Major in Communication Studies
Communication Studies courses give students a foundation in communication theories and their interrelated contexts, the application of theories to contemporary issues and the scholarly methods of studying communication. The Communication Studies major has a three-fold function:
- It allows students a greater understanding of the role that communication plays in shaping culture and identity.
- It looks at the ways in which the process of meaning-making (whether through the use of words, images, symbols or technology) is used strategically to influence human judgment and actions.
- It sharpens students’ critical thinking abilities, thus enabling them to become ethical producers and consumers of messages.
This three-fold function is accomplished through a theoretical and practical focus on argument development and through a close examination of the ways ideas are discussed, advocated for, and circulated in public and private life. These emphases give students the opportunity to develop speaking, writing, and analytical thinking skills that will allow them to become better ethical participants in the process of creating, critiquing, and disseminating meaning.
Graduates with majors in Communication Studies have found careers in the public sector, private industry, non-governmental organizations and education. Communication Studies alumni work in areas such as public affairs, corporate relations, law, religion, sales, lobbying, entertainment, human resources, conference and meeting management, training and development, health communication, teaching, and consulting.
Graduation Requirements
The Pass grading option is not available for courses applicable toward the major.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Option
Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts degree by completing the intermediate (202) level of a foreign language.
Requirements for the Major
The Communication Studies major requires a total of 42 units: 18 units of required courses, 21 units of elective courses and a 3-unit horizons course requirement.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM 131 | PUBLIC SPEAKING | 3 |
| COMM 201 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES | 3 |
| COMM 300 | RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
| COMM 311 | RHETORICAL THEORY & CRITICISM | 3 |
| COMM 419 | ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| COMM 477 | INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
| Public Discourse & Advocacy Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| COMMUNICATION ETHICS | ||
| ADV PUBL SPEAKNG | ||
| PERSUASION | ||
| ADVOCACY & ARGUMENT | ||
| COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL PROTEST | ||
| VISUAL COMMUNICATION | ||
| COMMUNICATION AND POLITICS | ||
| TOPICS IN PUBLIC DISCOURSE AND ADVOCACY | ||
| Identity & Culture Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | ||
| PERFORMING LITERATURE | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE STUDIES | ||
| SEXUAL COMMUNICATION | ||
| COMMUNICATION AND POPULAR CULTURE | ||
| AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNICATION | ||
| COMMUNICATION AND GENDER | ||
| QUEER/LGBT COMMUNICATION STUDIES | ||
| TOPICS IN IDENTITY AND CULTURE | ||
| Leadership & Organizational Communication Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| GROUP DISCUSSION | ||
| NONVERBAL COMM | ||
| BUSIN & PROF COMM | ||
or BUSX 301 | BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS | |
| LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION | ||
| COMMUNICATION TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT | ||
| EVENT PLANNING | ||
| TOPICS IN LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION | ||
| Horizons Course | ||
| Select minimum three units from the following: | 3 | |
| PRACTICUM I | ||
| PRACTICUM II | ||
| CAPSTONE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES | ||
| INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES | ||
| STUDY ABROAD | ||
| INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES | ||
| BRANDING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARTS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNICATION | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL ACTION | ||
| INTERDISCIPLINARY FINE ARTS INDEPENDENT STUDY | ||
| 3 additional units of COMM course work | 3 | |
| Total Units | 42 | |
Sample Four-Year Plan
The selected course sequence below is an example of the simplest path to degree completion. Based on course schedules, student needs, and student choice, individual plans may vary. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices and to ensure that they have completed the required number of units (120) to graduate.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| COMM 131 (Core 5) | 3 | COMM 201 | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 10 | 3 |
| Core 4 | 3 | Core 11 | 3 |
| Core 6 | 3 | Core 12 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| COMM Elective | 3 | COMM 300 (Core 9) | 3 |
| COMM Elective | 3 | COMM Elective | 3 |
| Core 7 | 4 | Core 8 | 4 |
| Core 13 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Core 14 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| COMM 419 | 3 | COMM 311 | 3 |
| COMM Elective | 3 | COMM Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| COMM 477 | 3 | COMM Horizons Elective | 3 |
| COMM Elective | 3 | COMM Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 1 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Units 120 | |||
- The student should understand the principles of communication in interpersonal, organization and public settings.
- Student should demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, structuring and delivery in interpersonal and public settings.
- Student should demonstrate an ability to conduct communication research.