Program Description

The Communication Studies major provides you opportunities to develop communication skills, explore values, and acquire techniques of insight and critical reasoning. Emphasis is placed on person-to-person contact in both private and public settings. You will expand your verbal and nonverbal skills, develop sensitivity for their appropriate use, and gain perspective on issues of power, influence, justice, freedom, and truth. 

Entering and Completing the Major

In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.

Note that the University encourages you to enter your chosen major(s) as soon as you have determined it and are eligible to join it, especially by the start of your junior year. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should enter a major within their first two quarters at SPU.

• If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified a major in this department as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major. To change or add a major, follow these instructions.
• If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, follow these instructions to enter a major in this department.
• The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
• To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
• You must complete the major requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major.

Communication Studies (BA)

55 Credits Minimum, Including 30 Upper Division (UD)

Suggested Course Sequence

This is a sample schedule of sequencing for the Communication Major. There is a bit of flexibility in class placement in your  first 2 years as you navigate through the University’s Common and Exploratory Curriculum, and Communication Core. Watch years 3 and 4 closely for courses that are offered only every-other year.

Freshman Notes

• If you have not satisfied the Foreign Language Requirement, complete for your Exploratory coursework.

• JRN 2801 Newspaper Production , JRN 2802 Newspaper Production, and JRN 2803 Newspaper Production JRN 2803 Newspaper Production can be taken throughout your undergraduate career.

• If you become an editor, you will take JRN 3930 Publication Editor Practicum, JRN 3931 Publication Editor Practicum, and JRN 3932 Publication Editor Practicum. These are electives in Communication Studies. 

Sophomore Notes

• Wrap up the Exploratory Curriculum this year.