Communication Studies, Bachelor of Science
Communication Studies
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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.
The Organizational Communication Emphasis is only available for students attending Glendale Community College in the 2+2 program.
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Organizational Communication - Emphasis
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To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
- All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
- At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
- At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
- At least 42 units of major requirements
- At least 18 units of minor, emphasis, or certificate requirements
- Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
- Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.
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 | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Major Requirements
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Take the following 42 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
- Communication core:
- COM 101, COM 200 (6 units)
- CST 111, CST 151, CST 201, CST 271 (12 units)
- CST 300W (3 units)
- CST 498C (3 units)
- CST 217, CST 311, CST 312, CST 318, CST 321, CST 323, CST 361, CST 365, CST 370, CST 399, (CST 408*-up to 3 units)
- COM 301, COM 305
- PR 272
*Students at the Flagstaff Mountain campus may apply 3 units of CST 408 toward their major requirements. Students in the Glendale Community College 2+2 program may apply 6 units of CST 408 toward their major requirements.
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Students are expected to work closely with a Communication Studies faculty advisor to design a plan of study and to receive professional and career advice.
All majors must earn the grade of "C" or better in COM 101 and COM 200, as well as in the NAU Liberal-Studies-required freshman composition, and foundation mathematics course.
You must take at least 21 of your major units at Northern Arizona University. Any exceptions to this requirement must be approved by a Communication Studies advisor.
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MINOR, EMPHASIS, OR CERTIFICATE (18 units)
Students majoring in Communication Studies must complete 18 units in one of the following:- A minor
- An emphasis in organizational communication (available only to students enrolled in the Glendale Community College 2+2 program)
- By major advisor approval only: a 15-unit certificate program plus 3 additional units of coursework
Minor Requirements
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You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS (for GCC 2+2 students only)
Complete the following 18-units of organizational communication course work:
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FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE
Please note that you may take CST 408 in your final two years before graduation, after completing at least 89 units toward your degree. However, you must apply to and receive prior approval from our Communication Studies faculty members, and we reserve the right to deny approval based on our assessment of your preparation and competence.
General Electives
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Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Additional Information
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Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.