COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at San José State University is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in communication theory, research methods, and practical application, preparing them for diverse careers in media, business, public relations, education, and community engagement. The program integrates lower and upper-division general education requirements with a structured major curriculum totaling 42 units, along with university electives or a minor to broaden academic experience. Students complete core courses such as Junior Seminar: Theorizing Communication, Applied Activity in Communication, and a Senior Seminar focused on synthesis and application, ensuring both academic depth and real-world engagement. The major is organized into three main areas—Foundations, Inquiry, and Practice—allowing students to explore communication from multiple perspectives, including interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, organizational communication, rhetoric, media studies, persuasion, and performance studies. Each area emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on learning through applied coursework.In addition, students complete elective major courses that may include introductory communication classes such as public speaking, intercultural communication, and media and culture. The program also encourages engagement with advanced topics like health communication, digital media, conflict resolution, and global communication systems. A key component of the degree includes writing and research development through a required Writing Workshop course and opportunities for service learning, leadership, and capstone-style projects. Students may also participate in specialized courses such as Climate Action and Leadership, intercultural communication, and community-based projects that connect academic learning with societal issues.Overall, the program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their academic path through elective choices while maintaining a strong theoretical and practical core. With a total of 120 units required, the degree prepares graduates with communication competence, cultural awareness, and critical inquiry skills essential for both professional careers and further academic study.