Communication Studies Requirements

Main Content

The School of Communication Studies offers courses in communication studies and public relations. Courses cover the history, theory, and application of communication. These courses reflect liberal arts, humanities and social science traditions as approaches to theory and application.

The school also sponsors co-curricular activities in public speaking, performance studies (oral interpretation), and public relations, all of which are open to non-majors.

English is the language of instruction in the School of Communication Studies and proficiency in written and oral English is required of all students in Communication Studies. To meet the requirements for a major in the School of Communication Studies a student must demonstrate the following basic skills: the ability to deliver effective oral public presentations; the ability to write clear, correct English prose; the ability to communicate effectively at the interpersonal level as well as in groups; and the ability to understand and apply communication theory and research.

These communication competencies may be demonstrated by completing the major program and any one of the specializations described below and by receiving no lower than a C- grade in courses listed in the required major core (CMST 201, CMST 262, CMST 280, CMST 301I, CMST 326) and as required in the student’s chosen specialization. Under certain circumstances, a student may elect to demonstrate a competency by passing a proficiency examination administered by the School of Communication Studies.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Studies

General Specialization

For students interested in a broad spectrum of communication topics and practices used in intercultural, interpersonal, performance, persuasive, and professional settings. Required: 33 credit hours of communication studies courses. At least 27 credit hours must be at the 300 or 400 level. Students with specialized interest in intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, business and organizational communication, performance studies, and persuasive communication should see faculty or advisors for recommended courses.

B.S. Communication Studies - General Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Requirements 39
College of Liberal Arts (2 FL, 2 Global) 12
Requirements for Major in Communication Studies 15
Required Core Courses: CMST 201, CMST 262, CMST 280, CMST 301I, CMST 326
Required Communication Studies Courses (At least 27 credit hours must be at the 300- or 400-level) 33
Electives (At least 9 credit hours must be at the 300-400 level) 21
Total 120

B.S. Communication Studies - Public Relations Specialization Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Requirements 39
College of Liberal Arts (2 FL, 2 Global) 12
Requirements for Major in Communication Studies 15
Required Core Courses: CMST 201, CMST 262, CMST 280, CMST 301I, CMST 326
Required Public Relations Courses 27
CMST 281, CMST 381, CMST 382, CMST 481, CMST 485, JRNL 310 or JRNL 312, JRNL 335 or AD 372A, three hours of CMST 390D or CMST 494H, three credit hours from JRNL, RTD, CMST 482, CMST 484, CMST 486, or CMST 490H
Minor or Cognate Study (15 credit hours)* 15
Electives 1 12
Total 120

1 Minor and elective credit hours must include 12 credit hours at the 300 or 400 level to satisfy senior-level credit hours.

Communication Studies Minor

A minor in Communication Studies consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours (in addition to CMST 101), which must include nine credit hours at the 300- or 400-level.