WELCOME TOC&IS
Many photos in this publication were taken prior to COVID-19 precautionary measures.
FIND YOUR HOME AT C&IS
Scan to join the most popular student organization in C&IS, the Capstone Communication Student Society (CCSS)! Parents, Capstone Communication Society (CCS) is just for you. Scan to learn more and join.
And connect with C&IS online cis.ua.edu / @UACCIS
OUR STORY IN NUMBERS With more than 23,000 alumni and 3,000 current students, the College of Communication and Information Sciences family is growing and improving all the time, and we are glad you have decided to be a part of it!
No matter where you go after leaving college life, you’ll have connections.
You can find C&IS alumni all over the world and at amazing companies such as Google, Time-Warner, ESPN and many more. For a C&IS graduate, the possibilities are endless. We are excited you are allowing us to be part of your journey. The future of the College is even brighter as we continue to evolve with the industry. We are so proud of what C&IS has to offer you. C&IS is more than a set of majors. It’s a place for you to create your story and become a global leader in communication, media and information.
23,000+ 3,000+
students are taught by 100+ full-time faculty members and 40+ part-time instructors who just last year published more than 300 books and scholarly articles on a wide range of topics.
225,000+ 500+ + 20 ORGANIZATIONS in which students can get involved in the College
graduates make up the C&IS international alumni network.
dollars are awarded to our students annually through 160 C&IS dedicated scholarships.
internships at media or professional organizations are completed by students each year.
4 PROFESSIONAL
MEDIA PARTNERS are housed in our Digital Media Center in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
3 DEGREE LEVELS
are offered including 5 undergraduate degree programs, 5 master’s degree programs and 1 doctoral degree program
WVUA 23, ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO, THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC TELEVISION and CRIMSON TIDE PRODUCTIONS
INFORMATION BASED ON 2020-2021 YEAR
ABOUT A MAJOR IN
ADVERTISING
Reese Phifer 412 / 205.348.7158 / apr.ua.edu
Advertising is the creative expression of strategic, persuasive communication. As a marketing function, it focuses on the promotion of products, services, companies, organizations and ideas through paid media space. Magazines, newspapers, television, radio, outdoor/transit and the internet are all examples of advertising media. Advertising students develop and hone critical and creative thinking skills. They acquire an understanding of the intended audience for persuasive communication and create messages that resonate, using both practical and theoretical knowledge.
>>> CAN I SPECIALIZE?
Advertising students may pursue a general advertising degree or apply for admission to the creative specialization. Students in the creative specialization, Minerva, can work toward becoming either an art director or a copywriter and concentrate an extensive amount of coursework toward building their portfolio. Other courses offered in the creative specialization hone specific skills and include art direction, software applications courses, copywriting, and digital and social media.
The skills students learn in this program include the ability to: > Conduct research to measure program needs > Gain audience insight > Develop program-quantifiable objectives and focused strategies > Implement state-of-the-art tactics > Cultivate the tools to measure a program’s return on investment
>>> HOW DO I FINISH IN 4 YEARS?
This degree operates as a four-phase plan. Each phase must be completed before a student can take the courses in the next phase. Although there are multiple ways this can be accomplished, generally students who desire to complete the plan in four years have a course plan like this:
FIRST YEAR APR 221: Intro. to Advertising or APR 241: Intro. to Advertising & PR CIS 250: Intro. to Design Software MC 101: Intro. to Mass Communication APR 290: Intro. to Channels and Messaging CIS 260: Intro. to Media Research Software JCM 103: Mechanics of Media Writing
SECOND YEAR APR 280: Intro. to Audience Analysis APR 302: Strategic Thinking APR 300: Basic Principles of Design or APR 325: Social and Digital Media EC 110: Principles of Microeconomics
facebook.com/AlabamaAPR / @BamaAPR
>>> WHERE COULD I WORK?
advertising agencies / creative boutiques / nonprofit organizations / communication & marketing departments of companies / government agencies
>>> WHAT KINDS OF JOBS COULD I DO?
account planner / account manager / copywriter / art director / media buyer/seller & planner / graphic designer
>>> WHERE DO OUR ALUMNI WORK?
Break The Floor Productions / Calise Partners / Dell / eclipse / Gartner / HoverBird Media / Insight Global / Luckie & Company / McComm Group / Moxie / MP&F Public Relations / nThrive / o2ideas / OtterBase / Rock Paper Scissors / Southwest Airlines / Staples / Surgical Information Systems / Targetbase / The Engine Group / The Social-Bee / WeWork
THIRD YEAR APR 422: Channel Planning APR 423: A+PR Management APR/MC 400-level Elective APR/MC 400-level Elective
>>> WHAT IS MAKING ADVERTISING AMAZING?
Advertising students have been doing great work both inside and outside the classroom. Recent student achievements include winning ADDYs at the American Advertising Awards on both the local and district level and being selected for inclusion in the One Club for Art & Copy’s Creative Week events in New York City. Professor Mark Barry was named Educator of the Year by district seven of the American Advertising Federation. After competing with seven other schools in the southeast, the Alabama student advertising competition team took second place at the district-level National Student Advertising Competition. In 2021, a C&IS student was named to the American Advertising Federation’s list of 50 Most Promising Multicultural Students.
MEET SYDNEY: As a member of the department’s creative advertising specialization, Minerva, Sydney Pellegrini won four local ADDYs and one district ADDY from the AAF American Advertising Awards and her work was a finalist in the One Show’s Young Ones international competition. She also worked on the creative team for UA Dance Marathon and served the College as a C&IS Ambassador.
FOURTH YEAR APR 451: Business for Strategic Communicators or APR 452: Ethics and Professionalism or APR 453: Investigation and Insights or MC 401: Mass Media Law APR 424: Advertising Campaigns
All advertising students learn to weave their skills together in an advertising campaigns class as their last course prior to graduation. Recent campaign clients included BMW, Fox Sports and the Country Music Association.
ABOUT A MAJOR IN
COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Students in communication studies develop an integrated skill set in oral and written communication that prepares them to be competent communicators in a wide variety of professions. Cooperation, negotiation and mutual understanding are the cornerstones of successful interpersonal relationships in work, at home and in the community. Majors in communication studies develop the intellectual and critical skills needed to analyze, evaluate and critique social issues and human communication practices in a variety of contexts.
MEET CHEYENNE: After taking CIS 100, a personal and academic transition course for incoming C&IS freshmen students, Cheyenne Hayes was motivated to become a C&IS Peer Leader through the Office of First Year Experience. In this role, she provides mentoring and leadership for C&IS freshmen.
>>> HOW DO I FINISH IN 4 YEARS?
Communication studies offers a flexible plan of study. Students are required to take a foundations course (COM 100 or 101), two oral performance courses, one methods/analysis course (COM 300 or 310), two 100/200-level courses, five 300/400-level courses and a Capstone Seminar course. Generally, students who desire to complete the plan in four years have a course plan like this:
Reese Phifer 203 / 205.348.5995 / comstudies.ua.edu
>>> HOW CAN I FOCUS MY STUDIES?
Communication studies students may pursue a general plan of study or concentrate on one of the following areas: > Rhetoric and Public Discourse: Focuses on argumentation, the effective construction and critical analysis of persuasive public messages and the role of rhetoric in constructing, sustaining or changing the political, social, cultural or legal order. > Communication and Culture: Explores the influence of rhetoric and visual communication on individuals, communities and the larger social world. > Interpersonal Communication: Examines knowledge and skills vital to successful communication in organizational, group, family and other interpersonal settings. > Organizational Leadership: Develops communication leadership skills for small groups and organizations, and emphasizes diversity and ethics.
FIRST YEAR COM 100: Rhetoric & Society or COM 101: Principles of Human Comm. 3 hours Oral Performance Course 3 hours COM 100/200-level elective*
SECOND YEAR COM 300: Human Communication Research or COM 310: Rhetorical Criticism 3 hours Oral Performance Course 3 hours COM 100/200-level elective*
>>> WHERE COULD I WORK?
healthcare companies / law firms / state or federal government agencies / human resources departments / higher education institutions / nonprofit organizations
>>> WHAT KINDS OF JOBS COULD I DO?
educator / minister / sales representative / politician / publicist / political reporter / speech writer / public relations manager / campaign manager / development officer / social work counselor
>>> WHERE DO OUR ALUMNI WORK?
1 OAK / Aetna / Allergan / Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. / Bankers Life / Calculated Hire / Dell / Disney / EdR Collegiate Housing / Hardesty Homes / Lambs Ears LTD / Mott MacDonald Engineering / Power Digital Marketing / 102.5 FM Pulse / Snapsheet / United Airlines / Vatican Museum
THIRD YEAR 9 hours COM 300/400-level electives*
>>> WHAT ARE COM STUDIES STUDENTS DOING?
Students in communication studies are involved across the College and the University by proactively using their major outside of the classroom. Recently, COM students: > Connected the hearing and Deaf communities through DEAF Hands Speak, a student organization founded to promote language and cultural education, community service and partnership with other organizations > Led the establishment of a campus chapter of International Justice Movement, a global organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking > Engaged in ministry-related or outreach activities, from building houses in Central America to conducting urban outreach in American cities such as Houston and Los Angeles > Participated in the Teach For America program, a highly selective civic service agency, after graduation.
Considering law school in a few years? Communication studies is a great choice for you! The coursework covers relevant topics such as rhetoric, public speaking and debate.
FOURTH YEAR 6 hours COM 300/400-level electives* COM 499: Capstone Seminar
The Capstone Seminar (COM 499) is taken after foundation and methods courses and gives advanced students an opportunity to integrate and synthesize what they have learned in the communication studies major.
*Electives may be chosen in or across the areas of emphasis offered within the department: Rhetoric & Public Discourse, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Leadership or Communication & Culture.
ABOUT A MAJOR IN
CREATIVE MEDIA
Reese Phifer 490 / 205.348.7155 / jcm.ua.edu
Whether creating short films, scripted television, documentaries or sports content, students learn the skills needed to tell stories in the most effective way possible. Creative media majors learn the art, craft and technical skills necessary to create media and work in various industry settings.
MEET RHIANNA: Rhianna Israni served as part of both the publicity and programming team for Black Warrior Film Festival, a student-produced, annual showcase of student films and emerging talent from college students across the South. As a student producer for UA’s Center for Public Television, she produced multiple television commercials for local organizations.
>>> HOW DO I FINISH IN 4 YEARS?
Creative media majors have the benefit of arranging their course load to customize their collegiate experience. With a variety of electives available in film writing, scene directing, producing, documentary studies, post production and multicamera production, students can tailor their studies to match their interests. Generally, students who desire to complete the plan in four years have a course plan like this:
>>> CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY STUDIES?
Students in creative media can choose from six optional areas, based on their interests: > Screenwriting: Emphasizes skills and theory of writing for television or film productions > Directing: Emphasizes videography and scene directing for films and videos > Producing: Emphasizes skills for production management including professional software for budgeting and pitching films and television > Documentary: Emphasizes production, storytelling and creating content for documentaries > Post Production Tools: Emphasizes video and audio editing skills > Multicamera Production: Emphasizes production and digital content for multi-camera events
FIRST YEAR JCM 100: Introduction to Story JCM 102: Fundamentals of Media Tech. JCM 103: Mechanics of Media Writing JCM 112: Motion Picture History & Criticism JCM 202: Intro to Post Production
SECOND YEAR JCM 201: Intro. to Media Production JCM 212: Film & Media Theory for Majors JCM Concept Elective (3 hours) JCM 350 Advanced Videography or JCM 351 Videography for Digital Content
Concept Electives include: Critical Study of Television; International Cinema; Seminar in American Cinema; Gender, Music and Pop Culture; and Film Festivals and Indy Cinema
facebook.com/UAJCM / @UA_JCM
>>> WHERE COULD I WORK?
Social media agencies / multi-media firms / production studios / corporate communication firms / video game companies / social media companies / independent film start-ups
>>> WHAT KINDS OF JOBS COULD I DO?
Writer / director / producer / director of photography / critic / cinematographer / editor / production manager / camera operator / documentary filmmaker / scriptwriter / professor
>>> WHERE DO OUR ALUMNI WORK?
Sidewalk Film Festival / NBC Universal / Paramount Pictures / Warner Brothers / Sony Pictures / Lionsgate / Entertainment Tonight / Discovery Inc. / Imax / Mob Scene Creative / Revolution Pictures / Gap, Inc. / Industrial Light and Magic / Texas Crew / ESPN / NBC Sports / American Society of Cinematographers Many alumni work in freelance crew positions on television shows and feature films including The Walking Dead (AMC), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CBS), This Is US (NBC), Henry Danger (Nickelodeon), Stranger Things (Netflix) and others.
THIRD YEAR First Course of Two-Course Sequence JCM 300/400-level electives (6 hours) Second Course of Two-Course Sequence
>>> WHAT IS MAKING CREATIVE MEDIA AMAZING?
With a wide range of course options, creative media offers something for any student interested in film, media production and beyond. Creative media students have opportunities to gain professional experience both in and out of class and travel to film festivals around the world.
Produced by creative media students in the Digital Media Center, EncoreBama is a music television show designed to provide real-life experience working with live musical acts. The program films in front of a live audience and partners with local bands to bring the magical, musical experience to life. The department also has travel classes to the Sundance Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival and the New Orleans Pitch Perfect Festival. The Center for Public Television (CPT) is a multimedia production and broadcast facility with a history of nearly 60 years in programming production for national and regional public broadcasting. CPT provides opportunities and experiences for students interested in production, broadcasting and new media in the form of unpaid internships and positions.
FOURTH YEAR JCM 467: Representational Ethics in Film & TV JCM 497: Business of Film and Video Capstone Course
Two-Course Sequences include: Film Writing, Scene Directing, Producing, Documentary, Post Production Tools, and Multicamera Production
The Capstone Course is the culminating class for creative media majors, focusing on preparing a final career portfolio for each student. Students can select a specific Capstone Course number based on the prerequisites they’ve chosen throughout their program.
ABOUT A MAJOR IN
NEWS MEDIA
Reese Phifer 490 / 205.348.7155 / jcm.ua.edu
News media focuses on gathering, analyzing and communicating information in a meaningful way to tell stories through words, images and data. Students learn skills shaped by age-old journalism practices, as well as methods which prepare them for today’s fast-paced digital and networked media. News media blends academics with professional practice. In classes, laboratories and campus media, news media emphasizes knowledge, values and skills such as teamwork; First Amendment rights; effective writing; compelling storytelling; accurate reporting; detailed editing; eye-catching presentation; and racial, ethnic and cultural diversity.
MEET ERICA: Erica Wright was a contributing writer for UA’s student newspaper, The Crimson White. She gained further experience for her future in news media as a content intern for both The Birmingham Times and Tuscaloosa News.
>>> HOW DO I FINISH IN 4 YEARS?
With a variety of electives available in management and entreprenuership, public affairs reporting, specialized writing, virtual journalism and digital news, news media majors have the benefit of tailoring their studies to match their interests. Generally, students who complete the degree in four years have a course plan like this:
>>> CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY STUDIES?
Students who major in news media have the option of focusing on the following areas: > Digital News: Emphasizes broadcast and digital news writing and producing > Visual Journalism: Emphasizes photo, video and design skills for news stories > Specialized Writing: Emphasizes writing and depth reporting for magazines, and longer feature stories > Public Affairs Reporting: Emphasizes investigative and multimedia journalism > Management and Entrepreneurship: Emphasizes news media management and development of innovative journalism Students can also declare a concentration in Sports Media.
FIRST YEAR JCM 180: Journalistic Principles and Practices JCM 103: Mechanics of Media Writing MC 101: Intro to Mass Communication JCM 102: Fundamentals of Media Tech. JCM 303: News Writing and Reporting
SECOND YEAR JCM 331: Introduction to Electronic Reporting JCM 315: Adv. News Writing and Reporting or JCM 325 Sports Writing and Reporting JCM 300/400-level elective First Course of Two-Course Sequence
Two-Course Sequences include: Digital News, Visual Journalism, Specialized Writing, Public Affairs Reporting, Management and Entrepeneurship
facebook.com/UAJCM / @UA_JCM
>>> WHERE COULD I WORK?
>>> WHAT IS MAKING NEWS MEDIA AMAZING?
>>> WHAT KINDS OF JOBS COULD I DO?
Students work closely with the WVUA 23 newsroom at UA’s Digital Media Center, located in the North End Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Students often graduate with on-air experience as part of their portfolio.
magazines / websites / digital publications / newspapers / television stations / radio stations / wire services / sports organizations / nonprofit organizations
reporter / editor / digital content director / governmental and political researcher / columnist / photojournalist / media manager / production manager / newsletter editor or publisher
>>> WHERE DO OUR ALUMNI WORK?
ABC 33/40 / Alabama’s 13 / BringFido / New Jersey Superior Courts / North of Boston Media Group / Onsite Safety / Regions / Sain Engineering Associates / Southern Living / The Grit / The Moulton Advertiser / The Post-Searchlight / Time Inc. / U.S. Department of State / Wall Street Journal / Waterman Broadcasting Company / WHNT News 19 / Real Simple / The New York Times / Disney Cruise Lines / ESPN / Buzzfeed / Esquire / TheRinger.com / The Birmingham Times
THIRD YEAR MC 401: Media Law and Regulation JCM Concept Elective JCM 300/400-level elective Second Course of Two-Course Sequence
News media offers a number of courses that allow students to get hands-on experience while learning the basics of journalism in contemporary society.
C&IS students utilize the UA Office of Student media to gain valuable experience working on campus-wide publications such as the Crimson White, Alice Magazine and Marr’s Field Journal. In 2020, C&IS student Tionna Taite founded Nineteen FiftySix Magazine, UA’s first Black-student-led magazine, to celebrate and focus on Black culture, Black excellence and Black student experiences at the University of Alabama. Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities so they can learn firsthand about the development and evolution of the news cycle. The department has strong connections with professional news outlets where students may complete internships, including an ongoing relationship with The Tuscaloosa News that accepts interns every semester.
FOURTH YEAR JCM 493: Ethics and Diversity in Media JCM 499: Capstone Course
Concept Electives include: News Analysis; Global Media Systems; Media Effects; History of Mass Communications; Race, Gender and the Media; and Contemporary Issues in Sports Media
The Capstone Course is the culminating class for news media majors in which students focus on preparing a final career portfolio. Students select a specific Capstone Course number based on the prerequisite courses chosen throughout the course of their degree.
ABOUT A MAJOR IN
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Reese Phifer 412 / 205.348.7158 / apr.ua.edu
Public relations is a proactive, strategic function that strives to mesh the interests of an organization and its audiences. Public relations professionals build and maintain relationships that are essential to the organization’s success by applying strategic thinking and effective writing. PR students will learn: > The role of PR in a diverse, global marketplace > The four-step PR process of research, program planning, communication and evaluation > The strategies in PR to achieve program objectives > The multimedia tactics required to implement PR programs in a digital environment
>>> CAN I SPECIALIZE?
Public relations students may pursue a general public relations degree, or they may declare the following as a specialization: > Technological and digital: Emphasizes digital and social media, and maximizing marketing trends online
MEET CONNER: PR student Conner Mayheu was a member of the first-ever CAMP Leadership Team. He also served as the Chief Justice for the Academic Honor Council and was part of the Accelerated Master’s program (AMP).
>>> HOW DO I FINISH IN 4 YEARS?
Because of the comprehensive nature of the curriculum, PR students must complete phases in sequence, without any deviation. Generally, students who desire to complete the plan in four years have a course plan like this:
FIRST YEAR APR 231: Intro. to Public Relations or APR 241: Intro. to Advertising and PR CIS 260: Intro. to Media Research Software MC 101: Intro. to Mass Communication APR 280: Intro. to Audience Analysis APR 290: Intro. to Channels and Messaging CIS 250: Intro. to Design Software JCM 103: Mechanics of Media Writing
SECOND YEAR APR 300: Basic Principles of Design or APR 325: Social and Digital Media APR 303: Strategic Thinking JCM 303: News Writing and Reporting
facebook.com/AlabamaAPR / @BamaAPR
2020 MOST OUTSTANDING EDUCATION PROGRAM by PRWeek
>>> WHERE COULD I WORK?
>>> WHAT IS MAKING PR AMAZING?
>>> WHAT KINDS OF JOBS COULD I DO?
The PR undergraduate program has consistently ranked among the top five programs in the nation according to PRWeek (#1 in 2020!). Students enjoy a variety of resources and involvement opportunities in the department. Housed on UA’s campus, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations is the leading international resource for practitioners, educators and students who are passionate about advancing their careers and the public relations profession. The Center sponsors Platform Magazine, a student-run, online publication focused on ethical practice in the PR field.
nonprofit organizations / politics / communication agencies / sports entertainment companies / public relations firms / healthcare entities / travel agencies / state or federal government agencies / transportation, sports, entertainment, education, hospitality or financial industries
community relations / publicist / press secretary / spokesperson / crisis management / event promotion and management / speechwriter / web and social media content manager / communication specialist
>>> WHERE DO OUR ALUMNI WORK?
Chicago Cubs / Poston Communications / Edelman / Burson-Marsteller / Creative Artists Agency / DXTR Creative Group / GCI Health / Femwell Group Health / Frederick Rescue Mission / HOPE International / Hotwire / IBM / Ketchum / Knight Eady / Modo Modo Agency / Morrison Healthcare / New Orleans Pelicans / Ogilvy & Mather / Optimal Networks, Inc. / Pierpont Communications / Southwest Airlines
THIRD YEAR APR 332: Public Relations Writing COM 123: Public Speaking APR/MC 400-Level Elective APR/MC 400-Level Elective
PR students engage in hands-on class projects, such as an on-going partnership with the Secret Meals For Hungry Children program. Over the past 10 semesters, PR students have planned and organized awareness and fundraising events, branded and produced all promotional materials, secured local media coverage, earned more than 2,750 service-learning volunteer hours and raised $100,000 for the organization. Since the 2016-17 academic year, C&IS has had six students finish as top-five finalists in PRWeek’s PR Student of the Year, with three students finishing first overall.
FOURTH YEAR APR 451: Business for Strategic Communicators or APR 452: Ethics and Professionalism or APR 453: Investigation and Insights or MC 401: Mass Media Law APR 433: Public Relations Campaigns
All public relations students will learn to weave their skills together in a campaigns class as their Capstone Course prior to graduation. Recent campaigns clients included BMW, Fox Sports and the Country Music Association.
GETTING STARTED
Planning ahead can help you make the most of every semester.
Students are required to complete 120 hours to graduate. It is recommended that students register for 15 hours (five classes) each semester to stay on an eight-semester graduation track. Additional tuition is charged for each hour after 16 hours (17+ hours) per semester.
REMEMBER: You must maintain at least 12 hours of course work in order to be a full-time student. We suggest you register for an average of 15 hours per semester, leaving yourself room to drop/add courses as necessary.
To earn 120 credit hours, you will take courses in the General Education Core, in your major, in your minor (15-18 hours, generally) and in electives (18-24 hours) of your choice. Your first semester schedule will consist of at least two courses in your major, two courses from the General Education Core and one elective, depending on your program.
MAJOR COURSES ADVERTISING APR 221 or 241 CIS 250 MC 101
COM. STUDIES COM 100 COM 123 COM 220
CREATIVE MEDIA JCM 100 JCM 103 JCM 112
NEWS MEDIA JCM 103 MC 101 JCM 180
PUBLIC RELATIONS APR 231 or 241 CIS 260 MC 101
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE COURSES The Core Curriculum consists of the following requirements: COMPOSITION 6 semester hours of freshman composition (FC) WRITING CORE 6 semester hours in 300-400 level courses approved for the writing (W) designation. Major courses preferred. COMPUTER OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE 6 semester hours of one of the following: • 6 semester hours in courses that are approved for the computer (C) designation • Two semesters in one foreign language (FL) Note : These hours are in addition to the requirements for humanities or mathematics. HUMANITIES, LITERATURE OR FINE ARTS 12 semester hours of courses approved for the humanities, literature, and fine arts (HU, L, & FA) designation to include 3 semester hours of courses approved for the fine arts (FA) designation and 3 semester hours of courses approved for the literature (L) designation* HISTORY AND SOCIAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 12 semester hours of courses approved for the history (HI) and social and behavioral sciences (SB) designation to include 3 semester hours of courses approved for the history (HI) designation and 6 semester hours of courses approved for the social and behavioral sciences (SB) designation* *Students must complete 6 semester hours in either literature or history. Requirements vary by major. Check with your department to confirm which sequence is required. NATURAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS 11 semester hours of courses approved for the natural sciences and mathematics designation (N & MA) to include 8 semester hours of courses approved for the natural sciences (N) designation and 3 semester hours of courses approved for the mathematics (MA) designation. (MATH 110 or higher)
REMEMBER: A course may be used to satisfy only one core requirement. For example: if a course carries a designation for both foreign language (FL) and humanities (HU), it may only be used to satisfy one of the requirements.
SUGGESTED CORE CLASSES: For a complete and detailed list, please visit www.registrar.ua.edu. Click on Core Curriculum Course Listing. FRESHMAN TRANSITION CIS 100 Introduction to C&IS FRESHMAN COMPOSITION EN 101 English Composition I EN 102 English Composition II EN 103 Advanced English Composition* *EN 103 is an accelerated course open to Honors students with minimum scores of 28 ACT Composite or 1350 SAT, or minimum ACT English scores of 30 or SAT Verbal scores of 730.
COMPUTER CIS 250 Introduction to Design Software CIS 260 Intro. to Media Research Software CS 102 Computer Applications CS 202 Web Foundations CS 285 Introduction to Spreadsheet Applications FINE ARTS ARH 151 Introduction to Visual Art ARH 252 Survey of Art I ARH 253 Survey of Art II EN 200 Intro. to Creative Writing MUS 121 Intro. to Listening JCM 112 Motion Picture History & Criticism TH 114 Intro. to Theatre
HISTORY COM REQUIRES A SEQUENCE HY 101 Western Civ. to 1648 HY 102 Western Civ. since 1648 HY 103 American Civ. to 1865 HY 104 American Civ. since 1865 SW 200 History of Social Welfare in the US NATURAL SCIENCE BSC 108 Intro. Biology for Non-Majors I BSC 109 Intro. Biology for Non-Majors II GEO 101 The Dynamic Earth GEO 102 The Earth through Time GY 101 Atmospheric Processes & Patterns GY 102 Earth Surface Processes NEW 243 Interdisciplinary Science SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ANT 100 Intro. to Anthropology ANT 102 Intro. to Cultural Anthropology APR 231 Intro. to Public Relations CJ 100 Intro. Criminal Justice COM 101 Principles of Human Communication COM 220 Interpersonal Communication HD 101 Life Span Human Development JCM 100 Intro. to Story MC 101 Intro. to Mass Communication PSC 101 Intro. to American Politics PY 101 Intro. to Psychology SOC 101 Intro. to Sociology
HUMANITIES AMS 150 Arts and Values COM 100 Rhetoric and Society COM 122 Critical Decision Making COM 123 Public Speaking JCM 200 Journalism and Social Media PHL 100 Intro. to Philosophy REL 100 Intro. to the Study of Religion WS 200 Intro. to Women Studies LITERATURE A+PR REQUIRES A SEQUENCE EN 205 English Literature I EN 206 English Literature II EN 207 World Literature I EN 208 World Literature II EN 209 American Literature I EN 210 American Literature II EN 249 African American Literature I EN 250 African American Literature II
WELCOME TO THE C&IS COMMUNITY C&IS students are global leaders who do the extraordinary.
SCAN TO JOIN CCSS
Get connected and #createyourstory.
Join the Capstone Communication Student Society (CCSS).
Connect to peers and upperclassmen student leaders through a C&IS Freshman Interest Group (FIG).
Join a C&IS student organization that relates to your major.
Meet with your advisor. (Hint: You can find their name in DegreeWorks!)
Attend a college-wide event in the Hub (on the first floor of Reese Phifer).
Follow us on social media (@UACCIS) to get a heads up on these opportunities and more!
C&IS Social Media Keeps You Informed! Follow @UACCIS on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
DO MORE THAN CLASS
With more than 25 student organizations, there’s always something to get involved with in C&IS.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
C&IS is committed to developing ethical student leaders with a variety of skills who will lead with integrity far beyond their time in the College. C&IS offers three College-wide student leadership opportunities where students are either elected by their C&IS peers or selected through an application and interview process.
ACADEMIC HONOR COUNCIL An appellate and judicial body composed of student justices who maintain high ethical and academic standards. Members develop ways to promote academic integrity. Selection is based on an application and essay submission. Advisers & contact: Alyssa Stephens, astephens5@ua.edu C&IS AMBASSADORS Members serve to further the mission of C&IS by providing services, promoting pride and increasing awareness of the College both to internal and external audiences. Ambassadors serve as the official representatives of the College at various events, such as game-day tailgates, recruitment receptions, Board of Visitors meetings and more. Selection is based on an application and interview process each spring. Advisers & contact: Sara Hartley, sahartley1@ua.edu Taylor Urech, teurech@ua.edu STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Composed of C&IS SGA senators, representatives of C&IS student organizations and elected delegates for each major. The Council exists as a network for C&IS students and organizations to connect, collaborate and serve as liaisons between the departments and students. Advisers & contact: Rand Nelson, jrnelson1@ua.edu Litsa Rivers, lerivers@ua.edu
MEET THE SEC: In addition to hosting College-wide social events, the SEC strategically funded initiatives this year for Black Warrior Film Festival, the Academic Honor Council and Capstone Agency.
COLLABORATIVE STUDENT GROUPS
C&IS has several student organizations that are designed for students in multiple majors.
CAPSTONE COMMUNICATION STUDENT SOCIETY (CCSS) This organization promotes the fields of communication and offers members special invitations and VIP access ranging from social activities to prominent speakers in the field of communication. CCSS is open to all C&IS majors and minors for a membership fee. Upon graduation, students can transition their membership into the alumni group, Capstone Communication Society, that follows the same mission. Contact: Tiffanie Bittle, tebittle@ua.edu KAPPA TAU ALPHA National journalism and mass communication honor society. Invitations are issued to juniors, seniors and graduate students in advertising,
public relations, news media and creative media who rank in the top 10 percent of their class. Faculty advisers & contacts: Dianne Bragg, dmbragg@ua.edu Karla Gower, gower@apr.ua.edu PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN COMMUNICATION & BUSINESS Develops successful leaders through networking events, professional etiquette lessons and business literacy seminars. Faculty adviser & contact: Keely Latopolski, klatopolski@culverhouse.ua.edu ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN SPORTS MEDIA (AWSM) The Association for Women in Sports Media assists aspiring sports media professionals in mentorship and networking with women in the sports media industry and provides an avenue for internships, scholarships and career-enhancing opportunities. Faculty adviser & contact: Kenon Brown, brown@apr.ua.edu
MEET INDUSTRY IMMERSION: Just this past year, C&IS offered virtual Industry Immersion trips to San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Birmingham! Students networked with executives from companies such as Ogilvy, People Magazine, NASA, Lewis Communications, Texas Rangers, CNN, Boeing and more!
TRAVEL PROGRAMS
At C&IS, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. With an emphasis on experiential learning and an understanding of the value of cultural immersion, C&IS has travel programs specifically designed for students in the College. C&IS partners with UA Study Abroad to develop courses with travel components that are specifically designed to be taught overseas. While not identical every year, these programs have previously included a weeklong trip to Galway, Ireland where film students participated in the Galway Film Fleadh international film festival; multiple weeks in France as students joined creative professionals from all over the world at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity; and an international magazine production course which captured the rich culture and history of New Zealand. Offered throughout the semester, Industry Immersion helps students launch their careers through participation in professional development and high-powered networking. Originally designed as a travel course, the program recently offered virtual experiences to transport C&IS students around the country to cities such as New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta and more. Many students have secured jobs and internships after participating in a trip. To learn more about the program, visit industry.ua.edu.
MAJOR-RELATED STUDENT GROUPS
Many of our student organizations are aimed at a specific area of study, offering supplemental and experiential learning experience for their members.
APR RELATED
CAPSTONE AGENCY Students research, plan, execute and evaluate communication campaigns as part of their work at this student-run, integrated communications firm that serves clients both on and off campus. Faculty adviser & contact: Teri Henley, henley@apr.ua.edu CAPSTONE ADVERTISING FEDERATION This club is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation. Members must have taken at least one advertising course, be in good academic standing and be interested in an advertising career. Faculty adviser & contact: Mike Little, adfed@apr.ua.edu
MEET THE ALABAMA FORENSIC COUNCIL: With more than 21 national championships, the Alabama Forensic Council is the standard for excellence campus wide. These students regularly place in the top five at the American Forensic Association’s National Individual Events Tournament.
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COUNCIL OF ALABAMA (PRCA) As members of this statewide organization that’s part of the Southern Public Relations Federation, students participate in competitions and annual conferences. Faculty adviser & contact: Matt Wisla, wisla@apr.ua.edu THE PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENT SOCIETY OF AMERICA (PRSSA) This nationally recognized organization’s chapter offers career-building activities, scholarships, mentorship programs and national conferences. Faculty adviser & contact: Tracy Sims, sims@apr.ua.edu. NATIONAL STUDENT ADVERTISING COMPETITION TEAM (NSAC) Juniors and seniors are competitively selected to participate in the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition. Faculty adviser & contact: Jay Waters, waters@apr.ua.edu
MEET BLACK WARRIOR FILM FESTIVAL: This year, Black Warrior Film Festival screened more than 35 student films and hosted discussion panels and workshops led by students and industry pros at its eighth-annual festival.
COM STUDIES RELATED
ALABAMA FORENSIC COUNCIL (AFC) As part of the University’s competitive speech program, members attend regional and national intercollegiate forensic competitions. Thirty scholarships are awarded each year to active students. Faculty adviser & contact: Ben Pyle, bspyle@ua.edu DELTA SIGMA RHO/TAU KAPPA ALPHA This national honor society is for those who have excelled in forensics and have distinguished academic records. Faculty adviser & contact: Ben Pyle, bspyle@ua.edu LAMBDA PI ETA Invitations to join this national communication studies honor society are issued to juniors and seniors in communication studies who rank in the top 10 percent of their class. Faculty adviser & contact: Caroline Parsons, csparsons@ua.edu
MEET CAPSTONE AGENCY: Recognized as one of the best student-run communications firms in the country, Capstone Agency produces client work for brands such as the American Cancer Society and Alabama Power, and currently serves as the agency of record for the Public Relations Student Society of America.
JCM RELATED
BLACK WARRIOR FILM FESTIVAL The Black Warrior Film Festival (BWFF) is a competitive, annual showcase of student films and emerging talent from college students across the South. BWFF is an annual event produced by students, for students. Contact the JCM office for more information: 205-348-7155 THE CAPSTONE ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS (CABJ) Affiliated with a national organization, this club provides information on careers, jobs, internships and scholarships with a focus on minorities. Faculty adviser & contact: Meredith Cummings, mccummings1@ua.edu THE RADIO-TELEVISION DIGITAL NEWS ASSOCIATION (RTDNA) Part of the world’s largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession, this club is open to all UA students. Faculty adviser & contact: Chandra Clark, chandra.clark@ua.edu
THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS (SPJ) This group is open to all students interested in all areas of professional news media regardless of medium. Faculty adviser & contact: Chris Roberts, croberts@ua.edu
USE RESOURCES TO SUCCEED C&IS is home to some of UA’s top resources that help students study, work and create.
THE HUB: This area provides students with collaboration space, private meeting rooms and plenty of comfortable seating with a modern, coffee-shop feel.
COMPUTER LABS
With 14 computer labs, Reese Phifer has more than 200 computers available to C&IS students, including Macs equipped with the latest versions of Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Premiere for design and photo/video editing. The Departments of Advertising and Public Relations, and Journalism and Creative Media also have computer labs dedicated to students for research and assignments.
THE MEDIA WRITING CENTER
The Media Writing Center offers mentoring for students who need extra assistance in their media writing courses. The Center is staffed by graduate and upper-division undergraduate students who have demonstrated a strong writing ability and who have professional media or teaching experience. The Center is located in the C&IS Commons (Reese Phifer 234).
THE SPEAKING STUDIO
UA’s public speaking lab is a place where students and community members go to receive feedback as they practice communication skills critical to their success. The Studio is designed to alleviate the pressure many people feel when faced with a public-speaking situation. The Speaking Studio is located in Reese Phifer 166. To make an appointment, visit speakingstudio.ua.edu.
TISCH STUDENT SERVICES & EXTERNAL RELATIONS Tisch Student Services & External Relations serves the academic needs of C&IS undergraduate students.Tisch is located in Reese Phifer Suite 190.
GET ADVISED
Tisch provides academic advising for all C&IS majors, as well as for undecided students, until they achieve junior status. Advising takes place by appointment throughout the year, and appointments can be made in the Tisch office or online. All students should be advised prior to course registration each fall and spring.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
C&IS awards approximately 160 scholarships each year to incoming freshman and current students. Current students must apply for all departmental scholarships each year by March 1 by completing the general scholarship application through myBama.
SEEK CAREER AND INTERNSHIP COUNSELING
The Career Center at C&IS is dedicated to maximizing career development and career opportunities for both students and alumni of the College. Located in the Hub, the Center can assist with internship and job-search strategies, career planning and more.
PREPARE TO GRADUATE
The C&IS registrar assists by reviewing degree progress (degree audit) and processes degree applications at the end of each term as students graduate.
DIGITAL MEDIA CENTER
C&IS is home to UA’s Digital Media Center (DMC). The DMC is a state-of-the art facility located in Bryant-Denny Stadium, where students gain valuable experience in paid positions, unpaid internships and laboratory work as part of their coursework in C&IS. The DMC is home to Alabama Public Radio, the Center for Public Television, Crimson Tide Productions and WVUA 23.
THE OAKLEY SOCIETY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Oakley Society professional development program provides students with exclusive access to professional development opportunities and events. These opportunities are designed to grow and develop students into professionals, while connecting participants to industry professionals through mentoring relationships. The program is open to juniors and seniors in all C&IS majors.
C&IS COMMONS
C&IS Commons offers library and technology services for students, faculty, staff and alumni of the College. C&IS Commons maintains a collection of books, academic journals, trade magazines, newspapers, course reserves and DVDs. Small group study rooms are available where students may study, research and access computers.
WELCOME HOME
Tuscaloosa, Alabama (205) 348-8599 / cis.ua.edu