Communication Studies, a Bachelor of Science program, prepares students for the challenges of a society which is informed, persuaded, entertained, and shaped by communication. Students develop and integrate knowledge, creativity, ethical practice, and skills related to communication. Students also examine and produce work in oral, written, and visual communication and practice skills in group and intercultural communication.

By completion of the Communication Studies program, students should be able to:

• Apply appropriate communication skills across settings, purposes, and audiences.
• Demonstrate knowledge of communication theory and practice.
• Practice critical thinking to develop innovative and well-founded perspectives related to the student's field of study.
• Build and maintain healthy and effective relationships.
• Use technology to communicate effectively in various settings and contexts.

Students with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies should be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking.
1. Students will display innovative and critical thinking in course final papers, projects, and presentations in major courses.
2. Students will use appropriate research methods for gathering and citing data for research.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of skills in oral, written, and visual aspects of communication.
1. Students will demonstrate progressive competence in written, oral, and graphic communication skills.
2. Students will apply appropriate communication skills in their externship experiences.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply communication theories.
1. Demonstrate understanding of a wide range of past and contemporary communication theories.
2. Apply theoretical perspectives to communication work in a variety of courses and at all levels of the curriculum
4. Demonstrate understanding of opportunities available in the field of communication, including technical, interpersonal, group, and organizational communication.
1. Students will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the communication field.
2. Students will embrace opportunities in multiple communication fields.
5. Know and effectively use current technology related to the communication field.
1. Course projects in major courses will demonstrate use of a range of current technology-related to effective communication.
2. Students will appropriately use communication technology in major courses.
6. Understand the influence of culture on communication and respond effectively to cultural differences.
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze audience needs in their written and oral presentations.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to adapt their communication for cultural differences.
7. Demonstrate ethical, legal, and social accountability for communication behavior.
1. Students will demonstrate academic integrity and ethical behaviors in written and verbal contexts.
2. Students will practice ethical behavior in their extern and professional experiences.
3. Students will consider and use diverse choices and ethical frameworks when making decisions and/or taking action.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and skills that allow for productive interpersonal, team, and group exchanges.
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively manage relationships (conflict, decision-making, etc.) in small groups and teams.
2. Externship supervisors of students will report excellence in relational skills.

During the 2007-08 academic year, the Communication faculty formally assessed the student learning outcomes summarized below.  Additional details can be found in the attached assessment report and in department assessment records.

Student Learning Outcome 1b: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking. Students will use appropriate research methods for gathering and citing data for research.

Strengths: Students performed at or above expectations for criteria related to use of research methods for gathering and citing data for research, including use of a literature review to create research context, appropriate selection of methods and sample, adequate reporting and assessment of research findings, and discussion of results.

Areas of Improvement: Students demonstrated a need to learn how to find more current sources (last five years) in literature reviews, to show greater understanding of validity and reliability, and to discuss limitations and future implications.

Plans for Improvement: Students need increased exposure to research. As a result, Communication faculty will meet during Convocation 2008 to discuss the development of at least one required senior level course with a primary focus on research. Also, faculty will discuss a new introductory three course sequence focusing on theory and research. Any curriculum changes will be submitted to CPC by the end of winter 2009.

Student Learning Outcome 1a: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking. Students will display innovative and critical thinking in course final papers, projects, and presentations in major courses.

Strengths: Students performed at or above expectations for several criteria related to innovative and critical thinking, including contextualization of theory, identification of problems, and discussion of problem implications.

Areas of Improvement: Communication Studies students demonstrated overall proficiency in critical thinking; however, to a small degree, students need to further learn how to develop their own perspectives, critically evaluate assumptions, and validate evidence with effective sources.

Plans for Improvement: The program faculty will discuss changes to this outcome during Convocation 2008 to determine additional classes to be assessed for this outcome when this SLO is measured again during its next turn in the assessment cycle. Also, faculty will identify ways to encourage students to practice their skills in the areas of perspective, assumptions, and evidence in courses across the major.

Student Learning Outcome 2a: Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of and skills in oral, written, and visual aspects of communication. Students will demonstrate progressive competence in written, oral, and graphic communication skills.

Strengths: Students performed at or above expectations for criteria related to their skill in two of the written aspects of communication, including articulation of ideas and support of writing through credible and appropriate research sources.

Areas of Improvement: Communication Studies students demonstrated a need for further learning in the areas of source documentation, writing organization, writing style, and appropriate use of writing conventions.

Plans for Improvement: The program faculty will meet during Convocation 2008 to discuss developing a senior level writing course that enables students to demonstrate their writing competency. Any curriculum changes will be submitted to CPC by the end of winter 2009. Also, COM 237-Introduction to Visual Communication will be used in place of COM 102 as the course to assess this outcome during its next turn in the assessment cycle.