Departmental Honors

Beginning in Autumn, 2008, achieving departmental honors status will change. All graduating Communication majors who earn a 3.4 GPA or above in the major, will earn “Honors” status. All graduating Communication majors who earn a 3.66 in the major will earn “High Honors” status. Students will be designated with their departmental honors at graduation.

Maintaining a high GPA is important to your future success. High grades are necessary for admission into many of the top graduate programs. High grades also demonstrate to potential employers that you are intelligent, hard-working, and able to deliver what is asked of you.

However, high grades alone will not be enough to set academically gifted students apart. You need to be able to demonstrate your achievements. For that reason, the department encourages Honors students to seek out additional academic challenges.

• Original research or participation in faculty research is a great way to prepare for graduate school. Original research also shows potential employers that you are able to design and implement a project to seek out knowledge about an important question. Students interested in research should discuss the possibility of creating a 392 Project in Communication with a faculty member who shares your area of interest.    
• Enrolling in a 500-level course will stretch you academically, and give you exposure to the graduate program. Seeking out challenges is a great way to set yourself apart.
• Demonstrating leadership is key to translating classroom knowledge into the world. Employers and graduate programs look for potential leaders. Departmental advisors can help you to find out about Communication students organizations such as Ethos and Public Relations Student Society of America, the Forensics Team, and the leadership opportunities that are available in each.
•  Awards and achievements are another way to help you succeed. The Department of Communication offers a number of scholarships and competitions through which you can distinguish yourself. Talk to your professors and advisors, and get involved with these activities.  You’ll be glad you did!
• The University offers a number of opportunities for academic growth, including the University Honors Scholars Program and international opportunities through UC International Programs.

The Communication major is a dynamic and challenging degree. The Department is proud of our students who achieve high grades. We encourage you to get to know the faculty. Personal recommendations can be very helpful. Moreover, we welcome you to consider furthering your education with a Master’s Degree from our department. We’d be happy to talk with you about the possibilities, so feel free to introduce yourself to the faculty and seek advice. Talk with Dr. Depoe, Director of Graduate Studies, about applying for admission to the Master's program and about opportunities for teaching or research assistantships. Of course, the faculty is also happy to talk with you about preparing for the range of graduate and career opportunities you seek.

ALICE M. HOUSE ORATORY CONTEST

The House Oratory Contest is a competition held annually in the Department of Communication. The contest, which awards monetary prizes for first, second, and third place, is open to seniors across the University of Cincinnati. Established in 1892 by Major Frank M. Jones, a member of the U.C. Board of Directors, the contest is now sponsored by a bequest made to the University of Cincinnati in 1924 by Alice M. House. Information about the contest, including the date on which it is held, speech topics, and other ground rules, becomes available at the Department of Communication office (620 Teachers College) during Winter Quarter.

FRANK M. JONES SCHOLARSHIP

The Frank M. Jones Scholarship is awarded each Spring by the Department of Communication to students majoring in Communication who are about to enter their senior year of coursework. The scholarship, which has been awarded since 1979, recognizes all-around academic excellence. To be eligible, students must have Junior standing (95 1/2 to 139 1/2 credits), must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, and must have completed at least 18 credits in Communication. Scholarships are not applied for--they are determined each year by faculty vote. 1996 Scholarship winner Steven Weintraub has donated an engraved plaque to commemorate winners of the past, present, and future.