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.
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.
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.
The full policy can be viewed here.
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.
This major requires 60 - 67 units distributed as follows:
Required Coursework (24 units)
Take the following with a Grade of "C" or better in each course (24 units):
Elective Coursework (18 units)
Discuss opportunities for fieldwork with your advisor. Fieldwork Experience is not required.
Coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better in each course.
In consultation with your advisor, select from the following (18 units):
Offered in-person at the Flagstaff campus and Glendale Community College; not currently offered online.
With the approval of your advisor, select a certificate that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. In addition to the certificate, you will be required to take an additional 3 units of coursework.
In consultation with your advisor, 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.
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.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
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.
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.