Communication Studies, B.S.

The faculty of the undergraduate degree program in Communication Studies is committed to the following learning objectives.

Students will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the history of communication and its artifacts by analyzing social movements, issues, and perspectives.
Acquire skills in logic, reasoning, argumentation, and critical thinking.
Demonstrate information literacy through research skills in gathering and analyzing information.
Identify and synthesize the best forms of communication technology to apply to various communicative situations.
Demonstrate an understanding of global diversity and individuality.
Synthesize the ethical implications of human communication.
Create and deliver professional oral presentations.

Students in the Communication Studies major develop broad-based communication skills and theoretical understanding to enhance their competitiveness in their chosen fields and career paths. Students graduate with refined abilities to approach communication challenges critically and analytically and to conduct and apply research for success in a contemporary, multicultural, globalized world.

Students in this major graduate with great flexibility in career choices and professional paths. Past Communication Studies majors have excelled in the following areas: public relations, talent management, crisis management, education, nonprofit leadership, public diplomacy, fundraising, and civic engagement.

Required Courses

Students in Communication Studies complete 44 credits in the major, six core courses and five related elective courses, including at least one at the 400 level. In addition, all students are required to complete CC 264 - Oral Presentation of Literature , which may be used to satisfy the Literary Perspective of the Liberal Arts requirements. Students are encouraged to work with departmental faculty to select courses relevant to their career goals.

Students may either design their own program of study around a common theme by using any CS Communication Studies course OR choose one of the three suggested tracks (Rhetoric and Argumentation; Culture, Identity, and Relationships; Negotiation and Dialogue).

Related electives

20 credits in any CS Communication Studies courses, including at least one at the 400 level.

The following are suggested tracks within the Communication Studies major. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Academic Advising or the Communication Studies department chair for information on additional/alternative ways to meet degree requirements.

Rhetoric and Argumentation

Students develop expertise in the contemporary and historical processes of persuasion and influence.

Select 20 credits from the following

Culture, Identity, and Relationships

Students explore performance in diverse cultural contexts, developing deep understandings of human identity and meaning-making processes. They also develop their own expressive abilities.

Select 20 credits from the following:

Note

Although not required, studying abroad will be of particular value to students in this track.

Conflict, Negotiation, and Facilitation

Students develop capacities to assess and manage conflict and facilitate discussions in personal and professional contexts. Track emphasizes theory, skill development, and applied experience.