Communication Studies Major - Communication Studies
Communication Studies meets the shifting demands of the workplace and the world.The Communication Studies concentration in the major focuses on building the essential career competencies that employers want. Study after study finds that across industries employers want to hire college graduates who can listen to clients and customers, lead and manage teams, and connect with both expert and non-expert audiences.
Our graduates have found success after graduation in a variety of fields including:
- Law school
- Pharmaceutical sales
- University admissions
- Graduate school for counseling
Our goal is to prepare students with the skills of leaders who stand out as professinally agile, socially skilled, and critically reflective by:
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Providing - the professional skills necessary to meet the changing needs of a variety of job fields
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Equipping - them to partner with and work across divers communities and populations
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Advocating - on behalf of personal needs and social justice
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Improving - students' competence in personal and public communication
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Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
The Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Program allows high-achieving undergraduate students in Communication Studies to begin taking graduate-level courses that count toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This pathway shortens the time to completion, saves on tuition costs, and provides a seamless transition into advanced study. It’s an excellent option for students looking to deepen their expertise and expand career opportunities. Learn more here.
Undergraduate Honors Research Program
The Undergraduate Honors Research Program offers students in Communication Studies the opportunity to engage in in-depth, faculty-mentored research projects. Participants gain hands-on experience in designing studies, analyzing data, and presenting their findings, all while developing critical thinking and professional skills. This program is ideal for students preparing for graduate study or careers that value research and analytical expertise. Learn more here.
CMST Internship Program
The Communication Studies (CMST) Internship Program provides students with practical, real-world experience in professional settings that complement their academic studies. Through internships in businesses, nonprofit organizations, media, and other fields, students develop essential communication skills, build professional networks, and gain a competitive edge for their future careers. Learn more here.
Communication Studies Major Requirements:
36 credits dispersed across the following categories:
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Core Requirements: 15 Credits
Core: (take all three - 9 credits)
- COMM 2330 - Communication Theory
- COMM 2090 - Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 4346 - Business and Professional Communication
Primary Skills Elective (choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 2025 - Fundamentals of Communication
- COMM 2045 - Public Speaking
- COMM 2055 - Argumentation and Debate
Professional Development Elective (choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 2700 - Professional Communication & Technology
- COMM 3045 - Advanced Public Speaking
- COMM 3380 - Communicating in Groups
- COMM 3346 - Speaking for Social Change
- COMM 4350 - Organizational Communication
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Concentration Requirements: 9 Credits
Communication & Culture Elective (choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 4200 - Gender and Communication
- COMM 4317 - Rhetoric of Diversity & Identity
- COMM 4327 - Popular Communication
- COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication
Communication Research Elective (choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 3300 - Qualitative Communication Research
- COMM 3330 - Quantitative Communication Research
- COMM 3340 - Rhetorical Criticism
Communication in Relationships (choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 3350 - Relational Communication
- COMM 4210 - Family Communication
- COMM 4450 - Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication
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Communication Electives: 12 Credits
(minimum of six at the 3/4000 level) (Includes any courses listed in an elective block [above] after taking the required course for the block)
- COMM 2325 - Speech and Debate Team (1-3)
- COMM 3390 - Persuasion
- COMM 4018 - Honors Thesis (3-6)
- COMM 4366 - Communication Ethics
- COMM 4377 - Health Communication
- COMM 4380 - Communication Studies Internship
- COMM 4900 - Independent Studies (1-3)
- COMM 4957 - Special Topics (1-6)
For full degree requirements, see the catalog.
