Communication Studies Major, B.A.

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Communication Studies majors develop the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in a wide variety of contexts - from professional life to personal relationships, personal growth to community building, to promoting diversity and yourself. The major is designed to allow students to chart their own course of study across personal, professional, and public contexts. Students have the option of selecting a formal concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication or Rhetoric and Public Culture. To effectively tailor the degree to your personal and professional goals, elective courses should be selected in consultation with a Communication Studies advisor.

COMM 1010 - Presentational Speaking is required for COMM majors and minors but does not count towards the total number of hours needed for the major (42) or the minor (21). This course fulfils the MSU Denver General Studies Oral Communication requirement.

A senior experience course is required for all students in each track and will be selected in consultation with a department faculty advisor.

Internships, variable topics courses, and independent studies may be taken in each of the program areas.

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 minimum grade requirements.

Communication Studies Core (21 Credit Hours)

21 credit hours

COMM 1100 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication Credits: 3
COMM 2200 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
Two of the following four 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
Each of the following three courses:
COMM 3000 - Diversity and Communication in the U.S. Credits: 3
COMM 3100 - Communication Theory Credits: 3
COMM 4100 - Communication Ethics Credits: 3

Option One: Communication Studies Major without Concentration

Students may complete the Communication Studies major by taking a Research Course (3 credit hours) and five Elective Courses (15 credit hours) based on their own interests, goals, and aspirations. These elective courses should be selected in close consultation with a faculty advisor. Students must also complete a Capstone/Senior Experience Course (3 credit hours).

Research Course (3 Credit Hours)

Select one of the following courses:

COMM 3110 - Applied Communication Research Methods Credits: 3
COMM 3400 - Rhetorical Criticism Credits: 3

Elective Courses (15 Credit Hours)

Choose any five courses from:

COMM 2010 - Gender and Communication Credits: 3
COMM 2020 - Introduction to Health Communication Credits: 3
COMM 2030 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3
COMM 2040 - Team and Group Communication Credits: 3
Or any COMM course 3000-level and above

Capstone/Senior Experience (3 Credit Hours)

Select one of the following three courses:

COMM 4910 - Applied Communication Research Project Credits: 3
COMM 4920 - Senior Seminar Credits: 3
COMM 4930 - Senior Communication Internship Credits: 3

Option Two: Concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication

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