Communication Studies Major & Programs
A degree in Communication Studies offers a dynamic curriculum that equips you with the essential skills to excel in a rapidly changing world. Our program provides a strong foundation in communication theory and practice, an ethical framework for the utilization of artificial intelligence through the lens of digital media literacy, opportunities for experiential learning and the use of industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Qualtrics, you will develop the confidence and expertise to excel in a variety of fields. Whether you are passionate about public relations, media analysis, building strong relationships or creating content, we have courses to match your interests.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to achieve the following competencies:
- Oral Communication: Present oral messages using appropriate modalities and technologies for the audience, purpose and context to accomplish communication goals
- Writing: Construct written messages using appropriate modalities for the audience, purpose and context to accomplish communication goals
- Critical Thinking: Demonstrate the ability to think critically through the analysis of mediated and non-mediated messages
- Research: Demonstrate the ability to read, comprehend, apply, synthesize and evaluate research in communication
- Values: Demonstrate the ability to apply ethical frameworks in a variety of contexts in a multicultural and globalized society
The B.A. degree has a pathway to a teaching credential. Majors in communications studies interested in multiple subject or single subject credentials are referred to the Teacher Education section of the academic catalog for a description of teaching credential programs.
**PLEASE NOTE: When viewing the academic catalog, please ensure you select the appropriate catalog year from the drop-down menu at the top of the site.**
Degrees & Minors
Discover your passion and explore our major, minor and concentrations below to chart your own unique path.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies is tailored for students aiming to pursue careers requiring a foundational understanding of communication principles and diverse skills in related fields. This degree prepares graduates for public relations, media, marketing, corporate communication and community relations professions. It also supports roles in education, human resources and content creation/management.
A minor in Communication Studies opens doors to a variety of career paths in fields such as business, media, public relations and education. This minor also enhances the value of majors in areas like political science, psychology or marketing by providing essential communication skills that are highly sought after in many professions. Integrating a communication studies minor with your primary field of study allows for a versatile and interdisciplinary education, equipping you with the tools to excel in both traditional and emerging industries.
For those students that are either Liberal Studies or Social Science majors, Communication Studies serves as a concentration for both. This is a great opportunity to find out the ways in which Communication Studies skills and knowledge can best compliment your primary area of study.
For Communication Studies majors who want to teach English as their subject matter, an approved single subject matter preparation program is available under advisement. For more information about obtaining a single-subject credential, see the Teacher Education section of the academic catalog.
The Department of Communication Studies actively supports international education and invites students to explore opportunities for studying abroad. For further information and guidance on these opportunities, please contact the Office of International Education.
Updated: October 08, 2025