Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication Studies, BA


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Department of Communication Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

60 credits

Introduction

We focus on the centrality of human communication for understanding our relationships, our communities, and ourselves. Our teaching, scholarship, and service nurture inclusive discourse, critical thinking, and cooperative solutions in a diverse global community. We offer opportunities to develop communication skills and explore communication theories within a rigorous liberal arts program.

Why Consider a Communication Studies Major?

Communication competencies are essential for active participation in democratic societies, as is the ability to think critically about the nature and purpose of communication, in all its forms, in our rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent world. In addition, employers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors place a very high value on communication competencies combined with critical thinking skills. Communication Studies graduates therefore qualify for a wide variety of careers.

In this context, the Department of Communication Studies offers students the opportunity to develop competencies in speech, analytical writing, and collaborative teamwork. In addition, the department offers opportunities for students to develop their capacity to engage in critical thinking, to apply communication concepts, to understand methods for the generation of knowledge, and to reflect on the ethical dimensions of their actions.

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Ee Lin Lee, Ph.D.
Communications Facility 291
360-650-4032
EeLin.Lee@wwu.edu

Communication Studies
Academic Advisement

Communications Facility 295
360-650-3870
CommunicationStudiesAdvising@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

Consumer Affairs Specialist | Personnel Specialist | Public Relations Specialist | Promotions Manager | Recruiter | Mediator | Training and Development Specialist | Bank Officer | Real Estate Agent

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students contemplating a major in Communication Studies are encouraged to register as pre-majors with the Communication Studies department to ensure that they receive appropriate advising and relevant communications from the department. Visit the department website for pre-major declaration instructions.

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, references, and seniority at WWU.

Before applying to become a Communication Studies major, students must:

  • Complete any one of the following courses with a B- or better: COMM 101, COMM 224, COMM 225, COMM 230, COMM 235, COMM 240, COMM 260.
  • Complete COMM 220 with a B- or better.
  • Complete at least 60 credits of WWU credits or approved transfer credits with a GPA of 2.50 or above. Note that no more than 50 percent of total COMM credits can be transferred from another institution.
  • Complete 12-15 credits at WWU.

Note: The portfolio requirement was removed with University approval effective winter quarter 2021 (Jan. 20, 2021).

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Program Requirements


Departmental Honors


A communication major who wishes to graduate with honors in communication must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.75 at WWU.

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