The mission of Loyola University Chicago calls for all of its members “to make a difference as ‘persons for others.’” The advocacy and social change major helps students prepare for the fulfillment of that mission, not only while at the university, but also as they move into the rest of their lives.
The program’s coursework and faculty help students understand everything from community organizing to lobbying to political campaigns, preparing them for a number of possible career paths. Students will explore and reflect on how to promote social justice in coursework, but also through engagement outside of the classroom.
Recent graduates have found employment with media literacy groups, domestic and international service organizations, Internet start-ups, and government officials, and gone on to pursue graduate and professional degrees.
Curriculum
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
COMM 100 | SOC Career Prep Seminar | 1 |
COMM 175 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
COMM 200 | Digital Communication and Society | 3 |
COMM 215 | Ethics & Communication | 3 |
or COMM 360 | Digital Media Ethics |
COMM 220 | Introduction to Rhetoric | 3 |
or COMM 268 | Persuasion |
| 6 |
| Media Theory and Criticism | |
| Introduction to Rhetoric | |
| Social Justice & Communication | |
| Game Studies | |
| Persuasion | |
| Intercultural Communication | |
| Organizational Communication | |
| Media Technology & Society | |
| Digital Sustainability | |
COMM 230 | Argumentation & Advocacy | 3 |
| 6 |
| Conflict Management and Communication | |
| Persuasive Presentations | |
| Small Group Communication | |
| Environmental Advocacy | |
| Designing Media for Social Change | |
| Remixing Culture | |
| 3 |
| New Media Criticism 1 | |
| Naturalistic Methods Communication Research 2 | |
| Rhetorical Criticism 1 | |
| Ethnographic Research Methods in Communication 2 | |
| 12 |
Total Hours | 43 |
Approved Electives
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Plan of Study Grid
First Year |
Fall |
COMM 175 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| Hours | 3 |
Spring |
COMM 200 |
Digital Communication and Society |
3 |
| Hours | 3 |
Second Year |
Fall |
COMM 215
|
Ethics & Communication
or Digital Media Ethics |
3 |
COMM 220
|
Introduction to Rhetoric
or Persuasion |
3 |
| Hours | 6 |
Spring |
|
3 |
| Hours | 3 |
Third Year |
Fall |
COMM 100 |
SOC Career Prep Seminar |
1 |
COMM 230 |
Argumentation & Advocacy |
3 |
|
3 |
| Hours | 7 |
Spring |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| Hours | 6 |
Fourth Year |
Fall |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| Hours | 9 |
Spring |
|
3 |
| Hours | 3 |
| Total Hours | 40 |
School of Communication Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the School of Communication are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.