Communication Studies, BA

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham

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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 and critical cultural consciousness are essential for active participation in 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 highly value culturally sensitive and competent communication skills that reflect critical thinking. 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
Jianglong Wang
Communications Facility 279
360-650-3869
jlwang@wwu.edu

Communication Studies
Academic Advisement
Communications Facility 295
360-650-3870
CommunicationStudiesAdvising@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Major/Career Resources

careercenter.wwu.edu/connectmajorcareer

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Before declaring a communication studies major, students must complete:

One of the following courses with a B- or better: COMM 101, COMM 224, COMM 225, COMM 228, COMM 230, COMM 235, COMM 240, COMM 244, COMM 260.
COMM 220 with a B- or better.
60 WWU credits or approved transfer credits.

Please contact CommunicationStudiesAdvising@wwu.edu to ensure that you have met the criteria above for declaring a major in Communication Studies. Visit the department website at chss.wwu.edu/communication-studies/major-declaration for major declaration instructions.

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

❑ One of the following introductory COMM courses:
COMM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech Credits: 4
COMM 224 - Small Group Processes Credits: 4
COMM 225 - Communication, Diversity and Controversy Credits: 4
COMM 228 - Organizational Communication Credits: 5
COMM 230 - Rhetorical and Social Change Credits: 5
COMM 235 - Introduction to Argumentation and Debate Credits: 4 *
COMM 240 - Media Studies Credits: 5
COMM 244 - Advocacy Through Media Credits: 5
COMM 260 - Communication, Identity and Difference Credits: 5
❑ One of the following courses that emphasizes library research:
COMM 235 - Exposition and Argumentation*
LIBR 201 - Introduction to Research Strategies Credits: 4
*COMM 235 may be used to fulfill both the introductory COMM course and the library research requirement.
❑ COMM 220 - Communication Theory Credits: 5
❑ COMM 398 - Research Methods in Communication Credits: 5
❑ COMM 498 - Communication Ethics Credits: 5
❑ Electives: Complete additional credits from the categories below to reach 60 credits total for the major:
    COMM 100-level courses

    COMM 200-level courses

    COMM 300-level courses

    COMM 400-level courses
JOUR 190 - Introduction to Mass Media Credits: 5
Note regarding electives:
Complete at least 20 credits of upper division COMM credits other than COMM 398 and COMM 498.
No more than 6 credits from COMM 236, COMM 300, COMM 339, COMM 400, COMM 436, COMM 450, COMM 451, COMM 452 are allowed to count toward the major.
Complete three (3) Writing Proficiency (WP) points in COMM courses. In exceptional circumstances a student’s rationale in substituting a WP course will be considered.

Departmental Honors

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

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements 2024-25
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement