BA in Communication

Communication Program Overview

Major employers, recruiting firms, and the U.S. Department of Labor agree that communication is one of the top skills today’s job candidates need. UT Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program covers a diverse range of communication types, empowering you with in-demand skills you can apply in practically any industry.

 

Our BA in communication emphasizes written and spoken communication and offers a comprehensive foundation in this multifaceted field, from the origins of rhetoric in Western thought to an analysis of modern communication media. Through our program, you’ll develop critical-thinking and research skills and acquire practical knowledge in topics such as public relations, small group communication, crisis communication, and interpersonal communication. Our program also offers an exploration of the dark side of communication and demonstrates the critical importance of an ethical approach.

 

Our convenient, collaborative online program enables you to complete classwork on your own schedule, anywhere. Online communication tools ensure your professors and classmates are always within reach to help guide and inspire you along the way.

Customize Your Communication Program With a Specialty Track 

Our BA in communication program empowers you to align your studies with your interests by choosing one of four separate tracks:

 

  • Communication Studies

Gain a broad understanding of communication that will help you in all your professional and personal endeavors. Our standard program track allows you to choose any electives that suit your interests and professional ambitions.

  • Strategic Messaging

Discover how to effectively promote your organization’s products, services, and/or mission to a public audience. Learn more.

  • Professional Communication

Communicate more effectively within an organization through the study of interpersonal communication, small group communication, leadership, and related topics. Learn more.

  • Sports Media

Learn how to craft public relations and other media messages for sports organizations. Note: This track does not cover the technical aspects of media production. Learn more.

Click here to see how each track may translate into a career.

Alumni Pathways 

Graduates of our online BA in communication program have more than a gift for gab. They’re persuasive speakers and writers with an in-demand skillset provided by their specialty track, which is why our alumni excel in a wide variety of industries. Below are just a few of the diverse companies our BA in communication alumni work for: 

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon)
  • Dell
  • Fidelity Investments
  • TEGNA
  • Twitch
  • Chevron 
  • Palo Alto Networks

Careers for BA in Communication Graduates

An online BA in communication from UT Permian Basin empowers you with knowledge and abilities that can prepare you for greater success in positions associated with communication and beyond, including:

Communication General Education

Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements: communication (6 credits); U.S. history (6 credits), language, philosophy, and culture (3 credits); mathematics (3 or 4 credits); life and physical sciences (8 credits; 2 courses with labs); political science (6 credits); creative arts (3 credits); social and behavioral science (3 credits); component area (3 credits).

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
8 weeks
3
The study of art, its role in society, the creative process, and standards of artistic judgment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non Science Majors Laboratory
8 weeks
1
The laboratory will provide practical and interactive experiments and demonstrations of concepts covered in BIOL 1308.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors
8 weeks
3
A survey of the fundamental principles that apply to living organisms. These include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, physiology, biodiversity, and ecology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1115 - Communication Lab
8 weeks
1
Practical activities across the sub-disciplines of the field of communication.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Fall A 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
8 weeks
3
A description of major economic problems facing modern societies is presented together with how the capitalistic market system addresses these issues. The emphasis is on macroeconomics theory and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in the physical geological sciences.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in historical geology, with emphasis on paleontology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology
8 weeks
3
Survey of Earth’s structure, composition, and the dynamic processes that have resulted in the modern distribution of the Earth’s geographic regions, landforms, resources, and geologic hazards.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1302 - Historical Geology
8 weeks
3
Study of Earth’s origin, geologic time, and the major sequential physical and biological events that culminate in the modern distribution of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the geological history of North America.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
16 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
16 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1301 - Jazz, Pop & Rock
8 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Summer B 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Spring A 2026 Spring B 2026 Summer A 2026 Whole Summer 2026 Summer B 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Spring A 2027 Spring B 2027 Summer A 2027 Whole Summer 2027 Summer B 2027 Whole Fall 2027 Fall A 2027 Fall B 2027 2028 Fall B 2028
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
8 weeks
3
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and theories used to study the nature of social processes and the structure of society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
Core

24 sch required for core

Courses
Duration
Credits
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1318 - Interpersonal Communication
8 weeks
3
This course enables students to analyze and practice communication in one-on-one relationships. Topics include problem-solving, decision-making, working with diversity, information processing, understanding of self and others, and effective speaking and listening skills in interpersonal contexts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Fall A 2025
COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the structure and content of contemporary communication media, as well as the ways those media interact with culture.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2025
COMM 3330 - Rhetoric in Western Thought
8 weeks
3
Introduces rhetoric and its role in the intellectual heritage of Western society. Students examine various perspectives and theories of rhetoric developed from ancient Greece to contemporary times. Particular attention is paid to the role of rhetoric as a tool of civic activity.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Summer B 2025
COMM 3300 - Theories of Communication
8 weeks
3
Surveys communication theories, including those of human interaction, the communicative nature of groups and organizations, intercultural interactions, rhetoric, and mass and social media.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Summer B 2025
COMM 3370 - Research Methods
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to research methods used in the communication field. Topics may include quantitative methods, interpretive methods, textual and archival research, and computer-assisted techniques. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2025
COMM 4390 - Senior Seminar in Communication
8 weeks
3
Synthesizes information from the undergraduate program in communication and serves as a capstone course to the major. Topics may vary; course may be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Fall A 2025
Communication Electives

15 sch, at least 12 upper-level.

Courses
Duration
Credits
COMM 3341 - Public Relations
8 weeks
3
An exploration of how various research techniques used to identify public groups are translated in messages in various media.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3304 - Public Messages
8 weeks
3
An exploration of how various research techniques used to identify public groups are translated in messages in various media.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3312 - Media Writing
8 weeks
3
Explores the study and practice of preparing messages for various media. Specific topics and concentrations will vary. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3321 - Advanced Interpersonal Communication
8 weeks
3
An exploration of the theoretical perspectives in understanding person-to-person communication. The course includes personal and professional perspectives.
Prerequisites: COMM 1318 - Interpersonal Communication
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3333 - Political Communication
8 weeks
3
A study of the application of communication principles to election campaigns, debates, governance, and advertising with emphasis on both the historical and contemporary uses of mass media in the political process.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3385 - Research Methods
8 weeks
3
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods used in communication research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 3389 - Multilisting Course
8 weeks
3
Undergraduate courses that are offered infrequently or that are being developed before a regular listing in the catalog. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 4360 - Intercultural Communication
8 weeks
3
An examination of the theory and practice of interactions among and between various cultural and sub-cultural groups. Emphasis will be placed on how the various cultural assumptions affect human symbolic interaction and relationship-building at the interpersonal and cultural levels.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4315 - Communication Law
8 weeks
3
Legal aspects of rights and responsibilities of the press, radio, and television, including libel, privilege, copyright, and access to information.
Prerequisites: COMM 3312 - Media Writing
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4350 - Communication and Instruction
8 weeks
3
A study of how communication functions in instructional settings with emphasis on student-teacher interaction. Includes techniques for assigning and evaluating oral presentations, dealing with communication apprehension, fostering effective listening, and conducting discussions.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4323 - Dark Side of Communication
8 weeks
3
Explores the dark side of human interaction, including relational transgressions, interpersonal violence, deception, and hurtful messages.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 4356 - Argument and Persuasion
8 weeks
3
A detailed examination of the history and development of effective argument and persuasion. Emphasis will include theories of argument and their role in media and society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3371 - Rhetorical Criticism
8 weeks
3
Principles and practice of the analysis of rhetorical discourse. Students will compare systems of rhetorical criticism and will explore methodological issues and techniques for doing scholarly criticism.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4379 - Topics in Rhetoric
8 weeks
3
Studies in the history, theories, and methodologies of rhetoric. Course may be repeated with change in topic.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4389 - Senior Seminar
8 weeks
3
Senior seminar in communication. Topics will vary according to class interests. Class may be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 4391 - Contract Study
8 weeks
3
Advanced independent study or research (equivalent to senior-level course).
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4392 - Internship
8 weeks
3
Participation in and analysis of applied communication in a professional context.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
PSYC 3301 - Introductory Statistics
16 weeks
3
Measures of central tendency, variability, correlation, and hypotheses testing, with emphasis on the application of statistical methods to research in the behavioral sciences and education.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Whole Summer 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Whole Summer 2027 Whole Fall 2027
COMM 3355 - Advanced Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
An advanced practice-oriented course in speaking in the public setting. Students will research, prepare, analyze, and present complex reports and speeches.
Prerequisites: COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4307 - Organizational Communication
8 weeks
3
An examination of the complex dynamics that drive messages in organizations. The course will focus on application of nonlinear dynamic approaches to human and mediated communication in an organizational environment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3311 - Advertising Strategies
8 weeks
3
Explores the history and economic foundations of the advertising industry; advertising media and messages; visual communication; and current issues in advertising.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
Communication Studies Track

Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Those hours will be chosen in consultation with their advisor.

Courses
Duration
Credits
There are no Communication Studies Track courses available.
Strategic Messaging Track

Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.

Courses
Duration
Credits
COMM 3311 - Advertising Strategies
8 weeks
3
Explores the history and economic foundations of the advertising industry; advertising media and messages; visual communication; and current issues in advertising.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3312 - Media Writing
8 weeks
3
Explores the study and practice of preparing messages for various media. Specific topics and concentrations will vary. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3313 - Social Media
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to digital and social media. Explores media strategies and media effects on individual organizations and society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3331 - Public Advocacy
8 weeks
3
Explores the public messaging strategy of corporations and other large organizations. Students investigate how research techniques used to identify public groups are transformed into message in various media. Emphasis is given both to relevant theoretical issues as well as to relevant professional skills.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 3333 - Political Communication
8 weeks
3
A study of the application of communication principles to election campaigns, debates, governance, and advertising with emphasis on both the historical and contemporary uses of mass media in the political process.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3341 - Public Relations
8 weeks
3
An exploration of how various research techniques used to identify public groups are translated in messages in various media.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3342 - Crisis Communication
8 weeks
3
Provides study and practice of communication strategies involved in preparing for and responding to crises. While a wide range of crises are considered, the course pays particular attention to corporate crises.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3371 - Rhetorical Criticism
8 weeks
3
Principles and practice of the analysis of rhetorical discourse. Students will compare systems of rhetorical criticism and will explore methodological issues and techniques for doing scholarly criticism.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3380 - Politics of National Memory
8 weeks
3
Explores issues of power in our nation’s capital.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4340 - Organizational Communication
8 weeks
3
Examines the communicative constitution of organizations, including organizational membership, structure, and hierarchy; formal and informal communication networks; internal and external messages; the role of communication media; acculturation, training, and development; and current issues in the field.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4356 - Argument and Persuasion
8 weeks
3
A detailed examination of the history and development of effective argument and persuasion. Emphasis will include theories of argument and their role in media and society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
Sports Media Track

Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.

Courses
Duration
Credits
COMM 3312 - Media Writing
8 weeks
3
Explores the study and practice of preparing messages for various media. Specific topics and concentrations will vary. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3313 - Social Media
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to digital and social media. Explores media strategies and media effects on individual organizations and society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3314 - Sports Broadcasting
8 weeks
3
There is no course description available at this time.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3315 - Sports Communication
8 weeks
3
A study of the communication principles of sports in its varied cultural, social, political, and interpersonal contexts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3341 - Public Relations
8 weeks
3
An exploration of how various research techniques used to identify public groups are translated in messages in various media.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4383 - Current Topics in Sports Communication
8 weeks
3
An exploration of current topics in sports communication. Students will apply lessons learned in other communication courses to current events in sports.
Prerequisites: COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
Semesters Offered:
Professional Communication Track

Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.

Courses
Duration
Credits
COMM 3321 - Advanced Interpersonal Communication
8 weeks
3
An exploration of the theoretical perspectives in understanding person-to-person communication. The course includes personal and professional perspectives.
Prerequisites: COMM 1318 - Interpersonal Communication
Semesters Offered:
COMM 3322 - Nonverbal Communication
8 weeks
3
Explores the major research sub-disciplines of nonverbal communication, with focus on developing students’ theoretical and practical knowledge of communication processes, principles, and strategies in nonverbal communication. Includes exploration of the connections between nonverbal communication and other areas of communication research and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4326 - Group Leadership
8 weeks
3
Explores the intersection of group communication theory and leadership theory. Students analyze and practice methods of leadership communication, including creative thinking models, decision-making techniques, and parliamentary procedure.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4340 - Organizational Communication
8 weeks
3
Examines the communicative constitution of organizations, including organizational membership, structure, and hierarchy; formal and informal communication networks; internal and external messages; the role of communication media; acculturation, training, and development; and current issues in the field.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4350 - Communication and Instruction
8 weeks
3
A study of how communication functions in instructional settings with emphasis on student-teacher interaction. Includes techniques for assigning and evaluating oral presentations, dealing with communication apprehension, fostering effective listening, and conducting discussions.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
COMM 4351 - Health Communication
8 weeks
3
Surveys, theory, research, and current issues in the field of health communication. Topics of discussion include communication between patients and providers, cultural and rhetorical concepts of illness and health; media messages and health campaigns; and communication in healthcare organizations.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 4360 - Intercultural Communication
8 weeks
3
An examination of the theory and practice of interactions among and between various cultural and sub-cultural groups. Emphasis will be placed on how the various cultural assumptions affect human symbolic interaction and relationship-building at the interpersonal and cultural levels.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:

Admission Requirements

The SAT and ACT Exams are optional for the 2023-2024 school year. Test scores will be used as supporting documents to determine admission and scholarship opportunities.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

  • Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
  • GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Dual-credit high school courses must be included
  • Completed application

Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.

Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements

If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
  • SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
  • Completed application

Official Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:

UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.

Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission

High School Graduation Class Rank SAT ACT
Top 25% No minimum score No minimum score
2nd Quarter 1020 20
3rd Quarter 1160 24
4th Quarter 1280 27

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.

If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.

 

Professor of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
harlow_w@utpb.edu

Dr. Harlow has served at UT Permian Basin since 2008, where he began as assistant professor of communication and basic course director for the communication program. From 2009-2013, he also led the communication program. In 2011, he earned The University of Texas System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award, and in 2012 was promoted to associate professor of communication and dean of undergraduate success. He served as dean until 2019 and is now professor and chair of the department of communication. Prior to his time at UT Permian Basin, Dr. Harlow served as diplomatic secretary of the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission in El Paso from 2007-2008. He also served as a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department with assignments in Mexico and Nigeria. He earned his PhD in speech communication from Texas A&M in 2002.

Click here to read more about Dr. Harlow and his experience with UT Permian Basin's communication program.

Associate Professor of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
harlow_r@utpb.edu

Dr. Harlow is an associate professor of communication. She completed an MA in speech communication, with an emphasis in rhetoric and public affairs, from Texas A&M University (2001). She then completed a PhD in technical communication and rhetoric from Texas Tech University (2005). Her research focus is on technical communication in the public sector. Dr. Harlow has had significant experience in both learning and teaching online, as well as industry experience in technical writing. She has lived in Mexico City, Abuja, Nigeria, El Paso, and the Permian Basin.

Jeremy Cox PhD

Associate Professor of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
cox_j@utpb.edu

Dr. Jeremy Cox is an assistant professor of communication. He teaches courses in rhetorical criticism, the history of rhetoric, political rhetoric, civic engagement, and organizational rhetoric. His research interests include the rhetoric of nationalism, public memory, and the history of rhetoric. His articles and book reviews have appeared in the Journal for the History of Rhetoric, Quarterly Journal of Speech, and Philosophy and Rhetoric. He is a former Balch Fellow in Immigration and Ethnic History with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Sarah Cho PhD

Associate Professor of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
cho_s@utpb.edu

Dr. Cho started teaching as assistant professor of communication at UTPB in Fall 2020. Her research interests are rooted in the social construction of identity—how people use language to differentiate between “us” and “them.” She aims to uncover the dynamics between social structures and communication as they pertain to building social categories among different groups. She believes that no student should be at a disadvantage in her class due to ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other factors. Dr. Cho also values the outcomes of self-learning. She trusts her students’ capabilities to investigate, produce, and develop knowledge and respects their diverse perspectives. Dr. Cho earned her degrees in communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (PhD – social interaction & culture), University at Albany SUNY (MA – health communication), and Sogang University (MA – digital media & contents).

Jasmine Tambunga

Associate Professor of Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
tambunga_j@utpb.edu

Mrs. Tambunga has earned a BA in communication from UT Permian Basin and MA in communication studies from Texas Tech University. She has been teaching communication courses since 2010 and her research interests include family communication and dark side communication. In her spare time, she enjoys novice piano playing and hiking in the Guadalupe mountains with her husband and 10-year-old son.

Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences
james_t@utpb.edu

Terra James is the basic course director for the UTPB Department of Communication. She earned a BA in psychology and a BS in communication studies (with an emphasis on organizational communication) from Missouri Western State University. She also earned an MA in communication studies from Auburn University. She has served as a lecturer at UTPB since 2016.

Adjunct Instructor in Communication
College of Arts and Sciences
loyd_r@utpb.edu

Ryan Loyd earned a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. His research, teaching, and business consultation focuses on communication applications and organizational success. Having taught at the collegiate level for over 15 years, he has facilitated the gamut of core communication courses and has offered specialty courses in corporate training and development, instructional communication, organizational communication, and gender communication. He has taught a multitude of synchronous face-to-face courses as well as facilitated online courses, hybrid courses, and synchronous courses via digital tools (Zoom & Teams). Outside of the academy, he spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector before transferring his training and experience to the field of healthcare administration. He enjoys playing golf, reading, watching movies, and (most of all) spending time with his wife and two daughters.

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Summer5/20/245/27/245/31/246/3/248/8/24
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Fall8/12/248/19/248/23/24 8/26/2412/13/24
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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