The Department of Communication has completed work on a brand new curriculum, which will be phased in over the next year and fully in place when USU switches from quarters to the semester system in Fall 1998.

"We are excited about our new course offerings," said Department Head Ted Pease. "While we still will offer our traditional strengths, in hands-on journalism, we are adding completely new concentrations in two areas -- PR and media studies -- that we think will attract a lot of new students."

The new curriculum plan includes new required and elective courses in online journalism and interactive media, as well as new courses in media criticism. Students may select one of four concentration areas: broadcasting and electronic media; media studies; print journalism, or public relations/corporate communications.

All state colleges and universities in Utah will make the transition to the semester system in Fall 1998, and the new curriculum plan will be in place when that happens, Pease said.

COM majors currently must complete 47-51 credits in the major as part of the 186 credits required for graduation on the quarter system. Under the semester system, 120-126 semester credits will be required for graduation, including 30-36 in communication.

Click here to view the the new degree requirements for the COM major, along with a listing of all the courses that will be offered in each concentration area.