DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Undergraduate Department of Professional Communication
COLLEGE OF APPLIED STUDIES
Website: https://pc.fsu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/professional-communication
Faculty II: Lawrence, Parker; Faculty I: Goines, Hoffman, Pugh
Students in the Professional Communication program at the Panama City campus receive a broad understanding of fundamental communication processes. The overall program combines courses that are theoretically based with those that are professionally oriented. Courses include interviewing, persuasion, communication research methods, principles of advertising, introduction to public relations, communication for organizing and a communication internship. Students in professional communication may pursue careers in information and media, as well as prepare for graduate study. Representative job titles relating to this major include information specialist, radio/TV executive, media manager, public opinion researcher, speech writer, online content manager, and many others.
The College of Applied Studies also offers programs of study leading to terminal master's degrees in Professional Communication with majors in 1) Corporate and Public Communication and 2) Organizational Management and Communication. Consult the graduate chapters or school website for information regarding graduate programs.
Note: Students not formally admitted to the professional communication degree program are prohibited from enrolling in more than 18 credit hours of coursework in professional communication. SPC 1017 and SPC 2608 do not count toward this 18 credit hour limit.
Admission Information
This is not a specialized admissions program. Students transferring from another institution are strongly encouraged to earn an AA before matriculating at Florida State University and should apply for admission to the College of Applied Studies before transferring to Florida State University. Students who transfer must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher on all college coursework considered for admission. Students may also enter the professional communication degree program as first time in college (FTIC) students. For more information, contact Angela Sexton at asexton@fsu.edu or call (850) 770-2178.
Digital Literacy Requirement
Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:
Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically
Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement. Undergraduate majors in professional communication satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2100, or COM 4470.
Oral Communication Competency
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through appropriate high school speech training or with an approved college-level course. COM 3110 (Communication for Business and the Professions), IDS 2491 (Communication Matters – Personal Responsibility in Public Speaking), SPC 2608 (Public Speaking), SPC 4620 (Strategic Speech Making), and SPC 4360 (Interviewing) will also satisfy this requirement.
Language Requirement
All students must meet the foreign language admission requirement. Students do not have an additional language requirement for the BS degree. The BA degree requires proficiency in a foreign language.
Required Minor
Professional Communication majors must fulfill minor requirements outside the Communication major. Students should check with the minor department for specific requirements. Minors must be approved by an advisor. A 15 hour interdepartmental minor is also possible, providing that the coursework is outside the Communication major and approved in advance.
Major Program of Studies in Professional Communication (36 Hours)
No grade below a “C–” will be accepted for any course in the major. Maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative GPA is required. The College of Applied Studies reserves the right to refuse admission or discontinue enrollment of any student at any time, if, in the judgment of the faculty, the student does not meet departmental or major standards.
Eight Core Courses (24 Hours)
ADV 3008 Principles of Advertising (3)
COM 3120 Communication for Organizing (3)
COM 3310 Communication Research Methods (3)
COM 4945r Communication Internship (3)
PUR 3000 Introduction to Public Relations (3)
PUR 3100 Writing for Public Relations (3)
SPC 4360 Interviewing (3)
SPC 4540 Persuasion (3)
Additional Communication Courses (12 Hours)
Students select four courses from a list of approved courses.
If courses used to satisfy major requirements are used to meet the General Education requirements, no more than four credit hours of the General Education Requirements may also be counted towards the major requirements.
Major Track
Digital Media Communication (12 hours) in the following courses:
COM 3521 Introduction to Digital Media Campaigns (3)
RTV 3001 Media Techniques (3)
COM 4470 Desktop Multimedia (3)
COM 4522 Digital Media Planning (3)
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Pathway
Students who are admitted into the combined bachelor's/master's pathway in professional communication may be permitted to dually count up to 12 credit hours of graduate communication coursework towards both the BS and the MS degrees. Completion of a combined bachelor's/master's pathway would culminate in a Professional Communication Master's Degree with either the Corporate and Public Communication major or Organizational Management and Communication major. Interested students should consult their faculty advisor for more information about the combined pathway. More information about the professional communication BS/MS pathway programs can be found at https://appliedstudies.fsu.edu/current-students/graduate-programs/professional-communication/bs-ms.
Requirements for a Minor in Professional Communication
Students interested in pursuing the Professional Communication minor should email staff at the College of Applied Studies to request that it be added to their official records. To obtain the minor, you must complete 12 hours of coursework chosen only from the following selections, receiving no lower than a grade of (C-) in any of them: ADV 3008, Principles in Advertising; COM 3120, Communication for Organizing; COM 4132, Communication and Stress Management; COM 4431, Rhetoric of a Global Corporation; SPC 3231, Contemporary Rhetorical Theory; PUR 3000, Introduction to Public Relations; SPC 3513, Argumentation; SPC 4360, Interviewing; SPC 4445, Group Dynamics & Leadership; SPC 4620, Strategic Speech Making.
*Noted selections are currently only offered online. At least six hours of the Professional Communication minor must be taken within the College of Applied Studies. Courses taken to meet the minor may not be applicable to any other requirement. For additional information, please visit: https://appliedstudies.fsu.edu/undergraduate-minors/professional-communication.
Requirements for a Minor in Digital Communication
Students interested in pursuing the Digital Communication minor should email staff at the College of Applied Studies to request that it be added to their official records. To obtain a minor you must complete 12 hours of coursework chosen from the following selections, receiving no lower than a grade of (C-) in any of them: COM 3521 Introduction to Digital Media Campaigns, RTV 3001 Media Techniques, COM 4470 Desktop Multimedia, and COM 4522 Digital Media Planning.
Honor Society
Lambda Pi Eta is the official Communication Studies honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA) and a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). Lambda Pi Eta honor society recognizes the achievements of both undergraduate and graduate students, promotes scholarly activities, and rewards outstanding scholastic performance. The organization works to stimulate interest in the communication discipline. For more information, please contact Dr. Laurie Lawrence at llawrence@fsu.edu.
Definition of Prefixes
ADV—Advertising
COM—Communication
IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies
MMC—Mass Media Communication
PUR—Public Relations
RTV—Radio: Television
SPC—Speech Communication
Undergraduate Courses
ADV 4800. Advertising Campaigns (3). Prerequisites: ADV 3001, ADV 3008, ADV 4300, and COM 3310. This course fosters creative and empathetic skills necessary in communicating via print and electronic media and enables students to utilize these skills in creating integrated advertising campaigns.
COM 2080. Online Communication and Presence (3). This course provides students with theoretical background and practical experience in constructing messages for online communication, as well as managing self-presentation and professional relationships in the online environment. The course includes critical analysis of information sources and audiences and the development and delivery of online oral presentations.
COM 3110. Business and Professional Communication (3). This workplace-oriented course provides practical education and experience in the performance of informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches through individual and group presentations.
COM 3120. Communication for Organizing (3). This course focuses on the role of communication in organizational situations.
COM 3310. Communication Research Methods (3). Introduction to communication research methods. Examines survey, experimental, observational, and content analysis methods. Philosophy of science, research design, measurement, sampling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
COM 3432. Media Representation (3). This course explores, observes, discusses, and understands the functions and effects of the ways in which global media represents marginalized peoples/communities. Students use this knowledge to theorize/construct possible futures wherein people have a more direct hand in media creation for the benefit of all.
COM 3521. Digital Media Campaigns (3). This course introduces important ethical issues in developing digital media campaigns as well as providing practical experience in writing, designing, and executing a digital media campaign strategy.
COM 3930r. Special Topics in Communication (3). This course is an analysis of specialized topics of current concern in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
COM 4132. Communication and Stress Management (3). This course examines the causes of and remedies for stress in the workplace. The course provides practical education in controlling stress that emphasizes primarily organizational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal communication skills and utilizes primarily written channels. The course is reading and writing intensive.
COM 4431. Rhetoric of a Global Corporation (3). This course provides opportunities to observe ways in which religious and musical rhetoric are employed by a major U.S. corporation with a global target market. The course emphasizes observation research that focuses primarily on communication theory and methods. The course requires that students spend forty-five documented hours performing lab/field work research and/or library research in the symbols and messages of an appropriate corporation.
COM 4470. Desktop Multimedia (3). This course provides overview of operations and applications of software packages; principles of design and presentation for print-based as well as audio-visual productions.
COM 4522. Digital Media Planning (3). This course takes students behind the scenes of how and why to place messages in various online media to create the most effective, engaging digital communications campaigns.
COM 4603. Internet & Society (3). The purpose of this course is to explore, observe, discuss, and understand the complicated intersections between contemporary social problems and digitally mediated messages. Students use this knowledge to explore ways to utilize and construct mediated communication technology to increase inclusiveness and effectiveness.
COM 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1-3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a Communication major. In this course, students select a topic of interest to pursue under supervision of a faculty member. Could be research/creative, pedagogy, service, or applied. Results in final project, scope and type to be defined by student and faculty supervisor. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
COM 4910r. Application of Research Methods (1-3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Instructor permission. This course offers experience in methods and strategies of research in communication concepts. Individually designed to accommodate student's background and objectives. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
COM 4941r. Application of Instructional Methods (0-3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a Communication major. This course provides experience in methods and strategies of teaching communication concepts within the University context. Individually designed to accommodate student's background and objectives. May be repeated to a maximum of three (3) credit hours.
COM 4945r. Communication Internship (1-12). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to a major in Communication. This course is a supervised internship. The credit is proportional to the scope and significance of work and may not be applied to graduate degrees. The course is individually designed to accommodate each student's background and objectives. This course may be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) credit hours.
CRW 3753. Writing Florida (3). This course builds on the fundamental elements of fiction writing and helps students gain an overview of, and cultivate their own, aesthetically unique style that informs their fiction. Through workshops and revisions, students complete three written works set in Florida, either novel chapters or short stories.
FIN 3124. Introduction to Financial Planning (3). This course introduces the field of financial planning, covers economic and finance principles relevant to financial planning, and provides contemporary knowledge about the practice areas of financial planning.
FIN 4133. Retirement Planning Concepts for Financial Planning (3). Prerequisite: TAX 4006. This course provides an in-depth understanding of retirement planning, and factors associated with planning for retirement, so that students obtain a strong foundation for developing financial plans. This course covers an array of topics determined by the financial planning industry to be pertinent to financial planning practice.
IDS 2491. Communication Matters: Personal Responsibility in Public Speaking (3). This course covers both the principles of and the practical experience of public speaking with an emphasis on personal responsibility.
IDS 2677. Friendship Alliances in Shakespeare (3). Prerequisite: ENC 1101. This course focuses on analyzing human culture as depicted in literature from the Western canon written by William Shakespeare. William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the world. As a renowned dramatist, Shakespeare's works are famous for his use of symbolism, character development, and written words to characterize human relationships and experiences through dialogue and action. In this course, students will read literary works of William Shakespeare and engage in discussions and analyses of the friendships described in his writing. Shakespeare often included friendship alliances in his plays and this course will teach students to analyze literary works from the Western canon and integrate psychological principles of human friendships into those analyses through critical thinking exercises, class discussions, writing assignments, and oral presentations.
MMC 4300. Diffusion of Innovations (3). This course is an analysis of the process of change, particularly from the standpoint of how communication is used in the introduction, spread, and adoption of new ideas, behaviors, and products within a society.
MMC 5600. Mass Communication Theory and Effects (3). This course is an analysis of historical and current theories of mass communication with an emphasis on media effects.
PUR 3000. Introduction to Public Relations (3). This course introduces the student to the principles and practices of the public relations profession throughout all organizations using public relations.
PUR 3100. Writing for Public Relations (3). Pre- or corequisite: PUR 3000. This course is designed to develop professional-level writing skills for public relations.
RTV 5423. New Communication Technology (3). This course surveys key issues related to new communication technologies within a variety of communication contexts. Specific topics vary as new technologies emerge.
SPC 2608. Public Speaking (3). This course covers the principles of and the practical experience of public speaking. The course is required of all majors.
SPC 3231. Contemporary Rhetorical Theory (3). This course examines rhetorical theorists of the 20th century, including Burke, Richards, Foucault, Habermas, Fisher, and Weaver.
SPC 3301. Interpersonal Communication (3). This course is a survey of recent literature on interpersonal communication including such topics as self-concept, emotional behavior, interpersonal conflict, and interpersonal attraction.
SPC 3513. Argumentation (3). This course focuses on the principles of argumentation theory and the practical applications of these principles in different argumentative situations. Traditional as well as contemporary approaches to the study of argument are combined with the settings of argument to provide a practical experience for each student.
SPC 4360. Interviewing (3). This course is an analysis of the interview process in a variety of specific contexts and the development of communication skills used in interviewing.
SPC 4445. Group Dynamics and Leadership (3). Prerequisite: SPC 3425. This course is a review of concepts and research in group process and group leadership.
SPC 4620. Strategic Speech Making (3). This course is designed to enhance the speech making abilities of students interested in a career where these skills are essential. Students are trained in selecting and organizing ideas; conducting Internet and library research; adapting a message to a particular audience; speaking to main points; supporting ideas; and delivering an effective messaging in a presentations will be addressed in this course. This course is offered exclusively at the FSU Panama City Campus.
SPC 4710. Interracial/Intercultural Communication (3). This course helps students gain knowledge of the theory and process of interracial/intercultural communication.
TAX 4006. Personal Income Tax Concepts for Financial Planning (3). This course provides an introduction to personal income tax practices relevant to Personal Financial Planning. The course will cover important concepts for financial planners, including: tax regulations, tax return preparation, the tax audit process, the appeals process, preparation for an administrative or judi-cial forum, and ethical considerations of taxation.