Communication at UWF on the Emerald Coast
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Minor in Communication may be fully obtained at UWF on the Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication prepares students to build successful careers in today’s communication professions. The curriculum reflects today’s communication workplace, integrating classroom instruction with hands-on learning, client-based projects and internship opportunities.
As a transfer student, completion of the B.A. in Communication is possible at UWF on the Emerald Coast within two years through a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction, online instruction and videoconferencing.
Courses are offered in advertising, public relations, journalism, speech and social media, with an emphasis on public relations, taught by professionals with years of industry experience as well as faculty with doctoral degrees who provide a theoretical underpinning to the coursework. The program offers flexible schedules to accommodate students from diverse walks of life, including the military service, the healthcare professions, and countless other fields that demand first-rate communication skills in order to succeed.
Quicklinks
Contact
- Laura Kirby
Department of Communication
UWF on the Emerald Coast - Building 4, Room 456
- 850.314.6909
- lkirby@uwf.edu
Finish here. Finish strong.
It doesn't matter why you stopped. It matters that you finish. We know that life can get in the way, and our faculty at UWF Emerald Coast can help you finish what you started with high-impact, hands-on, concierge-style learning environments that can help you fulfill your dream of a bachelor's degree in Communications.
Resources
Potential Courses
Below are some potential courses that may be offered on the UWF Emerald Coast. Please consult the UWF Course Search feature upon registration.
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: ENC 1101 AND ENC 1102
This introductory course exposes students to writing for communication professions such as advertising, public relations, and journalism. Students strengthen grammar and develop the writing skills necessary for specific forms of writing. Students will explore various types of writing such as newswriting, public relations writing, and advertising copy. Students will become familiar with Associated Press Style. Meets Gordon Rule Writing Requirement.
JOU 3100 News Reporting
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: COM 2713 AND ENC 1101 AND ENC 1102
This course will serve as an introduction to the world of news reporting, both print and online. Students will get a taste of what journalists do daily: generate story ideas, develop sources, conduct interviews, write, edit, rewrite and edit again. The course also will provide an overview of media law, media ethics and Associated Press style.
PUR 4407 Managing Media Relations
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: PUR 3000 OR COM 3003
The ability to communicate effectively with the media on behalf of an organization is an essential skill for public relations professionals. Techniques and guidelines are provided for the role of organizational media relations manager with emphasis on the spokesperson. An overview of media needs, including communication planning, tips and techniques, and common pitfalls of organizational media relations programs. A considerable portion of the course requires students to participate as spokespersons in various scenario-based, video-tapped exercises.
PUR 3100 Writing for Public Relations
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: JOU 2100
Develops professional-level writing skills expected of beginning public relations practitioners. Students practice writing for different audiences and media, such as preparing memos, letters, new releases, crisis communication plans, features, media kits, speeches and newsletters.
COM 2203 Communication Dynamics
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
This course provides a theoretical foundation for understanding communication in the workplace, personal relationships, and mediated environments. Students will master the basics of conflict management, listening, nonverbal communication, strategic use of language, interviewing, leadership, teamwork, and intercultural communication. The course provides a foundation for advance-level studies in communication and helps students master communication proficiencies essential to success in professional and personal life.
COM 4301 Communication Research
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
This course will examine primary and secondary research methods useful to comprehensive communication investigation and integrated public relations/advertising campaigns.
PUR 4400 Crisis Public Relations
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: PUR 3000 OR COM 3003
Examines crisis public relations planning, preparation, and execution. Focus is on assessment of risk, types of crises, role of and interaction with the media and other publics. Cases are examined to apply what is learned to examples of actual organizational crises. An "ask-the-expert" discussion series presents crisis communication as it relates to corporate, not-for-profit, education, and national-level government public relations.
COM 4103 Leadership Communication
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Promotes leadership development through study of leadership theory and concepts and practical application of leadership laboratory experience. Based on a servant leader philosophy, focuses on building leadership competencies in interpersonal communication, public presentations, team building, working in multicultural environments, mentoring, problem solving and influence strategies used in interpersonal and public forums to bring about community and organizational change. Leadership skill-building opportunity to all participants. Credit may not be received in both COM 4103 and COM 4103C.
PUR 4801 Public Relations Campaigns
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: (COM 3003 OR PUR 3000) AND (PUR 3100)
A capstone course focusing on applying communication and public relations research and theory for a real client. Provides a thorough experience in conducting public relations and integrated communications campaigns and in preparing communication materials. Working in teams, students prepare and conduct the research, planning, implementation and evaluation of an actual campaign for a client. An advanced course requiring full understanding of public relations theory, writing, techniques and research methods. Credit may not be received in both PUR 4801 and PUR 4802.
PUR 4930 Current Issues and Trends in Public Relations
Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Communication
3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: (COM 3003 OR PUR 3000) AND (PUR 3100)
Focuses on a range of current issues facing the public relations profession from a theoretical and practical perspective. Exploration of selected topics such as emerging trends in the use of technology, diversity and multiculturalism, increased use of social media, and environmental issues impacting the organization. Senior status within the PR major required.
Program Contact
- Laura Kirby
- Department of Communication
UWF on the Emerald Coast - Bldg 4, Room 456
- (850) 314-6909
- lkirby@uwf.edu
UWF Emerald Coast
UWF on the Emerald Coast is a joint University of West Florida and Northwest Florida State College campus located in Fort Walton Beach.
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