A highly qualified Communication Studies faculty works with students to design a program of study that best meets the needs of individual students.  Students learn:

• To effectively communicate in a variety of contexts--one on one communication, small groups, and larger organizations
• To create ethical messages using various communication channels--speaking, writing, new media, etc.
• To explore issues of power, politics, and culture in communication
• To work effectively in teams
• To learn conflict resolution strategies, problem-solving techniques, and crisis management skills
• To develop leadership abilities
• To understand diversity and appreciate cultural difference

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 12 semester hours in the same foreign language or demonstration of proficiency at that level of study.

In order to enroll for any communications internship, a student must have an overall grade point average of 2.5, a GPA of 3.0 in major coursework, have completed 84 hours, and have completed 24 hours in the major including all 100-200 level courses.

For an internship, the student must seek permission of the communications faculty and have second semester junior standing. A communications internship is highly recommended and a minor in business administration is recommended for certain career goals. 

Students must earn a grade of C or better in any course applied toward any major or minor in the Department of Communications.

University Core Curriculum

In addition to the departmental degree requirements, a minimum of 50 hours in the University Core Curriculum must be met.

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Major in Communication Studies (B.A. or B.S.)

36 semester hours

Required courses ~15 hours:

• CMST 107-Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, 3 hrs.*
• CMST 201-Introduction to Communication Studies, 3 hrs.
• CMST 203-Introduction to Performance Studies, 3 hrs.*
• CMST 204-Business and Professional Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 301-Communication Criticism and Analysis, 3 hrs.

Elective Courses ~ 21 hours of any CMST coursework:

• CMST 214-Group and Team Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 303-Introduction to Persuasion, 3 hrs.
• CMST 308-Rhetoric & Diversity, 3 hrs.
• CMST 313-Advanced Performance Studies, 3 hrs.
• CMST 314-Organizational Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 315-Readers Theatre, 3 hrs.
• CMST 317-Intercultural Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 318-Conflict, Mediation, & Negotiation, 3 hrs.
• CMST 400-Independent Study, 3 hrs.
• CMST 402-Gender, Communication and Culture, 3 hrs
• CMST 407-Communication & Healthcare, 3 hrs.
• CMST 410-Seminar in Interpersonal Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 414-Oral Traditions, 3 hrs.
• CMST 420-Seminar in Organizational Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 427-Family Communication
• CMST 430-Seminar in Rhetoric, 3 hrs.
• CMST 498-Internship in Communication Studies, 3 hrs.
• CMST 499-Special Topics in Communication Studies, 3 hrs.

* These are University Core Curriculum courses. A maximum of six hours may count in both venues—the core and the major.

At least 21 hours in the majors must be at the 300-400 level.  For directed electives, no more than six hours may be taken from a combination of CMST 400 & 498.  For an internship, the student must seek permission of the Communications faculty and have second semester junior standing. Some upper level CMST courses are offered biennially.

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Minor - Communication Studies

21 semester hours

Required courses ~15 hours:

• CMST 107-Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 201-Introduction to Communication Studies, 3 hrs.
• CMST 203-Introduction to Performance Studies, 3 hrs.
• CMST 204-Business & Professional Communication, 3 hrs.
• CMST 301-Communication Criticism and Analysis, 3 hrs.

Elective Courses ~ 6 hours as directed by advisor

At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be at the 300-400 level.