2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Introduction to areas of research, ethical behaviors, and career paths in the discipline. Consideration of strategies for learning, accessing advising, and locating resources.
Survey of the communication discipline across areas of specialization from interpersonal to mediated and mass communication, including history and fundamental concepts, theories, contexts. Emphasis on ethical human behavior and message analysis.
Introduction to oral and written communication. 1015: Focus on oral and written communication in interpersonal, small group, and public contexts. Special emphasis on the writing process, listening, interviewing, conflict resolution, critical analysis, and communication in digital and visual media. 1016: Continued Study in oral and written communication skills for small group and public contexts. Focus on practical applications in ethical research and information gathering, audience analysis and adaptation, message development, and oral, written, and visual presentations by individuals and groups.
Introduction to oral and written communication. 1015: Focus on oral and written communication in interpersonal, small group, and public contexts. Special emphasis on the writing process, listening, interviewing, conflict resolution, critical analysis, and communication in digital and visual media. 1016: Continued Study in oral and written communication skills for small group and public contexts. Focus on practical applications in ethical research and information gathering, audience analysis and adaptation, message development, and oral, written, and visual presentations by individuals and groups.
Strategies and practice for speaking to specific audiences. Ethical considerations for message preparation, development, presentation, and evaluation. Pre: Sophomore standing.
Behavior of people working in groups. Theories and models of communication, types of groups, principles of effective teamwork. Intrapersonal and interpersonal communication and values related to group behavior, relationships, and problem solving. Ethical issues associated with group work. Pre: Sophomore standing required.
Writing and information gathering skills including news, features, press releases, and advertising copy for broadcast, print and public relations media. Sophomore Standing Required.
An examination of media influence on society. Emphasis on impact of media (such as newspapers, film, social networks, and video games) on diverse audiences and cultures. Considerations of the evolution of media; social institutions and trends related to the media; domestic, global, ethical, and legal questions posed by the media; intercultural communication; and new technologys influence on society.
Study of communication theory and practice related to diversity and the media. Analysis of ethical implications of media influences on workplace communication across disciplines. Development of a personal understanding of diversity and identity by examining media producers, audiences, workforces, outlets, and content.
Study of approaches to research in the discipline, including identification and analysis of existing research; procedures for conducting and reporting basic research in communication. Sophomore Standing required.
Honors section.
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Department approval of 3900 plan.
Study freedom of speech and the press and how these freedoms apply to the press, public relations, advertising and personal speech. Consideration of First Amendment theories and jurisprudence; related ethical issues. Senior standing.
Placement in a communication industry for practical internship under supervision by a departmental advisor and a professional in the field. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 hours credit. Pre: Junior standing and consent required.
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