requires a thesis and helps to develop particular research skills for those interested in the fields of communication and theatre and desiring to pursue doctoral study in mass communication. This specialization is also appropriate for individuals wishing to teach high school or community college speech or drama.
 
Core Requirements:
COMM 5000, Research Methods (3)
COMM 5001, Proseminar in Communication (1)
COMM 5030, Applied Communication Theory (3)
COMM 5650, Communication Law (3)
Research Component:
COMM 590A, B, Thesis (3, 3)
Electives (18 hours) Selected with the approval of student's primary advisor:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Any of the following:
 
COMM 5020, Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 5050, Public Relations (3)
COMM 5060, Communication and Public Opinion (3)
COMM 5100, Marketing Communication Strategies (3)
COMM 5110, Leadership and Communication (3)
COMM 5150, Advertising and Media Strategies (3)
COMM 5210, E-Communication Strategies (3)
COMM 5300, Consumer and Audience Behavior (3)
COMM 5300, Sports Broadcasting Direction and Criticism (3) [on campus only]
COMM 5350, Media Management (3)
COMM 5400, Politics and Mass Media (3)
COMM 5410, Web Design and Criticism (3) [on campus only]
COMM 5500, Electronics News Gathering (3)
COMM 5700, Interpersonal Communication Theory (3)
COMM 5710, Ethics in a Changing Environment (3)
COMM 5730, Web Content Maintenance and Management (3) [on campus only]
COMM 5750, Feature Writing (3)
COMM 5800, Persuasion and Social Change (3)
COMM 5810, Race, Gender and Mass Media (3)
COMM 5900, Topics in Communication (3)
COMM 5920, Economics of the Mass Media (3)
 
Any one of the following: COMM 5444, Communication Internship (3), COMM 5555, Independent Research (3), COMM 566A , Special Topics in Graduate Communication (3), COMM 566B, Special Topics in Graduate Communication (3). or THEA 5555, Independent Research/Professional Experience (3)
 
OR any of the following:
 
THEA 5000, Chronicles and Concepts I (3)
THEA 5010, Chronicles and Concepts II (3)
THEA 5200, Secondary School Theatre (3)
THEA 5350, Musical Theatre Workshop (3)
THEA 5351, Musical Theatre Laboratory (1)
THEA 5400, Studies in Directing (3)
THEA 5450, Creative Drama for Children (3)
THEA 5600, Technical Theatre Practicum (3)
THEA 5900, Playwriting (3)
Students who enroll in COMM 5444, COMM 5555, COMM 566A, COMM 566B, or THEA 5555 can only count one of these classes toward the M. A. in Communication Arts, General Communication specialization.
 
A thesis is 6 hours of credit for conducting original research [COMM 590A (3) and COMM 590B (3)].
 
COMM 5001, Proseminar in Communication (1), is a required oreientation to graduate study and mandates attendance on campus for the secheduled weekend of activities during the fall semester.
 
Check out the course descriptions for each of the above graduate courses by clicking here.
Specialization Name: General Communication
Major: Communication Arts
Degree: Master of Arts
Contact: Dr. Frank E. Parcells, Graduate Coordinator
Telephone: (931) 221.6308
Fax: (931) 221.6307
Email Address: ParcellsF@APSU.edu
Office: MMC 327 - A
 
     
     
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