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