Communication Studies, BA

Communication Studies, BA

Countless messages, ideas, and perspectives are being transmitted to us every moment of every day. But what sticks? And why?

This Communication Studies program is for students interested in exploring and mastering effective communication, be it interpersonal, professional, or intercultural. In addition to studying the fundamentals of mediation and rhetoric, you’ll learn how to root your arguments in qualitative and quantitative data. 

The culmination of your studies will be a capstone project that draws upon your four-year learning experience. You’ll employ research methods to make a scholarly contribution to the field of Communication.

 

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Learn More About Our Program

Get to know our faculty and their specialties. Or explore on-campus clubs and opportunities, like our debate team and student-run radio station, along with an array of internship possibilities.

Curriculum

Communication: Communication Studies Concentration, BA

BA

The Communication Studies concentration is for students interested in examining the processes of meaning making through communication and its impact on human psychology, emotions, and relationships in various contexts including workplace, groups and teams, and other forms of relationships. This concentration emphasizes the application of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis and communication theories to the production of ethical and strategic plans for effective communication in various contexts, and culminates in a data-driven research Capstone. The Communication Studies concentration provides students with competencies in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Learning Outcomes

  • PLO 1: Recognize communication inquiry by employing communication perspectives, principles, or concepts.
  • PLO 2: Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context in order to effectively communicate.
  • PLO 3: Apply communication theories or methods to critically analyze messages.
  • PLO 4: Demonstrate the ability to appraise and apply communication ethics for social justice, to embrace difference, and to exercise moral conduct.
  • PLO 5: Practice using communication theory, strategies, and methodologies in real-world situations.

Requirements

Required Courses

The following courses are required for all Communication majors:

  • Intro to Media & Cultural Stud (4 units)
  • Intro to Human Communication (4 units)
  • Rhetoric and Public Discourse (3 units)
  • Communication Theory (3 units)

Communication Studies Concentration

The following courses are required for the Communication Studies Concentration:

  • Qualitative Methods (3 units)
  • Quantitative Methods (4 units)
  • Capstone: Comm Studies (3 units)
  • Quantitative Capstone Lab (1 units)
  • Capstone Writing Circle (1 units)

Internship

One unit of an internship is required

  • Internship (1-3 units)

Earn an Communication Studies Concentration, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!

Learn More

  • Interpers Com(lower) (1 units)
  • Intro to Media & Cultural Stud (4 units)
  • Intro to Human Communication (4 units)
  • Rhetoric and Public Discourse (3 units)
  • Communication Theory (3 units)
  • Topics in Communication (200s) (3-4 units)
  • Ind/Special Study (200s) (1-4 units)
  • COMM Elective (1-5 units)
  • Qualitative Methods (3 units)
  • Understanding Digital Culture (3 units)
  • Intercultural Communication (4 units)
  • Visual Communication (4 units)
  • Quantitative Methods (4 units)
  • Interpersonal Communication (3 units)
  • Rhetorical Criticism (4 units)
  • Advertising & Civic Engagement (4 units)
  • Public Relations (4 units)
  • Communication Policy and Law (4 units)
  • Fundametals of Journalism (4 units)
  • Sports Journalism (4 units)
  • Photojournalism (4 units)
  • Media, Technologies, & Culture (4 units)
  • Media Research Methods (4 units)
  • Topics in Media Production (3-4 units)
  • Topics in Communication (300s) (3-4 units)
  • Group Facilitation/Leadership (4 units)
  • Media Labs (1 units)
  • COMM UD Elective (1-5 units)
  • International Communication (4 units)
  • Political Communication (4 units)
  • Multimedia Journalism (4 units)
  • Adv Topics in Media Production (3-4 units)
  • Persuasion (4 units)
  • Topics in Film (4 units)
  • Communication & Social Justice (4 units)
  • Communicat & Soc Justice EL (1 units)
  • Topics in Communication (400s) (3-4 units)
  • Health Communication (4 units)
  • Television and Cultural Critic (4 units)
  • Race and Representation (4 units)
  • Capstone: Comm Studies (3 units)
  • Quantitative Capstone Lab (1 units)
  • Capstone: Media Studies (3 units)
  • Internship (1-3 units)
  • Ind/Special Study (400s) (1-4 units)
  • Intercultural Communication (4 units)
  • Political Communication (4 units)
  • Visual Communication (4 units)
  • Intergroup Communication (4 units)
  • Rhetorical Criticism (4 units)
  • Advertising & Civic Engagement (4 units)
  • Public Relations (4 units)
  • Communication, Policy and Law (4 units)
  • American Journalism (4 units)
  • Sports Journalism (4 units)
  • Audio Production (4 units)
  • Video Production (4 units)
  • Adv Topics in Media Production (4 units)
  • Community Media (4 units)
  • Persuasion (4 units)
  • Topics in Film: Brazilian Film (4 units)
  • Comm & Soc Justice: Whiteness (4 units)
  • Communication & Social Justice (4 units)
  • Communication Strategy (4 units)
  • Topics in Communication (3-4 units)
  • Health Communication (4 units)
  • Social Media & Society (4 units)
  • Rhetoric of Science (4 units)
  • Rhetoric of Privacy & Surveill (4 units)
  • Democracy and Social Media (4 units)
  • Group Facilitation/Leadership (4 units)
  • Identity & Intercultral Comm (4 units)
  • Media Criticism (4 units)
  • Whiteness, Comm, & Culture (4 units)
  • Conflict Management (4 units)
  • Latin American Film (4 units)
  • Brazilian Film (4 units)
  • Television Criticism (4 units)
  • Media and Relationships (4 units)
  • Data Science for Communication (3 units)
  • International Externship
  • Comprehensive Exams
  • Theories of Communication (4 units)
  • Strategic Mediated Comm (4 units)
  • Applied Research Design (4 units)
  • Applied Research Methods (3 units)
  • Applied Research Analysis (4 units)
  • Intercultural Externship
  • Comprehensive Exams
  • Local Externship
  • Independent Study (1-4 units)

What can you do with a degree in Communication Studies?

A degree in Communication Studies teaches students to create and share effective messages while building research, writing, and interpersonal skills for careers in media, business, and public service
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study)

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Studetns watching a staged play reading in Claeys lounge

Public Relations Specialist
Build and maintain a positive image for organizations through strategic messaging, press releases, and media engagement

Marketing or Brand Strategist
Use communication theory and audience analysis to develop campaigns that connect products and ideas with consumers

Journalist or Copy Editor
Research, write, and edit news and feature stories with clarity, accuracy, and ethical responsibility

Corporate Communications Manager
Coordinate internal and external communications, ensuring consistency across company messaging and brand identity

Digital Media Planner
Analyze audience data to design effective advertising and social media strategies

Event or Community Relations Coordinator
Plan and manage events, partnerships, and public initiatives that strengthen community and organizational relationships

Human Resources or Training Specialist
Facilitate communication within organizations, manage employee engagement, and develop workplace training programs

Policy or Advocacy Researcher
Apply communication theory and data analysis to influence public opinion and policy decisions

 

Saint Mary's Testimonials

The Saint Mary’s Communication Department is the perfect example of what the College is capable of at its absolute best. With its broad range of diverse classes being taught by all manner of passionate and enthusiastic professors, it possesses the ability to properly mold students into being masters of their craft by giving them an array of tools and skills that are paramount in post-college interactions.

Mason Konrad, '22

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The Princeton Review, 2023

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