+ Interpersonal Communication

School of Communication Studies
302 West Hall, 419-372-8349

The Department of Interpersonal Communication's mission is to generate and share knowledge about human communication in a variety of social contexts and to teach applications for ethical and effective interaction in personal and professional settings. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in organizational settings as well as advanced studies. We offer courses covering a variety of contexts in which human communication occurs. The ability to communicate well is continually identified by employers as a key factor involved in decisions about hiring and advancement. A student in the department will gain background in communication theory, professional development, social responsibility, and critical thinking and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in interpersonal communication are expected to:

• Recognize the importance of communication across disciplines and professions;
• Understand core communication theories and concepts and apply them in their daily lives;
• Evaluate communication research studies critically;
• Demonstrate communication skills for a wide variety of contexts (interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, international) and purposes (informing, persuading, initiating and maintaining relationships);
• Research, develop, organize and deliver effective and ethical written and oral presentations.

Major, Bachelor of Arts (36 hours) — minor required — click for 2008-2009 course requirements

Minor (24 hours)

• IPC 102, 201 (6)
• THFM 202 or TCOM 103 (3)
• IPC electives (15) (excluding IPC 199, 399, 489, 490, or 491)

Major, Bachelor of Arts in Communication (48 hours) — click for 2008-2009 course requirements
In addition to satisfying the degree requirements of the B.A.C., students in IPC must complete a minimum of eight three-hour IPC courses (24 hours) selected in consultation with their advisor. They must earn a C or better in each elective IPC course counted toward the major. Credit for intercollegiate forensic activities, internships, independent studies, and independent readings may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Additionally, each student must complete a career focus (24 hours) with a grade of C or better in each course taken as part of the career focus. The specific courses used to fulfill the career focus must define an occupational area. Career foci have been developed in communication research, culture, international communication, organizational communication, performance studies, pre-law, pre-ministry, promotions and advertising, sales communication, and social services. Students may also design their own career focus with the approval of their advisor and the department. Students may include one course for their major in groups IV, V, or VI.

Students enrolled in the IPC B.A.C. major must earn a grade of C or better in each Group I course to remain in the program. Students must also complete IPC 102 before they can take most other IPC courses. Students must also complete IPC 201 before they can take most 300- and 400-level courses. These requirements apply to majors and non-majors on the main campus, with the exception of communication majors in the Colleges of Education and Human Development and BGSU Firelands, unless they seek admission to the IPC program on the main campus.