Communication, Bachelor of Arts College of Letters & Science

The Major Program

The program of study in communication examines communication processes at several different levels of analysis. Courses dealing with communication at the individual, interpersonal, organizational and societal levels of analysis are offered. The emphasis in the program reflects the changing focus in the discipline and society toward computer-mediated communication, quantitative behavioral science and cognitive science. Classes addressing such topics as communication and cognition, message systems, interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, persuasion, organizational communication, mass media effects, computer-mediated communication and public communication campaigns explore communication at these levels of analysis. Related social science courses are also part of the major.

Major Advisors

Contact department.

Career Alternatives

Communication graduates have found careers in such fields as broadcast and print journalism, administration, sales, management, politics and government, education, social work, social media, and public relations. A communication degree is also excellent preparation for law school or other graduate programs.

Grading Recommendation

Although not required, it is recommended that all courses offered in satisfaction of the major, except variable-unit courses, be taken for a letter grade.

Graduate Study

The Department of Communication offers programs of study and research leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Communication. Detailed information may be obtained from the Graduate Advisor, Department of Communication.

Preparatory Subject Matter
ANT 004Introduction to Anthropological Linguistics4
or LIN 001 Introduction to Linguistics
or LIN 001Y Introduction to Linguistics
CMN 010YIntroduction to Communication4
or CMN 010V Introduction to Communication
Choose one:4
Introduction to Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication Competence
Interpersonal Communication Competence
Interpersonal Communication Competence
Global English & Communication
PHI 012Introduction to Symbolic Logic4
or ECS 015 DISCONTINUED
PSC 001General Psychology4
or PSC 001Y General Psychology
SOC 001Introduction to Sociology5
STA 013Elementary Statistics4-5
or STA 013Y Elementary Statistics
or SOC 056 Introduction to Social Statistics
or SOC 056Y Introduction to Social Statistics
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal:29-30
Depth Subject Matter
CMN 101Communication Theories4
or CMN 101Y Communication Theories
CMN 102Empirical Methods in Communication4
CMN 120Interpersonal Communication4
CMN 140Introduction to Mass Communication4
Choose one:4
Digital Technology & Social Change
Digital Technology & Social Change
Interpersonal Technologies
Choose five:20-22
Communication Networks
Gender Differences in Communication
Theories of Persuasion
Communication & Cognition
Language Use in Conversation
Nonverbal Communication
Intercultural Communication
Family Communication
Group Communication
Strategic Communication in Public Relations
Social Media for Public Relations
Organizational Communication
Advanced Organizational Communication
Media Effects: Theory & Research
Newsmaking
Analysis of Media Messages
Media Entertainment
Political Communication
Communication Campaigns
Children, Adolescents, & the Media
Contemporary Trends In Media
Computational Social Science
Simulating Communication Processes
Health Communication
Media & Health
Digital Technology & Social Change
Digital Technology & Social Change
Interpersonal Technologies
Social Media
Video Games Theory & Research
Video Games Theory & Research
Persuasive Technologies
Current Topics in Communication
Proseminar in Social Interaction
Proseminar in Mass Communication
Proseminar in Health Communication
Proseminar in Organizational Communication
Language & Culture
Theory of Games & Strategic Behavior
Introduction to Psycholinguistics
Computational Linguistics
Multilingualism
Mass Media & Politics
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
Questionnaire & Survey Research Methods
Social Cognition
Psychology of Emotion
Psychology of Emotion
Social Interaction
Applied Statistical Methods: Analysis of Variance
Applied Statistical Methods: Regression Analysis
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal:40-42
Total Units69-72

Note: Many of the upper division courses offered by other College of Letters & Science departments have their own prerequisites not accounted for by lower division Communication courses. To the degree that students elect to take those courses having "hidden prerequisites," the number of units necessary to complete the major increases above the stated minimum.