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Communication Studies Degree Programs

Communication studies focuses on how people connect in a dynamic world. In an era where excellent written and oral communication skills are a must-have for employers, students who study communication will have the advantage as they relate well with others, understand organizational practices and policies, navigate social media, deliver polished presentations and engage meaningfully with their communities. We have a minor, bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication studies. See if one of our degree paths is right for you.

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Minor

Communication Studies offers a minor that allows students to study in two track areas: relational dynamics or public advocacy and civic engagement. Courses can be combined across the two areas to meet a student’s career goals and personal interests.

Earn a minor
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Major

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies that allows students to study relational dynamics – examining how to develop and maintain satisfying personal and social relationships. Or study public advocacy and civic engagement – the public aspects of communication.

Get a B.A.
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Master of Arts

Beyond the required courses for the master’s degree in communication studies, students will be able to choose from a wide array of courses to specialize their studies around multiple areas of faculty expertise including relationships and family, organizational communication, Latino/a/x studies, race studies, identity, rhetoric and social movements, sexuality, health and computer-mediated communication.

Advance with an M.A.

Advisors in the College of Liberal Arts

There are two types of academic advisors in the College of Liberal Arts: College Advisors and Faculty Mentors. Both types of advisors can assist you with your academic progress in different ways and you are able to meet with both types of advisors.

College advisors

The College advisors, located in the College of Liberal Arts Student Center, are year-round professional staff members whose primary role is academic advisement. College advisors are able to assist all students with a major or minor in liberal arts programs.

A College advisor can be particularly helpful with advising for:

  • New students to the University (incoming freshmen/first-year students and new transfer students)
  • Students changing their major into the College of Liberal Arts from another College/School at the University
  • Questions regarding overall degree framework, including Core Curriculum, CLA language, CLA breadth, or the minor requirements
  • Students on academic recovery for low University GPA
  • Pre-graduation evaluations for students nearing the completion of their degree preparing to graduate
  • General advising or exploration of liberal arts majors and minors
  • When faculty mentors are not available (especially during winter or summer breaks)

First-year students generally meet with College advisors prior to their first semester at the University (as part of summer orientation advising) and throughout the first year.

Faculty mentors

Each academic department in the College of Liberal Arts has one or more faculty mentors. The faculty mentors are academic faculty members that advise specifically for their department’s major and minor programs. In addition to their roles as instructors and scholars, faculty mentors can serve as mentors to students as they progress through their degree.

It is best to consult with a faculty mentor for:

  • Questions about requirements or course substitutions in a major/minor program
  • Selecting specific major/minor classes to meet your academic or professional interests
  • Graduate and professional school planning
  • Exploring internship and career opportunities related to your program

Students are encouraged to meet with faculty mentors on a regular basis, especially after completing the first year of study.