A-to-Z Index

Health Communication Studies


This concentration prepares students for careers in patient advocacy, health promotion and education, social marketing, health-related public relations, health-related writing, pharmacy sales and health-related advertising. Students will gain strong writing and research skills, project management expertise, leadership and team building, as well as gain knowledge in the areas of interpersonal doctor-patient communication, health campaigns and public health, culture and health, ethics and health and organizational communication.

In addition to the 12 hours of required communication studies courses, students studying health communication must complete the following 18 hours from among the depth requirements. Students are encouraged to enroll in an internship during their junior or senior years.


SCOM 260. Introduction to Public Relations

3

SCOM 261. Public Relations Techniques I: Written

3

SCOM 370. Introduction to Health Communication

3

SCOM 470. Health Communication Campaigns

3

Choose one of the following:

3

SCOM 350. Organizational Communication

 

SCOM 371. Talking through Cases: Ethical Principles and Practices

 

in Communication Studies

 

SCOM 372. Culture and Health Communication

 

Choose one of the following:

3

SCOM 381. Communication Criticism

 

SCOM 383. Communication Research Methodologies

 

SCOM 385. Qualitative Communication Research Methods

 

SCOM 386. Communication Survey Research

 

 

18

Nine additional hours of SCOM elective work must be completed to total 39 hours in the major. Three of these additional hours of SCOM elective work can be selected at the 200 level, but the other six hours must be at the 300 or 400 level and may include an internship.

 

Students' Presentation in Health Communication Class
 
"Be empowered to make a meaningful difference in health care, and in the health of our local, national, and international communities. 
 
Create innovative health campaigns that inspire healthy behavior or improve patient experiences at a hospital or clinic.
 
Enrich your life and the lives of others through the study of health communication."
Dr. Sharlene Richards