Communication, B.A.

The communication major is designed to provide broad-based competencies in oral and written communication, critical analysis of human discourse, and social scientific and humanistic research methods. The major also emphasizes how this theoretical knowledge is applied in specific contexts ranging from personal relationships to business management to public advocacy.

Major Requirements (42 units)

Fundamental Communication Processes and Skills (6 units)

Select two from

• COMM 3 - Fundamentals of Public CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 4 - Introduction to Interpersonal CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 5 - ArgumentationUnits: 3
• COMM 6H - Rhetoric for Autonomy and Collaboration in the Marketplace of IdeasUnits: 3
• COMM 7 - PersuasionUnits: 3
• COMM 8 - Group DiscussionUnits: 3
• COMM 15 - Forensics LaboratoryUnits: 3 (see note 2)

Core Competencies (12 units)

• COMM 100 - Theories of Human CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 140 - Rhetorical TheoryUnits: 3
• COMM 142 - Communication CriticismUnits: 3
• COMM 166 - Communication Research MethodsUnits: 3

Personal and Professional Communication (18 units)

Select a minimum of two courses in each area

Personal and Relational Settings:

• COMM 108 - Communication and the Small GroupUnits: 3
• COMM 120 - Gender CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 150 - Communication and AgingUnits: 3
• COMM 161 - Family CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 162 - Interpersonal CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 164 - Intercultural CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 169 - Communication and ConflictUnits: 3

Advocacy in Public Settings:

• COMM 103 - Advanced Public SpeakingUnits: 3
• COMM 105 - Argumentation TheoryUnits: 3
• COMM 115 - Advanced Forensics LaboratoryUnits: 3 (see note 2)
• COMM 130 - Environmental CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 148 - American Public AddressUnits: 3
• COMM 149 - Freedom of SpeechUnits: 3
• COMM 160 - Meaning, Language, and CommunicationUnits: 3
• COMM 163 - Social Influence and Attitude ChangeUnits: 3

Organizational and Professional Settings:

• COMM 114 - Communication and LearningUnits: 3
• COMM 165 - Communication Technology and SocietyUnits: 3
• COMM 167 - Leadership in Groups and OrganizationsUnits: 3
• COMM 168 - Communication in OrganizationsUnits: 3
• COMM 170 - Business and Professional SpeakingUnits: 3
• COMM 171 - Communication and Planning Change in the Social SystemUnits: 3
• COMM 176 - Communication Consulting and TrainingUnits: 3
• COMM 179I - InternshipUnits: 1-6
• COMM 189 - Projects in CommunicationUnits: 1-3

Electives in Major (6 units)

Select an additional 6 units of upper-division communication coursework.

Other Degree Requirements

In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

• American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
• General Education Requirements (48 units)
• Multicultural and International (MI)
• Upper-division Writing
• Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

Total Units: 120*

*General Education, MI, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements (see note 1). See advisor for details.

Advising Notes

1. The 6 units of COMM 3 , COMM 5 , COMM 7 and/or COMM 8 may be applied to fulfill General Education Foundation A1 and A3 requirements.
2. No more than 3 units from COMM 15 and 6 units from COMM 115 can count toward fulfillment of the communication major. No more than 3 units from COMM 115 can be applied to the Advocacy in Public Settings Area.
3. CR/NC grading is not permitted in the communication major with the exception of COMM 179I (Internship).
4. No more than 6 units of COMM 179I (Internship) may be applied toward completion of the communication major.
5. Students are allowed only 3 units of COMM 190 and no more than 6 units toward the baccalaureate degree.
6. A grade of C or better is required in COMM 100 , COMM 140 , COMM 142 , and COMM 166 to fulfill the core competencies requirement.