Overview

The Minor in Professional and Creative Communication - Honors, offered by the Klein College of Media and Communication in collaboration with the Temple University Honors Program, consists of six courses (18 credit hours). The minor is designed to equip students from any major with the theoretical knowledge, creative skills, and applied experience needed to analyze, produce, and strategically deliver effective messages across diverse platforms.

The minor is structured in two tiers to scaffold learning from theory to practice. In the first tier, students complete four "Understanding Communication" courses that introduce core theoretical frameworks and key areas within the communication and media fields.

In the second tier, students select two "Creating Communication" courses that emphasize hands-on, experiential learning, allowing students to apply theory through activities such as podcasting, video production, and strategic communication campaigns.

After completion of the minor, students will be able to:

  • analyze communication systems using disciplinary frameworks;
  • evaluate how social, cultural, ethical and technological contexts shape communication processes;
  • apply theory to real-world communication challenges across media; and,
  • reflect critically on their own communication choices and responsibilities as ethical communicators.

Campus Location: Main

Contact Information

Scott Gratson, Faculty Contact
Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Klein College of Media and Communication and Director of Communication Studies
215-204-6434
sgratson@temple.edu

Shannon Martin El Hajjar, Honors Advising
215-204-0714
smartin@temple.edu

Leen Elamin, Klein Advising
215-204-5273
leen@temple.edu

Requirements

The minor is structured in two tiers:

  • Tier 1: Understanding Communication (4 courses, 12 credits)
  • Tier 2: Creating Communication (2 courses, 6 credits)

Honors students in any school or college at Temple University can declare this minor. Non-honors students can enroll in the minor via application on the Honors Program web site.

To earn this minor, students must successfully complete 18 credits (6 courses) with a minimum grade of C- in each course.

There are no prerequisites or required courses for this minor.

At least three courses (9 credits) required for the minor must be completed at Temple.

Note that:

  • Courses must be taken from at least three different departments within Klein College of Media and Communication.
  • Maximum of two non-Honors courses (6 credits) can be used to satisfy requirements for the minor (see definition of an Honors course).
  • Honors students can use all Honors courses in this minor to count towards Honors Program requirements.
  • For students completing majors or other programs within Klein College, at least three of the courses (9 credits) counted towards the minor must be courses that were not counted towards another Klein major, minor, or certificate.
  • Because students majoring in Journalism may take no more than 62 credits in the Department of Journalism, they should consult with an academic advisor to develop a plan to complete this minor.

Tier 1: Understanding Communication (4 courses, 12 credits)

Students complete four courses drawn from across Klein College. These courses provide foundational knowledge in communication and media, emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and problem solving.

Students choose one course from each of the following four areas:

Media and Communication Theory

Select one of the following:
ADV 1901Honors Media and Society3
JRN 3905Honors: Gender and American Mass Media3
MSP 1021Introduction to Media Analysis3
MSP 2011Introduction to Media Theory3
PR 2662Leading Groups and Team Building3

Narrative and Persuasion

Select one of the following:
COMC 1113Persuasion Theory and Practice3
COMC 1601Communication and Behavior Change3
JRN 3901Honors: Comics Journalism3
JRN 3902Honors: Media, Memory, and Social Change3
JRN 3908Honors True Stories: Narrative Nonfiction Journalism3

Global Communication

Select one of the following:
ADV 4571International Studies in Media and Communication1 to 6
COMC 3701Intercultural Communication3
COMC 3702Communication, Culture and Identity3
PR 2672Global Communication and Leadership3

Social Influence

Select one of the following:
COMC 1113Persuasion Theory and Practice3
MSP 2451The Influence of Media on Children3

Note: Honors versions of the above courses will be offered with a 9 in the second digit. Please see an advisor for more information.

Tier 2: Creating Communication (2 courses, 6 credits)

Students complete two courses that allow them to apply their understanding of communication. Creating Communication courses include experiences such as podcasting, video production, and communication campaigns, including health-focused initiatives. These courses emphasize creation, evaluation, and skill development across media.

Select two of the following:
ADV 2005Social Media Marketing3
ADV 2104Personal Branding3
COMC 1111Presentations for Policy Change3
COMC 4404Podcasting for Civic Engagement3
CMST 4628Empowerment of the LGBTQ+ Community through the NYC Pride March: Exploration of a Social Movement3
JRN 3401Photography4
JRN 3575Podcasting and Audio Journalism3
KLN 4111Interdisciplinary Approach to Communication Campaigns3
MSP 1001Video Production for Non-Majors3

Note: Honors versions of the above courses will be offered with a 9 in the second digit. Please see an advisor for more information.