COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies provides students with a strong foundation in communication theory, research, and practice while emphasizing interpersonal, organizational, and intercultural communication skills essential for professional and personal success. Students complete 36 hours of general education requirements in writing, speaking, mathematics, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and diversity, as well as either a two-year foreign language sequence or a certificate program outside the Communication department. They must also complete at least 40 upper-level credit hours. The Communication Core includes foundational courses such as Introduction to Communication, Communication Research or Data Collection, and one theory course such as Communication Theory, Theories of Rhetoric, Public Relations Theory, or Media Theory. The Communication Studies Core deepens understanding through courses in Argumentation and Advocacy, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Small Group Communication, and Organizational Communication, providing a well-rounded exploration of human interaction across contexts. Students also complete 15 hours of Communication Studies electives, at least nine of which are upper-level, with options like Business and Professional Communication, Leadership Principles, Health Communication, Political Communication, and Communication and Conflict. This program develops students into effective communicators and critical thinkers, preparing them for careers in business, public service, education, media, and leadership roles requiring advanced communication expertise.