Frequently Asked Questions

A degree in Communication Studies can lead to careers in many professional fields, including advertising, content creation, public relations and education. Communication skills are transferable across industries, so graduates have a lot of career flexibility.

The average salary for someone with a degree in Communication Studies can vary widely depending on several factors including industry, locations, experience and job title. That said, based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2025, the median annual wage for individuals with a communications degree is $65,000. According to the California State University Office of the Chancellor's, “Workbook: Labor Market Outcomes”, Stan State grads with a communication degree have a median annual salary of $60,008 in the state of California, within five years of graduating.

Majoring in Communication Studies is an excellent choice if you want to learn how to build presentational skills, improve your critical thinking abilities and/or refine your ability to reach audiences via multiple methods. Employers value effective communication skills, regardless of occupation, and this major will provide you multiple opportunities to learn and refine your skills across multiple modalities and craft appropriate messages for specific audiences.

We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies emphasizing elective categories spanning four contextual areas of our discipline:

• Public Communication & Advocacy – The practice of effectively conveying messages to promote causes, influence public opinion and inspire action through messaging, outreach, and engagement.
• Relational & Social Dynamics – How individuals and groups interact, build relationships, influence behavior and navigate social structures within various contexts.
• Media Studies & Communication Technology – Analyzing media forms, content, and platforms, along with tools and technologies that shape information distribution and influence public perception.
• Strategic & Professional Communication – The application of planning, messaging, and delivery skills to ensure clear, effective and goal-oriented communication in professional settings.

We also offer a Minor in Communication Studies. Those majoring in Liberal Studies and Social Sciences can complete their concentration in Communication Studies.

An approved single subject matter teacher credentials preparation program is available to Communication Studies majors who wish to declare English as their subject matter teaching area.

Discover more about degree requirements and available concentrations by visiting the Majors & Programs page or the Academic Catalog.

There are a lot of great internship opportunities for communication students. Visit our internships page to learn more about different resources for finding and applying for internships.

To apply to Stanislaus State, visit the Stanislaus State Undergraduate Admissions webpage for admissions information. If you're interested in graduate admission, head to the Graduate Admissions page for details.

Students cannot be evaluated, nor approved for graduation, prior to declaring a major. The university recommends that a student declare a major once they have earned 60 units.