The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies explores communication in various contexts and forms, incorporating writing, speaking and computer-mediated communications across the curriculum.
The communication studies program prepares students to meet the current needs of business and industry leaders, who demand college graduates who demonstrate effective communication skills, problem-solving abilities and leadership experience in addition to the ability to think critically and conceptually. Students emerge from the major in communication studies as proficient, critical consumers and producers of messages and interactions at the personal, social, civic and professional levels.
Graduates pursue various careers, including sales, retail management, non-profit organizations, human resources, corporate training programs, government agencies and health care, while others own their own businesses, attend graduate school or enter the political arena.
Students may elect to complete a major or a minor in communication studies. The major in communication studies culminates in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 12 semester hours in the same foreign language or demonstration of proficiency at that level of study.
Additional requirements for communications majors can be found in the USI Academic Bulletin. In addition to the departmental degree requirements, students must complete the University Core 39.
In the communication studies program, students learn:
Check out the Communication Studies student group Communication Studies Connection to get involved with fellow students.
Degree Maps
Bachelor of Arts (PDF) | Bachelor of Science (PDF) | University Core 39 | Class Schedules
Visit the USI Bulletin for Major and Minor requirements.
Class of 2016
"Dr. Howard used to say, 'Evelyn, speak up!' and even though, in the beginning, it used to make me so uncomfortable because I wasn't used to being in the spotlight like that - it's not something that happens in my culture, anyway - it challenged me to start coming out of my shell and speak up more and share experiences that I had in Zimbabwe with my classmates."
Class of 2012
"My professors helped me on an interpersonal level. They helped me learn to write papers and process the things that I'm learning. That way, when I communicate, I'm communicating with clarity... I think in what I do it's important to just communicate what needs to be communicated, cut out the fluff and understand that you are communicating with a purpose."
Class of 2016
"My favorite part about the Communications department would be the professors. I think that all of them are very knowledgeable, and they're very personable. They helped me through things that don't even have to do with communication."
Class of 2016
"Everyone always says it's like a little family, and it really is. We went bowling with our professors. I really enjoy the relationships I've made."
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