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 the following:

COMM 3 - Fundamentals of Public Communication Units: 3 (see note 1)
COMM 4 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Units: 3
COMM 5 - Argumentation Units: 3 (see note 1)
COMM 7 - Persuasion Units: 3 (see note 1)
COMM 8 - Group Discussion Units: 3 (see note 1)
COMM 15 - Forensics Laboratory Units: 3 (see note 2)

Core Competencies (15 units)

Complete all courses listed (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
COMM 172 - Performance and Communication Units: 3

Advanced Coursework in Communication (18 units)

Select a minimum of two courses in each area

Communication Studies (6 units)

Select from:

COMM 120 - Gender Communication Units: 3
COMM 135 - Communication of Science and Technology Units: 3
COMM 163 - Social Influence and Attitude Change Units: 3
COMM 165 - Communication Technology and Society Units: 3
COMM 167 - Leadership in Groups and Organizations Units: 3
COMM 168 - Communication in Organizations Units: 3

Rhetoric and Argumentation Studies (6 units)

Select from:

COMM 103 - Advanced Public Speaking Units: 3
COMM 105 - Argumentation Theory Units: 3
COMM 130 - Environmental Communication Units: 3
COMM 144 - Rhetoric of Terrorism Units: 3
COMM 148 - American Public Address Units: 3
COMM 149 - Freedom of Speech Units: 3
COMM 173 - Health and Empowerment Communication Campaigns Units: 3

Performance and Cultural Studies (6 units)

Select from:

COMM 153 - Critical/Cultural Communication: The Popular Units: 3
COMM 155 - Critical/Cultural Communication: Game Studies Units: 3
COMM 157 - Critical/Cultural Communication: The Visual Units: 3
COMM 159 - Critical/Cultural Communication: Imaginaries Units: 3
COMM 160 - Meaning, Language, and Communication Units: 3
COMM 164 - Intercultural Communication Units: 3
COMM 171 - Communication and Planning Change in the Social System Units: 3
COMM 174 - Communication of Youth Units: 3

Applied and ExperientialCommunication (3 units)

Select from the following:

COMM 114 - Communication and Learning Units: 3
COMM 115 - Advanced Forensics Laboratory Units: 3
COMM 117S - Civic Engagement, Advocacy, and Forensic Service Units: 3
COMM 170 - Business and Professional Speaking Units: 3
COMM 179I - Internship Units: 1-6 (for 3 units)
COMM 189 - Projects in Communication Units: 1-3 (for 3 units)

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 (43 units)
Additional University Graduation Requirements (9 units)
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
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, Additional University Graduation Requirements, 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 1A and 1C 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 , COMM 166 , and COMM 172 to fulfill the core competencies requirement.