Communication Studies Major - Storytelling
Storytelling builds connection, can foster dialogue across diverse populations, and enhance the work of individuals across a wide range of occupations.The Storytelling concentration in the major focuses on developing the narrative skills that make communication memorable and impactful. Study after study shows that employers across industries value professionals who can craft compelling stories, engage diverse audiences, and inspire action. These are skills that storytelling uniquely cultivates for careers in education, media, marketing, leadership, and beyond.
Our graduates have found success after graduation in a variety of fields including:
- Marketing & Communications
- Sales
- Management
- Finance
- Counseling
Students in the program broaden thier storytelling horizons though connections and experiences with:
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The International Storytelling Center
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The National Storytelling Festival
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The ETSU Storytelling Collective
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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.
Storytelling 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: 15 Credits
Storytelling Core (take all four - 12 credits)
- STOR 2500 - Introduction to Storytelling
- STOR 3510 - Storytelling Oral Traditions
- STOR 4510 - Telling Personal Stories
- STOR 4647 - Applied Storytelling
Cultural Narrative Elective (from the complete list below, choose at least one - 3 credits)
- COMM 4200 - Gender and Communication
- COMM 4327 - Popular Communication
- COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication
- HIST 3902 - The Great Debates in African American History
- SOCI 3110 - Minorities
- SOCI 3600 - Collective Behavior
- SOCI 4337 - Symbolic Interaction and Social Identity
- WGSS 2020 - Women in Global Perspective
- WGSS 2110 - Sex, Gender, and the Body
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Additional Electives: 6 Credits
(from the complete list below choose at lease three - 6 credits)
(Choose from courses above not taken for the requirements, from below and/or any STOR course)
- APST 2060 - Introduction to Appalachian Studies
- COMM 3300 - Qualitative Communication Research
- COMM 3340 - Rhetorical Criticism
- COMM 3346 - Speaking for Social Change
- COMM 3350 - Relational Communication
- COMM 3380 - Communicating in Groups
- COMM 3390 - Persuasion
- COMM 4210 - Family Communication
- COMM 4317 - Rhetoric of Diversity & Identity
- COMM 4350 - Organizational COmmunication
- COMM 4366 - Communication Ethics
- COMM 4377 - Health Communication
- ENGL 3270 - Literature of Popular Culture
- ENGL 3280 - Mythology
- ENGL 3650 - American Folklore
- ENGL 4217 - Irish/Scottish Literature
- ENGL 4700 - Chaucer & Medieval Literature
