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Speech Communication Minor

Add a marketable, confidence-building, complementary minor to your degree program!

What is Speech Communication? 

“Communication is the backbone of our society. It allows us to form connections, influence decisions, and motivate change. Without communication skills, the ability to progress in the working world and in life, itself, would be nearly impossible. Public speaking is one of the most important and most dreaded forms of communication.”  PAN Communications, 2021

Dating back to ancient times when Romans and Greeks pondered the importance of the spoken word, the field of Speech Communication has evolved to focus on analyzing the components and skills that make for effective, competent communicators in a variety of diverse professional and personal settings. Speech communication does not just refer to public speaking, but it focuses on creating and utilizing messages to generate meanings in a variety of contexts and settings and involves several communication areas such as small group communication, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, business and professional communication, persuasion, and nonverbal communication. Read more at https://www.natcom.org/about-nca/what-communication.

Who teaches Speech Communication courses?  

 

Why should I minor in Speech Communication?

“Communication skills are needed in virtually any job. Employers desire team members who can successfully interpret what is being asked of them as well as effectively communicate with others. Common communication skills to include on your resume include writing, speaking, listening, and negotiating.” Indeed, 2020

One of the top requests of employers across the board is strong communication skills! A Speech Communication minor is a complement to practically any degree and serves as a tremendous benefit to help you stand out to employers. This minor will provide you with a foundation of communication knowledge, skills, and experiences to help you excel in your future work and social environments. In Oklahoma State communication courses, you will develop communication and intercultural competence, leadership, critical thinking, improved interpersonal skills and much more! Consider talking to your advisor about adding a Speech Communication minor today!

What courses will I take to earn a Speech Communication minor?

15 total hours required

Required Courses (9 hours):
SPCH 2713: Intro to Speech Communication (S) *Uses a FREE OER text!
SPCH 3733: Elements of Persuasion (S) *Uses FREE OER materials!
SPCH 4793: Nonverbal Communication (S) 

Select 6 hours (2 courses) from the following: 
SPCH 3703: Small Group Communication
SPCH 3723: Business and Professional Communication
SPCH 3743: Advanced Public Speaking
SPCH 4743: Problems of Interpersonal Speech Communication
SPCH 4753: Intercultural Communication (I) *Uses a FREE OER text!
PSYC 3033 Psychology of Humor (S)
PSYC 4163: Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (D)
PSYC 4213: Conflict Resolution (S) *Uses FREE OER materials!
PSYC 4343: Language Development (S)

Which majors work well with a Speech Communication minor?

All majors! However, here are some specifics:

Business (Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Economics): Learn to disseminate ideas and communicate in ways that can lead to better business opportunities, strengthen professional relationships, and create better partnership opportunities. 
Computer Science: Technology is an integral aspect to the human experience; bridge the gap between technology and humans through effective communication skills.
Education: Fine tune presentation skills and learn how to connect to diverse audiences, leading to better learning outcomes in the classroom.
Political Science: Learn how to listen, understand and respond effectively and engage critically with members of an audience.
Psychology: Connect the psychological aspects of how and why we communicate, and dive deeper into using this understanding to improve social relationships. 
Science-Related Majors: Optimize use of communication to share research findings or to  inform and educate peers, patients and the public regarding current trends in science-related fields.

Who do I contact with questions to learn more?

Please contact our Speech Communication Area Coordinator, Sasha Hanrahan, in 104B GAB, 405-880-2372 (text or call), sasha.hanrahan@okstate.edu or okstatespchcomm@gmail.com.

 “Communication cuts across contexts and situations; it is the relational and collaborative force that strategically constructs the social world. Knowledge and understanding of communication and strong communication skills allow people to create and maintain interpersonal relationships; employers in all sectors seek employees with strong communication skills; and society needs effective communicators to support productive civic activity in communities.”  - National Communication Association

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