College of Communication and Information Sciences

Established in 1973, The University of Alabama's College of Communication & Information Sciences began life as the School of Communication, becoming the College of Communication in 1988. In 1997, when the College merged with the School of Library and Information Studies (established 1969), it was renamed the College of Communication & Information Sciences. The College offers five undergraduate majors including advertising, communication studies, creative media, news media, and public relations. The College offers six undergraduate minors including advertising and public relations, communication studies, creative media, leadership communication, news media, and sports media. The College also offers undergraduate courses in Book Arts and Information Sciences.

General Degree Requirements

Students should refer to the Admissions section of this catalog for information about advanced placement, CLEP credit, CLEP subject examinations, junior college credit and transfer credit (the College of Communication & Information Sciences has final authority in decisions concerning the possible application of junior college credit and other college credit toward a student’s degree requirements). Information about academic bankruptcy, application for degree, class-hour load restrictions, concurrent enrollment, core curriculum requirements, drop/add, the pass/fail option, and second bachelor’s degrees can be found in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

In order to earn the bachelor of arts in communication degree, students must satisfy the following requirements:

Hours and Grade Point Average

All students with an undergraduate major in the College of Communication & Information Sciences must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. The total hours for graduation must include the coursework specified in this catalog under the heading for the appropriate major department.

To be eligible for graduation, all students must have an overall and University of Alabama grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in the major and in the minor.

Grade Requirements for Courses in the Major

A student must have grades of C- or higher in all required and elective courses counted toward an undergraduate major requirements in the College of Communication & Information Sciences. In addition, grades of C- or higher must be earned in all required ancillary courses, including those established as prerequisites for courses in the major as well as those required directly in the major.

Students should always check with their major department or Tisch Student Services & Engagement for specific policies pertaining to a particular department or program.

Residence in the College and in the Major and Minor

While enrolled in the College of Communication & Information Sciences, students must earn a minimum of 30 hours at The University of Alabama. A minimum of 12 hours in each major and six hours in each minor must be earned at the 300- or 400-level in residence.

Independent Study by Correspondence

Credit earned by correspondence courses may not exceed 25 percent of the coursework required by the University for graduation.

Attendance Policies

Students are expected to attend all classes. Specific course attendance policies are fully explained by the professors in their course syllabi.

Policy on Prerequisites and Co-requisites

College of Communication & Information Sciences students must satisfy all course and grade prerequisites and all course co-requisites, including grades of C- or higher in all required and elective courses counted toward the undergraduate major requirements. A student who fails to satisfy prerequisites and co-requisites before enrolling in a course may be administratively dropped from that course on or before the first day of classes. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to drop a course when the specified prerequisites or co-requisites have not been met.

Policy on Auditing Courses

A student who is registered for 12–18 hours may audit one course, but the student may not take tests or a final examination in the audited course. No credit is earned by auditing courses.

Policy on Repeating Courses

Undergraduate students have a maximum of three attempts at completing each required course for the major with a grade of C- or higher, excluding withdrawals. If the third attempt is unsuccessful, the student will not be allowed to register for a fourth attempt without permission from the college. If that permission is not granted, the student will be unable to continue in their chosen major.

More information regarding the University Repeat Course policy can be found here: http://catalog.ua.edu/undergraduate/about/academic-regulations/records/grades-grade-points-gpa/

Hours in the Major

Students majoring in advertising or public relations must complete no fewer than 37-42 hours, depending on the major. Students majoring in news media and creative media must complete no fewer than 43 hours in the major. Students majoring in communication studies must complete no fewer than 36 hours in the major. The student must satisfy the major requirements of one of the College's departmental programs (advertising, communication studies, creative media, news media, or public relations). The maximum number of hours in the College of Communication & Information Sciences that may be counted toward the degree varies from department to department.

Minor Requirements

All students in the College of Communication & Information Sciences must complete a minor unless they are pursuing more than one major. C&IS students may choose to select any minor outside of the College. C&IS students may select minors within the College, but no overlap of major and minor classes is permitted. Students are encouraged to speak with their advisor to identify appropriate minor options.

In completing a minor, students are required to fulfill the requirements of the department that offers the minor. All students must complete a minimum of six hours in residence of courses numbered 300 or above in the minor.

All students in the College of Communication & Information Sciences can pursue more than one minor, still adhering to the minor policy above, but they cannot select more than one minor offered by the same department in the College of Communication & Information Sciences. Students also cannot minor both in advertising and public relations and in news media.

Double Majors

Students majoring in advertising, creative media, news media, or public relations may pursue an additional major in communication studies or any department outside the College. Students majoring in communication studies may pursue one additional major in any other department in the College or any other major(s) on campus. The student must meet all of the requirements for the second major that are in effect at the time the second major is declared. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor to develop a plan for a double major. Students who seek multiple degrees (dual degree) must obtain 150 hours and meet the requirements of each degree, including the completion of a minor. Please see the University policy for further information.

Transfer Students

Transferability refers to the conditions under which The University of Alabama accepts credit from other post-secondary institutions for inclusion in the student’s record. It is essential to have transcripts evaluated prior to enrolling in any courses in the College of Communication & Information Sciences.

A transfer student must have earned a grade point average of 2.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) at the institution(s) previously attended. The student must have earned a grade of C- or higher in all transferred courses that are used to satisfy major requirements in the College of Communication & Information Sciences.

Post Graduate Students

A student holding a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning may earn a second bachelor's degree by fulfilling a specific set of requirements at both the College and University level. Please see the University policy for requirements. In addition, the College has specific requirements found under each major/minor. A minor is not required for students seeking a second bachelor's degree in C&IS.

Students in the College of Communication & Information Sciences should meet the general admission requirements of the University. The College has final authority in decisions concerning the possible application of transfer credit and other college credit toward a student’s major or minor requirements.

Declaring a Major and Minor

It is the student’s responsibility to declare a major through the myBama system. If a transferring student has more than 45 hours, the student must also have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and have completed an advising appointment with the designated major advisor in Tisch Student Services & Engagement.

A student with a major in the College of Communication & Information Sciences must choose a minor field of study in any department or area for which that student is eligible. All C&IS students must complete all requirements of their declared minor to graduate from the College.

Honors College

Qualified students in the College of Communication & Information Sciences are encouraged to participate in the Honors College. Complete information is contained in the University Honors College section of this catalog.

Academic Advising

All students with a major in the College of Communication & Information Sciences are assigned an academic advisor in Tisch Student Services & Engagement. It is the student's responsibility to consult with their advisors for assistance selecting and registering for the courses necessary to make reasonable progress, within the time period desired, toward meeting all degree requirements. This responsibility extends to seeing that all prerequisites have been fulfilled before registering for courses that have such requirements.

Those students who need assistance with selecting courses, determining academic progress, or addressing difficulties with coursework may make an appointment with their assigned academic advisors. This assignment is indicated in DegreeWorks.

History and Objectives

The College of Communication & Information Sciences offers undergraduate degrees in advertising, communication studies, creative media, news media, and public relations, as well as master's degrees in advertising & public relations, book arts, communication studies, journalism, and library & information studies, and an interdisciplinary doctoral degree. The College is the only communication unit in the state offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

The College originated from the School of Communication, created on 1 July 1973, by combining the Department of Journalism (founded in 1926) and the Department of Broadcast & Film Communication (founded in 1940) with The University of Alabama Television Services (now The Center for Public Television) in a single administrative unit. The Department of Broadcast & Film Communication was later renamed to the Department of Telecommunication & Film which merged with the Department of Journalism, in 2016, to become the Department of Journalism & Creative Media.

In 1973, its first year, the School of Communication created an additional department, the Department of Advertising & Public Relations, from course sequences that had been offered by the Department of Journalism (now Journalism & Creative Media). University Radio Services (now Alabama Public Radio) was established in 1980, as was the Communication Research & Service Center (now the Institute for Communication and Information Research). On 16 May 1981, the Department of Speech Communication (founded in 1932, now Communication Studies) moved from the College of Arts & Sciences to the School of Communication. The former School of Communication became the College of Communication, on 9 September 1988, by action of the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama, in recognition of the school's expanded role and scope. On 1 July 1997, the College of Communication and the School of Library & Information Studies merged to form the College of Communication & Information Sciences.

The purposes of the College of Communication & Information Sciences are as follows:

  • To offer courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in those specialized areas necessary to prepare students to pursue careers in communication- and information-related areas.
  • To provide students with a broad education that will allow them to become productive and creative citizens in society and leaders in their professions, their communities, and the nation.
  • To encourage students to pursue further formal study and self-education in communication- and information-related areas.
  • To engage actively in research and service.

The College prepares students for careers in the production of public communication, such as in news, media, and film, for professional positions in government, business, and industry that require training in media and communication and for educational positions requiring graduate study in specific areas of communication and information sciences. The College also provides study of the processes of human and mass communication to prepare students to be effective communicators by fostering their abilities to think critically, to express and to advocate their ideas effectively, and to understand and appreciate the diversity of human communication in practice. Supporting the College in these goals are the Digital Media Center, the Alabama Program in Sports Communication, the Holle Center for Communication Arts, the Betsy Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, and the Institute for Communication and Information Research. 

CIS
100
FCMP
Hours
2
Freshman Compass CIS

This course is designed for first-year majors in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. Students will learn about the various CIS majors, student resources and activities, advising, and career education.

Freshman Compass
CIS
200
Hours
1-3
Academic Resiliency

This course is open to students in the College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS). The course is designed to aid students in their academic recovery, promote student success strategies, and assist with balancing academics and goals with challenges.

CIS
250
C
Hours
3
Introduction to Design Software

This class is an active learning introductory skills course to the Adobe CC programs Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Through this class, students will learn the primary skill set for applications used to make professionally designed posters, ads, brochures, newsletters and other documents prevalent in communication. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.

Computer Science
CIS
260
C
Hours
3
Intro to Consumer and Media Research Resources

Intro to Consumer and Media Research Resources introduces the essential research tools professionals use in several fields to help them make better decisions. This would include political science, advertising, public health, human resources, marketing, and public relations professionals. The course has four primary modules — an introduction to basic research concepts and terms, an introduction to presentation software (PowerPoint) and spreadsheet software (Excel), initial hands-on experience with fundamental consumer and media research tools, and exposure to the concept of data storytelling. Computing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course.

Computer Science
CIS
295
SP
Hours
1-3
C&IS Special Topics

Special topics in communication and information sciences. This course may be repeated up to six times for a total of six hours.

Special Topics Course
CIS
495
SP
Hours
1-6
Studies in Communication & Information Sciences

Course content will vary to explore issues in Communication & Information Sciences on an individual or group basis. Content may include timely special topics of importance in various college disciplines as well as independent reading, research, experiences, and/or discussion concerning relevant disciplinary issues and will be detailed in each individual section syllabus. May be repeated as necessary.

Special Topics Course
MC
101
SB
Hours
3
Intro To Mass Communic

Introduction to the fields of communication, including theory, law and regulation, history, social implications, and mass media operations.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
MC
401
Hours
3
Mass Comm Law & Regultn

Study of laws and regulations affecting the mass media and the fields of mass communication. May be taken for graduate credit.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101 with minimum C-; 61 or more hours; GPA 2.0 or better
MC
407
Hours
3
Mass Communic Research

Overview and application of the methods used in quantitative and qualitative mass communication research.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
MC
409
W
Hours
3
History Mass Communctn

Study of the historical development of mass communication. May be taken for graduate credit. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
Writing
MC
413
W
Hours
3
Mass Communication, Service & Diversity

In this service-learning designated class, students study and analyze mass communication issues of diversity as they relate to groups in society. Students work with area partners on projects related to reaching diverse, mass audiences. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
Writing
MC
421
W
Hours
3
Political Communication

The purpose of this course is to explore the general character and dimensions of the cross-disciplinary field of political communication. The principal aim is to familiarize each participant with the literature and propositions surrounding key approaches, methods, and substantive areas of inquiry in political communications. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
Writing
MC
425
W
Hours
3
Media Management

The structure and function of media organizations. The decision-making processes inherent in running complex media businesses. Effective leadership styles. Traditional marketing perspectives applied to media. Laws and regulations that affect media management. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
Writing
MC
426
Hours
3
Race, Gender and Media

This discussion-oriented class examines the mass media through the lenses of race, ethnicity and gender. The course helps future media practitioners be aware of their roles in creating content that reflects increasingly multicultural audiences. Using current, contemporary and classic media texts, students critically analyze media messages and understand the importance of a diverse workforce.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101 and 61 hours
MC
430
Hours
3
Video Games and Media

This course provides a comprehensive overview of video game media as it pertains to students preparing for careers in the entertainment industry, news, creative media, computer programming and related careers. Video games are a globally relevant medium that entertain, educate, inform us; define and are defined by contemporary culture. The course will prepare students for developing projects that can be used as part of their professional portfolios as they prepare for their careers.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
MC
431
Hours
3
Sports & Social Media

This course will focus on the connections and engagement of social media within sports communication. This will include topics such as personal/professional branding, audience analytics, media campaigns and messaging.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101 or JCM 146
MC
446
SP
Hours
3
Contemporary Issues in Sports Media

This course is designed to synthesize work in mass communication to be able to construct and critique arguments about modern sports media issues and controversies.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101 or JCM 146
Special Topics Course
MC
464
Hours
3
Sports Media Research

The purpose of this course is to introduce core sports media research scholarship to make students literate on this research. By the end of the class, students should be able to interpret, critique, and advance knowledge that can be gleaned from sports media researchers.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101 or JCM 146
MC
495
SP
Hours
3
Special Topics

Special topics in mass communication theory and research. May be taken for graduate credit.

Prerequisite(s): MC 101
Special Topics Course

Faculty

Dean
  • Brian S. Butler
Associate Dean for Faculty
  • Andrew C. Billings
Associate Dean of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity
  • Rebecca K. Britt
Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
  • William Evans
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies & Engagement
  • Steven D. Yates
Associate Dean, Communication & Advancement
  • J. Suzanne Horsley
Academic Unit Heads
  • Michael Bruce, Journalism & Creative Media
  • Brooke W. McKeever, Advertising & Public Relations
  • Darrin Griffin, Communication Studies
  • Jamie Campbell Naidoo, Library & Information Studies
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations
  • Jim Bailey
Director, Digital Media Center
  • Michael Bruce
Director, Financial Affairs
  • Melanie Danner
Director, Student Services
  • Ashley Grammer
Director, Development
  • Laurie Wright