Western Carolina University

Transfer Guide

Western Carolina University
Communication, BS

Transfer Guide for Associate in Arts

2024-2025

Concentration(s): Journalism
Delivery Method: On-Campus

Program Admission Notes:

Transfer students should apply to Western Carolina University at applynow.wcu.edu. A minimum 2.2 GPA is required for consideration, however, this does not guarantee admission. We recommend that you aim for an average cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on 12+ hours of college credit for competitiveness with other incoming transfer applicants.

Please note that admission to the institution does not guarantee admission to specific programs, and some programs do require a supplemental application. Check the program website at WCU.edu for supplemental application details and instructions, or reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 828.227.7317.

Contact:

Advising Center
transferadvising@wcu.edu

Revised: May, 2024

College Level Foreign Language Requirements:

No foreign language requirement for this program.

Major-Specific Course Recommendations:

Students are encouraged to build the Community College course recommendations below into the associate degree to best prepare for the intended major.

Recommended CC Course Credit
Hours		 University Equivalent Associate Degree
Requirement Fulfilled		 University Requirement Fulfilled
COM 231: Public Speaking 3 COMM 201: Foundations of Communication UGETC Humanities/Fine Arts Required Course, General Education

Remaining Associate Degree Requirements:

In addition to major-specific course recommendations above, students should work with a community college advisor to select additional community college courses to fulfill the remaining associate degree requirements identified below.

Recommended CC Course Credit
Hours		 University Equivalent Associate Degree
Requirement Fulfilled		 University Requirement Fulfilled
ENG 111: Writing and Inquiry 3 ENGL 101: Writing and Rhetoric English Composition General Education
ENG 112: Writing/Research in the Disc 3 ENGL 202: Writing and Critical Inquiry English Composition General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 6 University Equivalencies UGETC Humanities/Fine Arts General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 9 University Equivalencies UGETC Social/Behavioral Sciences General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 3 University Equivalencies UGETC Math General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 4 University Equivalencies UGETC Natural Sciences General Education
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 13 University Equivalencies Additional General Education Courses General Education
ACA 122: College Transfer Success 1 ELEC 19A: Lower Level Electives Academic Transition Elective
Student Choice/No Preference (Approved Course Options) 14 University Equivalencies Elective/Pre-Major Courses Elective

Additional Information From Western Carolina University:

To become a Communication major:   The student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.00.  First semester freshman and transfer students can declare without an established GPA and are required to obtain a 2.00 GPA at the end of their first semester.

Required prerequisites:  All students must complete COMM 240  as a prerequisite to many communication classes.

Program Completion:  Students must pass with a grade of C (2.00) or better all required courses in the communication degree program.

Remaining Bachelor’s Degree Requirements at University:

University Course Credit
Hours		 University Course Notes
Communication Core 19

Required Practical Course:

  • COMM 240 - Writing for Communication Credits: 3

Required Theory Course:

  • COMM 350 - Communication Theory and Criticism Credits: 3

Required Professional Courses:

  • COMM 296 - Introduction to Professional Development Credits: 3
  • COMM 483 - Internship in Communications Credits: 3, R9
  • COMM 496 - Seminar in Professional Development Credits: 1

Select two (2) of the following communication courses:

  • COMM 301 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
  • COMM 312 - Small Group & Team Communication Credits: 3
  • COMM 345 - Public and Mediated Speaking Credits: 3
  • COMM 415 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
Journalism Concentration 21

The Journalism concentration provides the basis for a fascinating and challenging career in a field that is changing daily as digital technology continues to revolutionize the way news is gathered and distributed in today’s world. With required coursework that includes training in interviewing, writing, reporting, digital technology, journalism ethics, and investigative research, the program is designed for students to learn and apply the new innovations, best practices, and current skills required to succeed as a working journalist.

  • COMM 330 - News Reporting I Credits: 3
  • COMM 385 - News Practicum I Credits: 3
  • COMM 430 - News Reporting II Credits: 3
  • LAW 406 - Media Law Credits: 3
  • PSC 169 - Global Issues Credits: 3

Select two (2) of the following communication courses:

  • COMM 254 - Radio Production I Credits: 3
  • COMM 255 - Television Production I Credits: 3
  • COMM 302 - Reporting of Public Affairs Credits: 3, R6
  • COMM 304 - Magazine and Feature Writing Credits: 3
  • COMM 305 - Sports Writing Credits: 3
  • COMM 346 - Communications Ethics and Responsibilities Credits: 3
  • COMM 352 - Writing for Broadcast Credits: 3, R6
  • COMM 380 - Social Media Communication Campaigns Credits: 3
  • COMM 403 - Communication Research Methods Credits: 3
  • COMM 431 - International Reporting Credits: 3
  • COMM 493 - Selected Topics in Communication Credits: 3, R9 (with approval of advisor)
  • COMM 494 - Communication Projects Credits: 1-3, R6 (with approval of advisor)
Second major, second communication concentration, minor, or other approved program 18

Credit hours will range based on what is added.
General Electives 30

To complete 120 hours, students may need to take additional General Electives (the number depends on how many Liberal Studies courses also count toward the major).