A Defining Moment
Speech Communcations
Department of 
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Cottey's speech communication program is designed to increase the ability of students to communicate effectively with individuals in a variety of settings. Courses emphasize analysis and study of the elements of public speaking, interpersonal communication, and performance of poetry and prose. Undergraduate speech communication majors acquire theoretical understanding and practical skill in written and oral communication.
Career Opportunities
Speech communication majors study the ways in which oral and written communication serves to inform, persuade, entertain, and control.
Sometimes called communication studies, speech students may study the history of political and religious speeches, write reviews of television and films, explore the sociology of interpersonal and group dynamics, evaluate the impact of the media on individuals and society, and inquire into ethics of communication.
A degree in speech communication can be tailored to fit your individual career goals. Graduates pursue careers in business, law, media, education, health care, advertising, government, public relations, arts and entertainment, social and human services, high-tech industries, international relations, ministry and organizational training and development.
Students may choose a specialization or area of concentration within the speech communications major.
Electronic media careers include television or radio on-air talent, editing, sales, programming and production. Print media careers include magazine and newspaper writing, editing, publishing, and technical writing. Students specializing in public relations may choose from careers in research, special events, fund raising, leadership, and administration.
Internship and Directed Study Opportunities
As a speech communication major, your chances to gain real world learning experiences through internships and directed studies are almost boundless.
Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.
Employers and graduate schools agree that students who have put classroom concepts and skills to work in a "real world" environment are more realistic and productive than those who have not.
With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career planning coordinator, speech communication majors can find a variety of local and national internship experiences.
Opportunities exist locally with performing arts councils, local attorney's offices, regional theatres, non-profit organizations, newspapers and print publications, radio stations, private and public businesses, health care organizations, local government, and more.
Directed study opportunities are available in all disciplines. Under the supervision of faculty, students can pursue academic credit on a topic or project that is related to, but beyond the scope of, regular course offerings.
Directed study topics can be tailored to your interests, whether it is conducting individual scientific research, studying girls' punk music, or conducting advanced computer programming.
Get Involved
Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.
Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.
Here are a few activities you might consider pursuing as a speech communication major: audition for a theatrical production; apply to be a Golden Key; join Cottey's Political Interest Group; write for The Spectrum (student newspaper); join Delta Psi Omega (national dramatics fraternity); assist the Student Activities Committee (SAC); take a leadership course; judge high school debate; or promote a non-profit organization.
4-Semester Sample Schedule
Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.
| First Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG101 English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT103 College Algebra | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| SPE199 Interpersonal Communication* | 3 |
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Electives | 1 to 4 |
| First Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| ENG102 English Composition II | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 or 4 |
| ANT151 Intro Cultural Anthropology, SOC101 Introductory to Sociology or PSY101 General Psychology |
3 |
| SPE101 Fundamentals of Speech* | 3 |
| Electives | 3 to 5 |
| Second Year Fall Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Physical Activity | 1 |
| Social Science [ECO, HIS, POL] | 3 |
| Laboratory Science | 4 or 5 |
| SPE103 Voice & Articulation | 3 |
| Electives | 5 to 7 |
| Second Year Spring Semester | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| PHI103 Ethics or PHI112 Introduction to Logic* |
3 |
| THE122 Performance of Lit | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| Electives | 6 to 9 |
* Courses recommended for major
- Students interested in Mass Media should consider taking courses in Journalism
- Students interested in Human Communication should consider taking electives in Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology
- Leadership and Internships are highly recommended for all Cottey students pursuing a communications degree.
Faculty Advising
Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.
Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.
This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.
Students should work with their advisor to incorporate other courses that can tie into their specific interests. Areas could include: Mass Media, Human Communication, Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, Public Relations/ Advertising, Human Resources, and Rhetorical Studies.
For more information contact:
Enrollment Management
1000 West Austin
Nevada, MO 64772
1-888-5-COTTEY
www.cottey.edu
enrollmgt@cottey.edu