Department of Communication Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
50 Credits
Introduction
According to our National Communication Association, we focus on how people use messages to generate meanings. We promote effective and ethical practices across different channels, cultures, situations and media.
This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education.
Why Consider a Communications Studies-Elementary Major?
Communication graduates qualify for a variety of careers. Strong attention to research and writing provides students with skills needed for entry-level positions in organizational training and development, public relations, marketing, electronic media and other information-oriented occupations. The entire Communication field is growing rapidly with increased diversification of employment opportunities.
Most people are born with the ability to acquire communication skills, and we can help you realize your full potential. We believe the educational techniques of direct instruction, guided rehearsals and modeling provide tools for developing effective communication practices. In addition, you can learn more about developing stronger communities through ethical interaction, civil public discourse and cooperative decision-making.
A Communication Elementary BAE, is completed in conjunction with the Woodring College of Education’s Elementary Education Professional Program, and satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education. See Woodring’s Elementary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Students wishing to declare a major in Communication Studies must have completed at least 60 credits a GPA of 2.5 or above. Students must submit a portfolio to the department (see below) in order to be admitted through a competitive selection process.
Admission to the major will, in part, be determined by the number of applicants and their qualifications in any given quarter. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) will be one of the major criteria for admission. In most quarters, the average GPA of successful applications is above 3.0. Other factors considered by faculty when selecting Communication Studies majors are writing samples, work and service experiences with diverse populations, reference letters, and seniority at WWU.
Before applying to become a Communication Studies major, students must:
Once the above courses have been completed, students can submit a portfolio of their work on or before Monday of the third week of fall, winter and spring quarters. The faculty will then review the portfolios and announce the names of successful applicants before the end of each quarter. Students are allowed to make a maximum of two application attempts.
The portfolio will include the following items:
- Transcripts of all college work completed to date
- A letter of intent to major in communication studies
- A résumé including course of study, work experience, recreational and avocational activities, internships, awards and honors, and public service activities
- Two samples of the student’s collegiate writing assignments including best research paper or class project
- Three letters of recommendation from employers, teachers, or supervisors
- A proposed program of study which includes a statement indicating a chosen minor or a self-designed minor. (A self-designed minor is comprised of at least 25 credits and is acceptable only when the student has a clear educational goal that cannot be met within existing minors on campus. Requests to pursue a self-designed minor must include a written statement prepared by the student indicating the rationale for the self-designed minor and the courses selected.)
Once admitted, communication studies majors whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 risk losing their major status. They will be warned of the risk in their first quarter below 2.5 and may be dropped from the major if their cumulative GPA is not 2.5 or higher in the subsequent quarter.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for courses in the elementary education professional program and all courses required for the endorsements.
Maintain a GPA of 2.75 for all college work
