Communication Major: Interpersonal Communication Concentration
Why study interpersonal communication at CMU?
The interpersonal communication program at CMU helps students develop a solid background in communication skills, research, and theory. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Small classes and close interaction with instructors
- Faculty with diverse academic backgrounds
- Intercollegiate debate and travel opportunities through the forensics program
- Professional development through internship opportunities with businesses such as Walt Disney World and the Palace of Auburn Hills
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of top executives "including chief executives and general and operations managers" is expected to grow nine to 17 percent.
- Positions in advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales management will grow between 18 and 26 percent.
- College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication skills should have the best job opportunities.
Career options
Graduates of the interpersonal communication program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Account Executive
- Chief Financial Officer
- Claims Representative
- Family Services Supervisor
- Marketing Specialist
- Media Planner
- Operations Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Recruiter
- University Admissions Advisor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Communication Major: Interpersonal Communication Concentration
( Total: 39 semester hours )
(30 hours)
Required Courses
3
COM 251 Foundations of Communication Theory
Basic theories pertaining to spoken symbolic interaction, focusing mainly on the psychological and sociological aspects of interpersonal communication and public address.
3
COM 301 Survey of Research in Communication
An introduction to the research and its methodologies in speech communication. Students will read and write about primary research in the discipline. Prerequisite: a grade of C (2.0) or better in COM 251.
3
COM 353 Small Group Communication
Theories and application of the methods surrounding small-group interaction processes.
3
COM 357 Public Speaking
Theories and techniques for creating public speeches. Designed for students who seek to improve public-speaking skills.
3
COM 361 Interpersonal Communication
Assists the student in understanding the interpersonal communication process and in analyzing barriers to its effectiveness.
3
COM 363 Principles and Types of Interviewing
Study of establishing and achieving communication goals in a variety of formalized interviewing contexts. Emphasis given to question development and interviewing skills.
3
COM 367 Nonverbal Communication
Examines the non-language dimensions of communication in several social settings: dyadic, small group, crosscultural, and subcultural.
3
COM 401 Capstone in Communication
Designed to help students integrate their communication knowledge and develop higher order thinking and interaction skills by applying them to professional and real-world situations. Prerequisites: COM 251, COM 301 with a grade of C or better; COM 353, COM 357, and COM 361; plus 9 more hours toward the COM major; senior status.
3
COM 468 Advanced Interpersonal Communication
Survey of interpersonal communication theories. Focuses on current issues and concepts in the area of interpersonal relationships. Prerequisites: COM 251, COM 301, with a grade of C (2.0) or better; COM 361.
3
COM 562 Family Communication
The study of verbal and nonverbal communication processes, patterns, and problems in the family. The uniqueness of the family system as a communication context is emphasized. Prerequisites: COM 251, 301 with grades of C or better.
Select hours in COM in consultation with the major advisor, at least 3 of these at the 500 level. (No more than 6 hours from COM 464, COM 490, and COM 495 may count toward the major in COM.