Communication, B.A.

The Department of Communication

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

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 Communication Units: 3
COMM 4 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Units: 3
COMM 5 - Argumentation Units: 3
COMM 6H - Rhetoric for Autonomy and Collaboration in the Marketplace of Ideas Units: 3
COMM 7 - Persuasion Units: 3
COMM 8 - Group Discussion Units: 3
COMM 15 - Forensics Laboratory Units: 3 (see note 2)

Core Competencies (12 units)

(see note 6)

COMM 100 - Theories of Human Communication Units: 3
COMM 140 - Rhetorical Theory Units: 3
COMM 142 - Communication Criticism Units: 3
COMM 166 - Communication Research Methods Units: 3

Personal and Professional Communication (18 units)

Select a minimum of two courses in each area

Electives in Major (6 units)

(see note 2)

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

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.
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.
CR/NC grading is not permitted in the communication major with the exception of COMM 179I (Internship).
No more than 6 units of COMM 179I (Internship) may be applied toward completion of the communication major.
Students are allowed only 3 units of COMM 190 and no more than 6 units toward the baccalaureate degree.
A grade of C or better is required in COMM 100 , COMM 140 , COMM 142 , and COMM 166 to fulfill the core competencies requirement.