Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


Academic Information

Available Emphasis Areas:

The Bachelors degree in Communication Studies offers coursework that enables students to construct, convey and interpret communcation in diverse contexts. The major prepares students to: enter professions requiring proficiency in relational, group, and public communication. Courses combine theory and practice to enhance the student's ability to communicate well in both career and personal life. Students develop their capacities in ethical and critical thinking, improving their ability to articulate and defend their opinions as engaged citizens in a diverse world.

Students who complete this degree will be well prepared to enter graduate school, law school or other professional programs and to pursue teaching credentials.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


Careers

What Can I Do with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies?

Effective oral, written, and relational communication is essential in whatever career you pursue. With a BS in Communication Studies from Northern Arizona University, you'll learn how communication enhances relationships and builds cultural understanding. A degree in Communication Studies will prepare you for a broad range of careers and graduate education programs, including law school.

Faculty members emphasize critical thinking and research, preparing you to be a reflective citizen who is able to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to the world around you.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • Advocacy
  • Communication director
  • Community education
  • Human resources
  • Legislative assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Management training
  • Non-profit work
  • Public relations
  • Religous leadership
  • Technical communication

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Attorney
  • Clergy
  • Mediation and alternative dispute resolution consultant 
  • Student support services 
  • Teaching certification (pre-K-12)
  • University or college faculty

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required

An emphasis, minor, or certificate is required for this major.

Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement
 
Central to the discipline of Communication Studies is the assumption that communication constructs the social world and is relational, collaborative, strategic, symbolic, and adaptive.  In order to understand, explore, and refine this assumption, Communication Studies focuses on the examination and integration of communication theory, research, critical thinking, ethics, and communication skills.  The Communication Studies degree produces reflective citizens who are able to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to the worlds of which they are a part.  Students learn about, examine, and investigate communication in diverse contexts (relational, cultural, professional, and public) using discipline-appropriate quantitative, qualitative, and critical methods.  Students develop and refine skills in effective oral and written communication, and learn to create messages appropriate to their audience, purpose, and communicative context.  As communication generalists, graduates are prepared to enter a variety of professions and/or postgraduate education.  

Student Learning Outcomes

A central assumption of these Degree Program Learning Outcomes (DPLO) is that communication constructs the social world and is relational, collaborative, strategic, symbolic, and adaptive.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


Details

Major Requirements
General Electives
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Communication

Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science


Campus Availability

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