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  
• Multicultural Graduation Requirements  
• 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. 
• A minor is required for this program.

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.

Multicultural Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

• Students should consult the Multicultural Graduation Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the Multicultural 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: 21 credits

• 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: 18 credits

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).

Option Two: Concentration in Professional and Organizational Communication: 18 credits

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

Option Three: Concentration in Rhetoric and Public Culture: 18 credits

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

Summary of Requirements

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and Multicultural 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.