Fundamentals of communications research methods and applications. Topics include survey research, observational and experimental studies, primary research data-gathering techniques, secondary research sources, data analysis, message, market, competitive and audience research measures.

Supervised professional experience of research outside the classroom. For an independent study, a contract must be signed by the student and by the instructor of record and other designated faculty and administrators. A student may repeat COMM U399 once with a different independent study contract description for a total of no more than six hours of undergraduate credit.

Supervised professional experiential learning outside the classroom. For three internship credit hours, a student is to work 135 hours with an approved agency; for two credit hours, 90 hours, for one credit, 45 hours. A contract must be signed by the student and by the instructor of record and other designated faculty and administrators. A student may earn credit for COMM U489 twice with a different internship contract description for a total of no more than six hours of undergraduate credit. In some situations, the community partner may require six credit hours in one semester.

Reading and research on selected topics in communication studies, mass media and/or public relations designed to integrate knowledge, to explore ethical issues, and to gain experience in research and oral presentation.