B.A. in Communication (Speech)

College: College of Arts and Sciences
Program: Communication (Speech)
See Also: Department of Communication

Program Information

The disciplines of communication are concerned with the processes and effects of human communication in a variety of contexts ranging from interpersonal communication through the mass media. The Department of Communication provides courses of study that develop knowledge and skills in managing face-to-face communication, knowledge about the nature and social functions of the mass media, and the skills necessary for communication careers.

Career Opportunities

The speech major explores the creation, transmission, analysis and impact of differing kinds of spoken messages as they occur among individuals, groups, organizations and cultures. Speech courses examine such areas as interpersonal and nonverbal communication, persuasion and argumentation, rhetorical criticism, public address, communication development and communication disorders. The concepts and skills provided by the major in speech are useful in a wide variety of occupations, including business, law, politics, teaching, the ministry and public relations, that require an understanding of the dynamics of human communication and proficiency in oral expression.

Suggested Schedule of Courses

This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the 2007-2008 Undergraduate Catalog.

This guide is not a substitute for academic advisement – contact your advisement office if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements.  Also see the Undergraduate Catalog for a complete list of requirements and electives to choose from.

Students may choose to attend a summer term to reduce their course load during fall or spring semesters but still stay on track to graduate in four years.

Freshman Year

Term 1
Course Hours
Engl 1101 3
Math 1101 or higher 3
Spch 1000 2
GSU 1010 3
Lab Science "A" 4
Total Hours 15
Term 2
Course Hours
Engl 1102 3
Lang 1002 3
Spch 2050 3
Area B Elective 2
Lab Science "B" 4
Total Hours 15
Freshman Milestones:


Sophomore Year

Term 3
Course Hours
PolS 1101 3
Spch 2500 3
Area B Elective 2
Spch 1500 3
Area E Global Issues Elective 3
Pers 2001, 2002 or Phil 1010 2
Total Hours 16
Term 4
Course Hours
Hist 2110 3
Spch 2650 3
Area C Elective 3
Area D Math/Science Elective 3
Area E Social Science Elective 3
Pers 2001, 2002, or Phil 1010 2
Total Hours 17
Sophomore Milestones:
  • In order to complete your major in 8 semesters, it will be necessary to take six courses (e.g Term 3) at one point.  Otherwise, it is recommended that a student take summer or maymester classes
  • Complete all core requirements
  • Complete all Area F requirements


Junior Year

Term 5
Course Hours
Spch 3050 3
Spch 4400 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Term 6
Course Hours
Spch 4450 3
Area G Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Junior Milestones:
  • Meet with Faculty Adviser
  • Register with Career Services Office


Senior Year

Term 7
Course Hours
Area G Elective 3
Area G Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Term 8
Course Hours
Area G Elective 3
Area G Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Area H Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Senior Milestones:
  • Speech majors are required to take a minor – totaling 15 hours
  • Students must have 39 hours at GSU taken at the 3000/4000 level for residency, and complete 120 hours required for graduation