You may choose to minor in Communications with three options: Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations.

How Do I Declare a Minor?

Obtain a "Request for Minor Objective" form from the Office of Admissions and Records, LH-111. Fill out the form, including which Communications minor you have chosen: Advertising (COMM-AD), Journalism (COMM-JR), Public Relations (COMM-PR), RadioTVFilm (RTVF) OR Speech Communication. Bring that form to the respective department office and have it stamped. Return the stamped form to Admissions and Records, LH-111. There is a $10 fee to declare a minor.

Minor in Communications

With today's technological and professional advancements, students who have multiple disciplinary skills often have greater opportunities than those in single disciplines. The field of Communications, in particular, touches on many aspects of other fields. For example, an understanding of Advertising is important in many areas of business, and the journalistic ability to research and report information is a key to success in any profession. To enhance the prospects for students at Cal State Fullerton, the Department of Communications offers minors in the areas of Advertising, Journalism, and Public Relations for students majoring in other departments.

What Are the Objectives of the Communications Minors?

The objective of the Minor in Advertising is to complement other majors (e.g., Anthropology, Art, Business, Computer Science, Education, English, Foreign Languages, Nursing, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Secondary Teachers). An understanding of the principles of advertising can lead to a better informed citizenry. Majors in other fields will find it useful to learn the concepts of the advertising process, strategies and tactics. The minor contributes to a broader and more critical perspective of today's media-permeated society.

The objective of the Minor in Journalism is for students in other majors to enrich their academic preparation and professional marketability. The growth of ethnic media demands reporters who are fluent in foreign languages and who can write news. A need also exists for reporters who are specialists, for example in economics and business, science, and computer science. In addition, English majors preparing for a career in secondary education can enhance their professional prospects by pursuing a minor in Journalism, the only sequence in the Department of Communications designated as a secondary teaching subject. The minor enables students to integrate professional studies with preparation in the arts and sciences.

Can I Use Courses in Minor to Meet GE Requirements?

Yes (only courses in your major may not be used for General Education credit). Both COMM 233 and COMM 425 are offered in the Advertising and Journalism minors, and either one may be used for GE credit in category III.C.2, "Implications, Explorations, and Participatory Experience in the Social Sciences."

Where Do I Go for Advising?

The faculty in the Advertising and Journalism concentrations of the Department of Communications serve as academic advisers for both majors and minors.

Consult with an adviser if you need further planning assistance.

What Courses Do I Take for the Advertising Minor?

The Advertising minor consists of a minimum of 21 units (7 classes). Some of the courses have prerequisites, which are included in the minor, so it is wise to plan ahead in sequencing the classes. It is recommended that you obtain an updated checklist for the Minor in Advertising from the Communications office, CP 400, for more detailed information, including prerequisites.

Required: Lower-Division (3 units) COMM 233 Mass Comm in Modern Society (3) Advertising courses (12 units) COMM 350 Principles of Advertising (3) COMM 352 Advertising Media (3) COMM 353 Creative Strategy & Execution (3) COMM 451A, B, or C Advertising Campaigns (3) Electives (6 units) Two adviser-approved courses from Comm 380, 407, 415T, 425, 450, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456 or 480. View Advertising Minor Checklist (Acrobat Reader Req'd)

What Courses Do I Take for the Journalism Minor?

The Journalism minor consists of a minimum of 21 units (7 classes). Some of the courses have prerequisites, which are included in the minor, so it is wise to plan ahead in sequencing the classes. It is recommended that you obtain an updated checklist for the Minor in Journalism from the Communications office, CP 400, for more detailed information, including prerequisites.

Required: Communication Core Req't (6 units) COMM 233 Mass Communication in Modem Society Plust 3 units from Comm 310, 407, or 425 Journalism Concentration Req't (9 units) COMM 101 Writing for the Mass Media (3) COMM 203 Introduction to Visual Journalism Production (3) COMM 338 News Media Production (3) Electives Choose 6 units from one of the following specializations: Print Journalism COMM 201 Reporting for Mass Media Plust 3 units from Comm 332, 334, 335, 380, 434, 435, 436, 437, or 438T Broadcast Journalism COMM 202 Writing Broadcast News (3) Plus 3 units from Comm 335, 371, 372, 380, 435, 436, or 438T Visual Journalism COMM 319 Photojournalsim (3) Plus 3 units from Comm 300, 332, 380, or 409 View Journalism Minor Checklist (Acrobat Reader Req'd)

What Courses Do I Take for the Public Relations Minor?

The minor in Public Relations offers students the opportunity to engage in a systematic program of study in the field of public relations, to complement their major field of study. The program required 21 units.

Required: COMM 101 Writing for the Mass Media (3) COMM 233 Mass Comm in Modern Society (3) COMM 361 Principles of Public Relations (3) COMM 362 Public Relations Writing (3) COMM 464 Public Relations Management (3) Electives (6 units) Two adviser-approved courses from Comm 407, 410, 425, 465, 467, 468, 480, or 497. View Public Relations Minor Checklist (Acrobat Reader Req'd)