Speech Communication

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Laurie Arliss, Professor and Chair

Speech communication focuses on how, why, and with what effects people communicate through spoken language and associated nonverbal messages. Just as politics majors are concerned with political behavior and economics majors with economic behavior, the student of speech communication is concerned with communicative behavior. A major in speech communication develops competence in theoretical analysis and practical implementation of communication. He or she develops skills in small group, public, and interpersonal communication, and probes such varied topics as leadership, argument, cultural variations, and social change.

Requirements for Honors in Speech Communication

Departmental honors are awarded based on a senior project done under the sponsorship of a faculty member and its successful defense in an oral examination conducted by a faculty committee. A cumulative GPA of 3.50 is required. Students must propose the project by the end of the penultimate semester before graduation and must complete it by the middle of the semester they plan to graduate.

Forensics Program

The forensics program and its organization, the Forensics Association, enable students to gain experience in all forensics activities. The association strives to promote the highest standards of oral argument and other communication skills. It sponsors events on campus and represents the College at intercollegiate events. Ithaca College is home to the New York State Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Delta, the national honorary forensics society. Contact the director of forensics for more information.

Requirements for the Major in Speech Communication - B.A.

Credits in the major

Select 12 credits in applications in speech communication

Select 6 credits in theories of speech communication

Select 3 credits in research methods in speech communication

Select 6 credits of electives in speech communication

At least 3 credits must be at level 3 or 4, and 1 credit must be taken at level 4.

Unrestricted electives

Speech communication majors have 75 elective credits, but they are encouraged to elect at least one 18-27 credit sequence outside the department as a minor concentration or cognate area. No more than two grades below a C (2.00) will be accepted in courses toward fulfilling requirements of the major.

Minor in Speech Communication

A minor concentration in speech communication is offered to provide opportunities for students to develop a systematic knowledge of the discipline. Minors must be declared through consultation with the departmental chair. Minor advisers will guide students in course selection.

Requirements for the minor in speech communication