Academic Advising Resource Center

Communication Studies

Why take courses in Communication Studies?

No matter their major, everyone needs to know how to communicate precisely and effectively across media and modes—including written and spoken communication as well as visual and aural modes.  All of our courses will engage students in practices and analyses of communication that empower them to fully participate in the liberal arts experience and in lifelong learning.

What kinds of questions does Communication Studies explore?

  • Communication Studies invites students to explore processes and practices that help them develop and refine their expression for various purposes and audiences: what methods and approaches can we take up to achieve our purposes and reach audiences? Further, we look closely at others’ texts and expressions: what and how do texts communicate – how can we understand how texts impact their audiences? What are ethical considerations in communication?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Communication Studies?

If you would like to focus closely on developing your writing and speaking practices, Writing and Communication offers both general and specialized courses. Our major is called Communication Studies; this major is applicable to numerous professions (journalism, media, business, law, education, non-profit, publishing); it would also be a manageable second major.

Taking Courses

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • Any related course.

Getting started in the major

If possible, students should take WRCM 110 Public Communication and WRCM 230 Introduction to Communication Studies in their first or second year. There are four required core courses in the major, and five others taken for a slate of possibilities. 

The major requires two interdisciplinary context electives from other departments including Pyschology, Cinema and Media Studies, Creative Writing, and many more.

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    Writing and Communication does not transfer AP credit toward the Communication Studies major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    Majoring in Communication Studies

    Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
      Fall Spring
    Y1   WRCM 110
    Y2 WRCM 207
    WRCM 209    		 WRCM 230
    WRCM 210
    Y3 WRCM 340 SOCI 326
    Y4 CIME 211 HUMS 400
      Fall Spring
    Y1 WCRM 110 WCRM 230
    Y2 WCRM 207 WCRM 215
    Y3 BUIS 112 WCRM 401     
    PROF 171
    Y4 WCRM 340 HUMS 400

     

    Related Areas of Study

    Journalism Integrative Concentration, Creative Writing, Cinema and Media Studies, Comparative American Studies

    Learn More

    Communication Studies Major Requirements
    Writing and Communication Department