Cornell University, Department of Commuication Department of Communication Home Page

Info for Students
UnderGRADuate /
Communication requirements

For students accepted to the
undergraduate program prior to Fall 2006


Core Courses (required)

18 credit hours

Students complete these courses during their first two years.

Comm 120 Contemporary Mass Communication (F, SS, DL)
Comm 116 Understanding Human Communication (S, SS)
Comm 117 Writing about Communication (S)
Comm 201 Oral Communication (F, S, SS)
Comm 230 Visual Communication (S)
Comm 282 Communication Industry Research (F)

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Communication in the Life Sciences (CILS)

9 credit hours,
6 at 300 or 400 levels

Students focusing in CILS will understand the nature of science, health, and environmental communication; learn specific skills for communicating in the life sciences; and explore conceptual and theoretical issues in science communication.

Comm 260 Science Writing for Public Information (F, S, SS)
Comm 285 Communication in the Life Sciences (S)
Comm 352 Science Writing for the Mass Media (F, S)
Comm 421 Communication and the Environment (S, alt.)
Comm 466 Public Communication of Science and Technology (F, alt.)
Comm 486 Risk Communication (S)

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Communication Media Studies (CMS)

9 credit hours,
6 at 300 or 400 levels

Students concentrating in CMS will analyze and understand the social processes that are affected by media in contemporary society.

Comm 220 Mass Communication and Society (S)
Comm 352 Science Writing for the Mass Media (F, S)
Comm 420 Public Opinion and Social Processes (S)
Comm 422 Psychology of TV (F)
Comm 428 Comm Law (S)

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Communication and Information Technology (CIT)

9 credit hours,
6 at 300 or 400 levels

Students focusing in CIT will explore the nature of communication systems and technologies, their social and organizational uses and impacts, and their social design.

Comm 245 Psychology of Social Computing (F)
Comm 345 Human Computer Interaction Design (S)
Comm 440 Advanced Human-Computer Interaction Design (F)
Comm 422 Psychology of TV (F)
Comm 445 Seminar in Computer-Mediated Communication (F)
Comm 450 Language and Technology (S)

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Communication Planning and Evaluation (CPE)

9 credit hours,
6 at 300 or 400 levels

Students focusing in CPE will develop skills in identifying audiences and in preparing and implementing communication programs to meet the needs of those particular audiences. Courses in this focus area stress the positive, ethical, and effective uses of communication in human affairs.

Comm 272 Principles of Public Relations and Advertising (W-DL, SS-DL, SS)
Comm 310 Communication and Decision Making in Groups (F)
Comm 376 Planning Communication Campaigns (F)
Comm 398 Issues in Teaching Communication (F, S)
Comm 410 Organizational Behavior and Communication (F)
Comm 420 Public Opinion and Social Processes (S)
Comm 428 Comm Law (S)
Comm 476 Communication Fellows Program (S)

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Independent Focus Area

9 credit hours,
6 at 300 or 400 levels

In consultation with advisors, students may also plan an independent focus area that is appropriate to specific educational and career goals. The Undergraduate Program Committee will review proposed independent focus areas and authorize students to proceed with approved independent concentrations.

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Advanced writing and presentation courses

3 credit hours required

Students should choose their advanced writing and presentation course to complement their particular concentration and career interests.

Comm 203 Argumentation and Debate (F, S, SS)
Comm 260 Science Writing for Public Information (F, S, SS)
Comm 263 Organizational Writing (F, W, S, SS)
Comm 301 Business and Professional Presentation (F, S)
Comm 350 Magazine Writing (F, SS)
Comm 352 Science Writing for Mass Media (F, S)

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Communication Electives

6 credit hours at 300+level

Six additional credits are required at the 300+ level, including honors and independent study and research. Upper level courses from any focus area may be chosen to add appropriate breadth to students’ overall program of study. Comm 301 or 352 may count as elective credit. (Excluded from this category: Comm 303, 405, 496, 498). The courses below offer students opportunities to explore exceptional opportunities as they complete their elective requirements in Communication.

Comm 349 Media Technologies (S)
Comm 382 Advanced Communication Research (F)
Comm 428 Comm Law (S)
Comm 480 Independent Honors Research in Social Science (F, S)
Comm 494 Special Topics (F, S, SS)
Comm 497 Independent Study (F, S)
Comm 499 Independent Research (F, S)

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Outside Concentration

12 credit hours

In consultation with advisors, students will develop a concentration of related courses totaling 12 credit hours. The concentration may include courses from different majors and/or colleges as long as it maintains disciplinary consistency.

Courses ______________ ______________

______________ ______________

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Distance Learning

A number of courses are available in distance learning formats. These courses, offered through Continuing Education and Summer Session (http://www.sce.cornell.edu), are customarily taught by regular faculty and provide students opportunities to take courses at their convenience. Students who wish to transfer to Cornell or to study abroad are especially encouraged to explore these courses:

Comm 120 DL
Comm 272 DL

Other distance learning courses will be made available when demand warrants.

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