The Department of Communication Studies at WVU presents a virtual tour through our major, from application to graduation and beyond. Updated for Fall 2012. More information about our programs can be found at http://comm.wvu.edu or on twitter @wvucommstudies. Enjoy!

2. You just got your
acceptance letter!
You’re now a
Mountaineer!!!
Now what?
How do I pick
a major?

3. WVU Programs of Study

4. I think a degree in
Communication
Studies would be
fun!

5. A degree in
B.A. in
Communication
Studies
How do I start?

6. http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu

7. Requirements
To Go To
Department As A
Pre-Comm
Applied Communication Studies
track: 29 credit hours,
2.5 overall GPA.

8. Data Analysis track:
29 credit hours, 3.0
overall GPA, 3.0
communication
studies GPA.
Applied Communication Studies
track: 29 credit hours,
2.5 overall GPA.

9. Pre-communication studies students are
not authorized to take more than 12 credit
hours of communication studies courses
other than Comm 200 & 201.
(Note; The GPA to be admitted to the major is 2.5
overall; 2.5 Comm GPA; and 2.5 combined GPA in
Comm 200 and 201 for applied and 3.0
in all for Data Analysis.)
Total hours needed to graduate = 128

10. B.A. in Communication Studies
Communication is a liberal studies degree. It
includes a variety of types of knowledge and
ways of thinking. Students of communication
are interested in all aspects of human
communication. While human communication is
unique and varied, there is also much about it
that is routine and predictable.

11. The Faculty and Staff of the WVU Department of
Communication Studies are comprised of
experts in a wide variety of specializations in the
teaching, research, and administration of our
field.

12. Included in our faculty are professors and instructors
recognized by their peers for excellence in scholarship
and education, and our staff members have been
similarly honored for their work in service of our
Department as well a WVU.

13. Undergraduate
Program Goals
In recent years the faculty
has tried to answer the
question, “What should
Communication Studies
majors know when they’ve
finished a degree?”

14. Intended Learning Outcomes:
Outcome 1: Describe the major theories of human
communication and apply them to various contexts.
Outcome 2: Critique communication messages from a social
science perspective.
Outcome 3: Cite evidence of the impact of communication on
human behavior in interpersonal and/or organizational contexts.
Outcome 4: Identify and describe the functions of media in a
democratic society.
Outcome 5: Investigate the role of verbal and nonverbal
messages in the human communication process.

15. Intended Learning Outcomes:
Outcome 6: Examine the relationship between communication and
culture.
Outcome 7: Design and evaluate effective strategies for social
influence.
Outcome 8: Examine ethical issues in various communication
contexts.
Outcome 9: Evaluate social science criteria to examine
communication research.
Outcome 10: Analyze the role of communication in conflict and
conflict management.

16. The Department of
Communication Studies
offers the B.A., the
M.A., and
the Ph.D. degrees in
Communication
Studies.

17. WVU Communication Studies Major Requirements

18. Application
for Admission
to Major
In order to be eligible for
consideration as a major
in Communication Studies,
the following criteria must
be met at the end of the
current term…

19. 1. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
2. Students must complete COMM 200 or COMM 201
with a combined GPA of 2.5 or better.
3. A student must earn no less than a C in either
COMM 200 and COMM 201, and no less then
a B in the other.
4. Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in
all previous COMM classes.

22. Big things are coming to
The Department of Communication Studies!
We are pleased to announce upcoming changes to our undergraduate
curriculum. Beginning in 2013, students majoring in Communication Studies
will have the option to choose to study:
• Interpersonal
• Health
• Social Media and Communication Technology
• Strategic and Organizational Communication
An Integrated Communication Studies track, designed to expose students
to a more generalist communication education, will also be available.
Students will work closely with their major advisors to choose the track that
is appealing to them and matches their future career goals.

23. Big things can happen with a
Communication Studies degree!
A degree in Communication Studies opens doors to allow students
to be successful in just about any career-from healthcare to human
resources, from sales to social media, from image management to
promotions.
The new curriculum will make students with a BA in Communication
Studies even more attractive to potential employers or graduate
programs.

24. I’ve made my choice! I’m going to be a COMM Major!

25. Just curious… What
are the benefits of
a Communication
Studies Minor?

26. WVU Communication Studies Minor Benefits

27. Communication skills are consistently
among the most sought after skills in the
workplace. No matter what your major
is, communication will be an important
aspect of your job. A minor allows you to
formally document your knowledge of
human communication. In addition, most
of the courses required for the minor can
be used to meet WVU LSP requirements.

28. What is a Minor in
Communication Studies
A minor allows you to
formally document your
knowledge of human
communication. In
addition, most of the
courses required for the
minor can be used to meet
WVU LSP requirements.

29. A minor consists of 15 hours of course
work in the following specified areas:
A. YOU MUST TAKE TWO OF THE
FOLLOWING: COMM 100 + 102, COMM
103, COMM 104, COMM 105, COMM
112, or COMM 122 (6 hours total)
*A 300- or 400-level COMM course may be substituted
for one 100 level course in this category
B. YOU MUST TAKE TWO OF THE
FOLLOWING THREE CLASSES: COMM
306, COMM 308, or COMM 316 (6 hours
total)
C. ONE ADDITIONAL 3-CREDIT 300- OR
400-LEVEL COMM COURSE, EXCLUDING
COMM490. (3 hours total)

30. FAQ For Minor:
• What is the Communication Studies
Minor Code?
U001
• Do I need to take a foreign
language?
No
• What GPA do I need to minor in
Communication Studies?
You will need to have a 2.0 cumulative
GPA at the time of graduation.
• How do I declare my minor?
You need to see your academic advisor
PLEASE CONTACT ANDREA WEBER AT
acweber@mail.wvu.edu OR BY
PHONE, 304.293.3905

31. On my way to Morgantown! Move in day at WVU! 

32. Saying goodbye was
much harder than
expected… 

34. TO: DAD
My first day of classes! Check
this out! 

35. TO: MOM
I thought you would enjoy this.. My first time
on the PRT- on my way to COMM 105!

36. TO: DAD
My first COMM class and professor!

37. mountaineer123@mix.wvu.edu
MOM
Mom,
I’m loving WVU! I am especially enjoying my
COMMUNICATION CLASSES! My professors are awesome!

38. Checking out WVU’s COMM website and Facebook!
Pretty Sweet!

39. http://www.facebook.com/#!/wvucommstudi
es

40. WVU Advising

42. How does seeing my academic advisor help me?

43. Your advisors are there to answer your questions, help
solve your problems, and in some cases act as an
advocate for you when dealing with problems.
They are not there to schedule your classes or get you
into closed classes, and they are not responsible for
your errors.

44. Starting October 3
through November 16
Go to:
http:wvucommunicationstud.clickbook.net
to schedule your appointment!

45. SPRING 2013
You are eligible to register by WEB beginning on or after the specified dates listed
below. The WEB will operate each week from 8:00 AM Monday through Saturday at
11:00 PM. Students will be able to register on or after their priority registration dates
as follow:
• Check your classification and register at the appropriate time.
• Oct 29: Professional, Graduate, Honors-SR, and Exceptions
• Oct. 30: Honors-JR, Law-L3
• Oct. 31: Honors-SO, Law-L2
• Nov. 1: Honors-FR, Law-L1
• Nov. 5: Seniors
• Nov. 7: Juniors
• Nov. 9: Sophomores
• Nov. 12: Freshmen
Classifications are based on hours earned and hours in progress for Spring 2012 Term.
PRE-REGISTRATION PRIORITY DATES

47. Hey friend! My Advisor
was talking about
Lambda Pi Eta. What is
it?

48. LAMBDA PI ETA
is a National Communication Honors Society

49. LAMBDA PI ETA was
established in 1985 and was
brought to WVU in 2002.
There are 250 chapters
nationwide.
It is recognized in the
Association for College Honor
Societies

50. How do I become a
member of
Lambda Pi Eta?

51. Lambda Pi Eta Requirements:
Applicants must have:
60 total credit hours (sophomore standing)
12 hours in Communication Studies
3.0 overall GPA
3.25 GPA in Comm Studies
There is a one time lifetime membership fee

52. LAMBDA PI ETA BASICS
Each chapter has an advisor, a president, vice
president, secretary, and treasurer
It is a great opportunity for leadership
positions and to make a difference
Applications are available at the WVU
Communication Studies website or room 108
Armstrong Hall.

53. Lambda Pi Eta Bonuses
Spring initiation ceremony at the
Waterfront Place Hotel
Free food
Get to know faculty and other
members
Looks great on job applications
Certificate and cord for graduation

55. WVU Lambda Pi Eta Activities

56. LAMBDA PI ETA ACTIVITIES
Fundraising
Selling t-shirts
Community Service
Trunk or Treat
Volunteering at The Shack
Tutoring fellow Communication Studies
members in Comm 200 and 201

57. I wonder what other people think about the WVU
Comm Department…. Hmmm….

60. The Capstone course
I believe the Capstone course
alone helpedme secure thethe
alone helped me secure
I’m in sales positionthrough interview
position through interview
so I think Comm practice and resume building.
practice and resume building.
Studies played a large role.
Higher level of
thinking
and questioning.
helped improve
How did Communication communication skills
Studies help the
Alumni?
I was prepared to own
my own business
It has helped me
identify and deal with
different personality
types.

61. Advice from Graduating Communication
Studies Major:
Get to know your professors. Talk to
them after class. See them during office
hours.

62. Advice from Graduating Communication
Studies Major:
Keep everything!
Papers, projects, workbooks for future
classes and your portfolio!

63. Advice from Graduating Communication
Studies Major:
Do your internship early. Do two if
possible
Do your internship early. Do two if possible

64. Advice from Graduating
Communication Studies
Major:
Get work experience related to what you
Get work experience
related to what you you graduate.
want to do when
want to do when you
graduate.

65. • US • Teaching
Government Positions
Data Teaching, Content, Depa
Analysis, Professional rtmental
Relationships, Assessm Participation, IRB, Hiring,
ent, Measurement, Rep
ort Methodology, Statistics,
Preparation, Content Problem
Analysis, Solving, Thinking
People Management, Program Course Coordination,
development, Protocol
Development, Manuscript Methodology, Publication, Planning, H
Preparation, Manuscript iring, IRB
Submission, Data Procedures, Collegiality, Data
Assessment, Documentation, Ar Analysis, Programming (SAS made SQL
gumentation, Conference Easy), Data Structure, Database
Establishment, Understanding
Attendance, Professional
Variables, Presentations, Conference
Relationship Participation, Communicating with
• Private Maintenance, Research, Measur Anyone, Confidence to Apply skills in
ement, Data Querying
• U.S.
Health Care Environment, Self-Report
Sector Development, Training Government
These are details skills learned during my time at WVU. Some skills that
were used in all positions throughout my career. ~Katherine Thweatt

66. I need some
information about
WVU’s Career Services.
Help!

67. Career Services-
304-293-2221
phone

68. mountaineer123@mix.wvu.edu
help@wvu.edu
What does WVU Career Services do?

69. WVU Career Services
-Assists students in finding jobs
after college.
-Assists students in finding the field
of study they are interested in.
-Hold career fairs to help employers
find future job prospects.
… and MUCH MORE!

70. What is a Professional
Field Experience?

71. The Professional Field Experience (PFE), or internship, is one of the most
valuable learning experiences a student can have at West Virginia University.
The PFE affords students opportunities to apply what they have learned in the
classroom, make important networking and reference contacts, affirm (or refute)
career plans and enhance resumes and portfolios, all essential for future success.
A Professional Field Experience is not simply a part time job. An internship
is intended to be a professional leaning experience. Students completing
their Professional Field Experience are representatives of the Department
of Communication Studies at West Virginia University and are expected to
maintain a high standard of mature and professional contact throughout
their PFE.

72. How do I register for
my Professional Field
Experience?

73. All students are required to complete three credit
hours of Comm 491. In most cases, the most relevant
form of experience for Communication Studies careers
is an internship. However, if you are interested in
research-perhaps continuing
on to graduate school, you may
work on a research project.
You must make sure your
project is first approved
by Andrea Weber.

74. I wonder if I have to do
an internship…

75. You must be registered for three credit
hours of COMM 491 during the
semester in which you complete your
internship. You also need permission
from PFE Coordinator (108 Armstrong
Hall) to obtain permission to register.
Permission can be obtained by
providing a job description on
letterhead for the organization you
wish to work to the PFE Coordinator.
When you register via STAR, the default
setting for COMM 491 is one credit
hour, so be aware of this; make sure
you change it to three credit hours.

76. I wonder how many hours I have to work for my
internship…

77. PROFESSIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE
Professional Field Experience requires
students to spend 144 hours working in a
professional environment in order to earn
three credit hours of 491 (what is required for
graduation). This averages to about 9 hours a
week for an entire semester.

78. I did an internship this
summer. Can I count
that?

79. No!
We do not allow internships to
count retroactively. This is why it is
so important for you to get your
internship approved prior to
completing it.

80. How do I obtain a Professional Field Experience/Internship?

81. There are a number of ways you can
obtain an internship.
You may get one on your own or
through the Department of
Communication Studies.

82. Are you interested in our Alumni Mentoring Program?
The Department of Communication Studies is piloting a
Comm Studies Student-Alumni Mentoring Program.
• Look through profiles of our alumni and learn about their
careers.
• Talk to a Comm Studies alum in your field of interest.
• Get advise about your job search or graduate school.
• Talk to alum about internship opportunities.
Stop by the Comm Studies Office
at 108 Armstrong Hall
for more information

83. We are looking for feedback from Communication Studies alumni
about their experiences in our undergraduate and graduate
programs, including the B.A., Corporate M.A., Instructional
M.A., Theory and Research M.A., and both Ed.D. and Ph.D.
graduates. We want to know about how your experiences with us
have helped in your current career path, so consider giving us a few
moments of your time? Go „Eers!
Go to: http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu/alumni

84. Being a Comm Major
and Mountaineer
ROCKS!!!!

94. In Summer 2012, Communication Studies majors and minors had their first chance
to study abroad with the Department in two distinct locations in Eastern Europe:
Erfurt, Germany and Budapest, Hungary. Nearly two dozen undergraduate and
graduate students spent their summer connecting with new cultures in pursuit of
their degrees.
Visit the Study Abroad Page: http://comm.wvu.edu/undergrad/abroad

97. Recent B.A. alum Joy Cox poses with her Top Undergraduate Paper award
from the 2012 Eastern Communication Association conference for her research
“Relationship Satisfaction and Resilience: Military Couples and Deployment"
The paper is also in press with Human Communication.
This work was done in collaboration with
Peggy Rardin McConnell Chair of Speech Communication Dr. Melanie Booth-Butterfield.
Cox has been accepted into the M.A. Communication program at the
University of Missouri this coming Fall semester.

98. Now that I have my B.A. in Communication Studies…
What do I do now?

100. The graduate faculty in the
Department of Communication Studies
is well known, at both the regional and national
level, for accomplishments in
research, teaching, and service.

101. Go to:
http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu/
And check out the Masters programs!
You can choose to work and get your
Masters degree in a little as 2 years!

102. M.A. Corporate and Organizational
Communication
Providing flexibility, classes typically
include both Friday evening and all day
Saturday on two weekends and an online
component.
Students complete 36 hours of
coursework usually over two years. Upon
Program Coordinator:
completion of coursework and a
Dr Danielle Dolin-Bane
comprehensive exam, students are
danielle.dolin-
awarded the degree.
bane@mail.wvu.edu
More information can be found at:
bit.ly/wvucorporatema

103. M.A. Instructional Communication
Classes are taught four weeks each summer in
Charleston, Clarksburg, Parkersburg, and Wheeling. The
program is designed for the professional educator who is
employed full-time in the education setting. Program Coordinator: Dr.
Scott Myers
Students complete 36 hours of coursework usually over two Scott.myers@mail.wvu.edu
years. Upon completion of coursework and a comprehensive
exam, students are awarded the degree.
http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu/grad/ma-in-
instructional-communication

104. M.A.
Communication & Research
One Year, On-Campus Master’s
Program 2013-2014
The deadline for application for
admission is April 1, 2013 Program Coordinator
Dr. Keith Weber
kaweber98@yahoo.com
http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu/grad/ma

106. Ph.D., Communication Studies 2013-2014 Deadline

107. Ph.D., Communication
Studies
2013-2014
The deadline for application for
admission for the 2013-2014
academic year is Program Coordinator
Dr. Scott Myers
January 16, 2013. scott.myers@mail.wvu.edu
http://communicationstudies.wvu.edu/grad/phd

109. THE DAILY NEWS
communicationstudies.wvu.edu Communication Studies in the News! - 2011-2012

110. THE DAILY NEWS
communicationstudies.wvu.edu Communication Studies in the News! - 2011-2012

111. THE DAILY NEWS
communicationstudies.wvu.edu Communication Studies in the News! - 2011-2012

112. communicationstudies.wvu.edu Communication Studies in the News! May 13, 2012

113. communicationstudies.wvu.edu Communication Studies in the News! May 13, 2012
Eberly graduates diverse group of scholars
Eberly College of Arts and
Sciences, Undergraduates
BY ALEX LANG
The Dominion Post
It‟s truly a hodgepodge. History, English, women‟s studies,
biology, psychology, forensic and investigative science,
religious studies, and a host of other majors all under one WVU umbrella.
On Sunday, students in those programs had one thing in common. They graduated from the
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The college is the largest and most subject-diverse on
WVU‟s campus.
“It was the best,” Lindsay Satryan said about her time at WVU. “It really was.”
The communication studies major said she plans to hang around the area for another few
months while her boyfriend finishes his class work.
After that, they plan to move to San Francisco. Satryan said she would like to work in the film
industry, though she wasn‟t sure exactly what she wanted to do in the production process.
Satryan said WVU wasn‟t her first choice when she applied to college, but now that she‟s
graduated, she couldn‟t imagine herself having gone to a different school.