Course variations

Course summary

This program offers a unique combination of written, oral, and visual communication theory and practice as they apply to interdisciplinary areas of science and technology. It examines how communication is a complex process that involves both the robust principles of audience, persuasion, clarity, accuracy, and ethical integrity, and a command of the knowledge of scientific and technical topics that one communicates. Students have the opportunity to examine social, legal, ethical, and political implications of communication as they relate to science, environment, gender, technology, diverse cultures, and workplace practices.

Program modules

The program modules are as follows: AFEE 3112-Technical Drawing and Production Technologies (3 cr), ARCH 3611-Design in the Digital Age (3 cr), ARTH 3422-Off the Wall: History of Graphic Arts in Europe and America in the Modern Age (4 cr), ARTH 5454-Design Reform in the Era of Art Nouveau (3 cr), BIE 3111-Exploring Technology Systems (3 cr), COMM 3201-Introduction to Electronic Media Production (3–4 cr), COMM 3204-Advanced Electronic Media Production (4 cr), COMM 3211-Introduction to U.S. Electronic Media (3 cr), COMM 4231-Comparing Electronic Media Systems (3 cr), COMM 4291-New Telecommunication Media (3 cr), CSCI 1001-Overview of Computer Science, MATH, TS (4 cr), CSCI 1103-Introduction to Computer Programming in Java (4 cr), CSCI 1113-Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers (4 cr), CSCI 1901-Structure of Computer Programming I (4 cr), CSCI 2011-Discrete Structures of Computer Science (4 cr), CSCI 3921W-Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Computing, CIV, WI (3 cr), DES 1101W-Introduction to Design Thinking, AH, WI (4 cr), GDES 1315-Foundations: The Graphic Studio (4 cr), DES 2101-Design and Visual Presentation (3 cr), GDES 4131W-History of Graphic Design, WI (4 cr), GEOG 3561-Principles of Geographic Information Science (4 cr), HSCI 3331-Technology and American Culture, HIS, TS (3 cr), HSCI 3401-Ethics in Science and Technology (3 cr), HSCI 3714-Technology and Civilization: Stone Tools to Steam Engines, HIS, TS (3–4 cr), HSCI 3715-Technology and Civilization: Waterwheels to the Web, HIS, TS (3–4 cr), HSCI 4321-History of Computing, TS, HIS (3 cr), HUMF 5001-Foundations of Human Factors/Ergonomics (3 cr), JOUR 3006-Visual Communication (3 cr), JOUR 3614-History of Media Communication, HIS (3 cr), JOUR 4272-Interactive Advertising (3 cr), JOUR 4551-New Media Culture, AH, TS (3 cr), KIN 3505-Intro to Human-Centered Design (3 cr), PHIL 4615-Minds, Bodies, and Machines (3 cr), UC 3201-Web Designer Introduction (4 cr).

Entry requirement for international students

Students to be considered for admission must have completed the coursework through high school graduation. They are expected to complete, at a minimum, the University's core subject requirements such as four years of English with an emphasis on writing, including instruction in reading and speaking skills and in literary understanding and appreciation; three years of mathematics including one year each of elementary algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra; three years of science including one year each of biological and physical science, and including a laboratory experience; three years of social studies including one year each of U.S. history and geography; two years of a single second language; and one year of visual and/or performing arts including instruction in the history and interpretation of the art form. Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application and may factor into individual decisions. Outstanding talent, achievement, or aptitude in a particular area; an exceptionally rigorous academic curriculum; strong commitment to community service and leadership; military service; contribution to the cultural, gender, age, economic, racial, or geographic diversity of the student body; evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement; first-generation college student; significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity; family employment or attendance at the University of Minnesota and extenuating circumstances. Also students who are non-native speakers of English need to demonstrate their English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 in paper based 79 for internet based, 6.5 for IELTS, and 80 for MELAB. If students have taken the ACT exam and scored 17 or lower on the English OR reading section (or SAT critical reading [verbal] score of 420 or lower) need to provide English language scores.

Qualification

Bachelor degree

Awarding body

University Of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus

Department name

College of Liberal Arts, Department of Writing Studies