Communication Studies Major, B.A.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

• Degree and Certificate Requirements  
• General Studies Requirements  
• Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  
• Senior Experience Graduation Requirements  

Program Requirements

• A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
• A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements  for degree completion.  

• Written Communication (6 credits)
• Oral Communication (3 credits) 
• Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
• Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
• Historical (3 credits) 
• Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
• Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

• Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
• Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement. 

Communication Studies Core: 24 credits

• Select one of these courses:

• COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking Credits: 3

• or

• COMM 1100 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication Credits: 3

•  

  Complete this course:

• COMM 2200 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3

•  

  Select two of the following courses:

• COMM 2030 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
• COMM 2040 - Team and Group Communication Credits: 3
• COMM 2300 - Introduction to Organizational Communication Credits: 3
• COMM 2400 - Introduction to Rhetoric and Popular Culture Credits: 3

•  

  Complete all of the following courses:

• COMM 3000 - Diversity and Communication in the U.S. Credits: 3
• COMM 3100 - Communication Theory Credits: 3
• COMM 4100 - Communication Ethics Credits: 3

•  

  Select one of the following research methods courses:

• COMM 3110 - Applied Communication Research Methods Credits: 3

• or

• COMM 3400 - Rhetorical Criticism Credits: 3

Option One: Communication Studies Major: 18 credits

Communication Studies students may select any five Elective Courses (15 credit hours) based on their own interests, goals, and aspirations. The majority of students’ elective courses should be upper-division. Consult with a faculty advisor when selecting these courses. 

Students also complete a Capstone/Senior Experience Course (3 credit hours).

Option Two: Communication Studies Major with Concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication: 18 credits

The majority of students’ concentration and/or elective courses should be upper-division. Consult with a faculty advisor when selecting these courses.

Students electing a Concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication must complete the Communication Studies Core and the following:

Option Three: Communication Studies Major with Concentration in Rhetoric and Public Culture: 18 credits

The majority of students’ concentration and/or elective courses should be upper-division. Consult with a faculty advisor when selecting these courses.

Students electing a Concentration in Rhetoric and Public Culture must complete the Communication Studies Core and the following:

Summary of Requirements

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.