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.
Effective oral, written, and relational communication is essential in whatever career you pursue. With a B.S. 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 | Required |
| 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 post-graduate education.
Student Learning Outcomes
These outcomes align closely with the 2015 National Communication Association’s (NCA) Learning Outcomes in Communication.
1. Students will be able to describe the Communication discipline and its central questions. Through completion of this degree, students will be able to:
Take the following 42 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Communication core:*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.
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.
MINOR, EMPHASIS, OR CERTIFICATE (18 units)
Students majoring in Communication Studies must complete 18 units in one of the following:
You may not pursue the Professional Communication Certificate or the Communication Studies Minor in conjunction with this degree.
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.