Undergraduate
Undergraduate Program
Communication Studies
Connect, cultivate, communicate
Welcome to the Department of Communication Studies! We explore how meaning is made across media, relationships, and public discourse, and how understanding communication shapes the way we interact with the world.
Students engage with faculty through research, hands-on programs like the ACT Human Rights Film Festival and the Center for Public Deliberation, and can shape their studies around interests including leadership, human relationships, advocacy and democracy, media and popular culture, and more.
We are a community that welcomes curiosity and inspires students to think and act with purpose.
B.A. in Communication Studies
The B.A. in Communication Studies is built around a uniquely flexible curriculum that gives you a comprehensive foundation in how communication works across media, relationships, and public discourse.
You choose the courses that interest you most, and can focus your studies through concentrations in:
- Media, Technology, & Popular Culture
- Rhetoric, Democracy, Social Advocacy
- Leadership & Organizational Communication
- Interpersonal, Community, & International Communication
A required minor or second major also encourages you to connect your skills to another area of interest.
Why Study Communication Studies?
Communication Studies is about the magic of human connection — how we build relationships, share stories, and find our place in the world. At CSU, you will explore how communication shapes identity and culture, strengthens communities, and empowers people to engage with and advocate for the world they want to see.
Along the way, you will develop a deeper understanding of how meaning is made and how communication drives real change in people's lives. Our approach is limitless, giving you the freedom to follow your curiosity wherever it leads, and you will not do it alone. Our award-winning faculty are leading researchers who bring their groundbreaking work directly into the classroom and are deeply invested in your growth and success every step of the way.
Careers
One degree. Unlimited potential.
A degree in Communication Studies opens doors across a wide range of industries and roles. Graduates pursue careers in media and film, marketing and communications, business, education, government, nonprofit work, event planning, and beyond. Communication Studies consistently ranks among CSU's top liberal arts majors for post-graduation salary and job placement, reflecting the real-world value of the skills you develop. From critical thinking and leadership to intercultural understanding and persuasion, you will graduate with exactly what employers look for.
With a flexible degree and the freedom to shape your own path, the possibilities are endless.
Advising Information
Are you a current student who would like to learn more about adding or completing a Communication Studies major?
Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Academic Success Coordinators by contacting the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center.
Minors & Certificate
The Department of Communication Studies offers minors in Communication Studies, Film Studies, Media Studies, and Political Communication, giving students in any major the opportunity to build communication knowledge alongside their primary major. A certificate in STEM Communication is also available for students looking to strengthen their ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Accelerated Options
Graduate in 3 Years
If you want to finish your B.A. in Communication Studies in three years, CSU's Accelerated Programs make it possible. By taking 15-16 credits each semester and completing coursework over summer sessions, you can graduate ahead of schedule. Talk to your Academic Success Coordinator to see if it's the right fit for you.
Facilities
The Department of Communication Studies is located in the Behavioral Sciences Building at the heart of campus. There you will find faculty and staff offices, graduate teaching assistant spaces, and classrooms and open spaces designed to support lively discussion and collaboration. Stopping by the main office in A203 is a great way to connect with the people and resources that make our community so special. We would love to meet you!
Next Steps
Are you interested in our community?