Academic
Catalog August 2008 - August 2009 Undergraduate
and Graduate
To earn this degree, complete at least 120 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:
at least 35 units of liberal studies requirements Be aware that you may not use courses with an SC prefix to satisfy these liberal studies requirements.
at least 42 units of major requirements
at least 18 units of minor requirements
elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units
Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject. (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)
Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in ethnic diversity and one in global awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.
Also be aware that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).
In addition, you must meet the following requirements:
You must receive a grade of C or better in all major courses.
at least 21 of the 42 units of major requirements must be at the 300 level or higher.
Normally, you must take at least 21 of your major units at NAU. Any exceptions to this requirement must be approved by a speech communication advisor.
Please refer to the general requirements for all School of Communication degree plans at the beginning of this section.
Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 120 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.
Complete 42 units for this major, including the following 12 units that are common to all emphases:
6-unit communication core: COM 101 and 200
SC 300W, which meets NAU’s junior writing requirement (3 units)
SC 498C, which meets NAU’s senior capstone requirement (3 units)
In addition, you choose one of three emphases—communication studies, organizational communication, or pre-law—in consultation with a speech communication advisor. The remaining 30 units are specific to your emphasis, as we explain in the following sections.
All majors must earn the grade of "C" or better in COM 101, COM 200, their freshman composition required course and their foundation mathematics course.
This emphasis provides you with a general foundation in speech communication. For this emphasis, you complete the following 30 units:
the 12-unit speech communication core: SC 111, 201, 271, and 311
3 units in relational and professional communication from SC 312, 351, 472, 475, and 477
3 units in public communication from SC 361, 365, 460, and 465
3 units in diversity from SC 321, 323, and 424 and COM 301
9 units from the previous three categories or from SC 217 or 314, 408 (up to 3 units), and 414 and COM 305
This emphasis concentrates on communication processes and problem-solving relevant to group and organizational contexts. For this emphasis, you complete the following 30 units:
the 12-unit speech communication core: SC 111, 201, 271, and 311
SC 312, 472, and 477 (9 units)
9 units from SC 217 or 314, 321, 323, 351, 361, 365, 408 (up to 3 units), 414, 424, 460 or 465, and 475, and COM 305
This emphasis prepares you for the postgraduate study of law. For this emphasis, you complete the following 30 units:
the 12-unit speech communication core: SC 111, 201, 217, and 271
SC 318, 321, and 361 (9 units)
9 units from SC 323, 351, 365, 408 (up to 3 units), 424, 460, 465, 475, and 477 and COM 400
In addition, for this emphasis, you replace the required minor with the following 18 units of pre-law coursework:
CIS 120 (3 units)
COM 301 (3 units)
ENG 302W (pre-law section) (3 units)
PHI 223 (3 units)
POS 110 (3 units)
POS 445 or 446 (3 units)
Complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that’s appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
However, please note that if you choose the pre-law emphasis, you complete 18 units described under that emphasis rather than completing a minor.
Please note that with your major adviser’s approval, you may complete a 15-unit certificate program plus 3 additional units of coursework in place of a minor.
You must satisfy the university domestic and global diversity requirements if they have not been met in your other courses.
Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)
Please note that you may take SC 408 in your final two years before graduation, after completing at least 89 units toward your degree. However, you must apply to and receive prior approval from our speech communication faculty members, and we reserve the right to deny approval based on our assessment of your preparation and competence. You may apply up to 3 units of SC 408 toward your major requirements.
Click here for more information about Speech Communication undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and faculty.