Invest in Your Success
Our Communication Studies major and our minor both allow students flexibility in their career paths. Good communication skills are valuable in every environment, so let us to light the way to your success!
Major Courses
Communication Studies Minor
Communication Studies Major
A Communication Studies major prepares students for advanced study as well as for careers in a wide range of fields, including: law, public service, management, sales, medicine, and education. Graduates of our program enter varied fields and professions and find that their communication skills, both interpersonal and organizational, serve them well wherever they go. Students interested in honing their research skills can pursue an honors concentration.
Major Requirements
Term 1
- 1Natural SciencesElective w/Lab4Credit Hours*
- 2Quantitative ReasoningElective3Credit Hours*
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours
- 4Expanded PerspectivesElective3Credit Hours*
- ENGL 101 – English Composition I3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 16
Term 1 Milestone Notes
- Completion of 12 hours
- 2.0 GPA
Term 2
- 1Natural SciencesElective3Credit Hours*
- 5Arts and HumanitiesElective3Credit Hours*
- 3Unrestricted Elective2Credit Hours
- ENGL 102 – English Composition II3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- PSYC 110 – General Psychology3Credit Hours*
- PSYC 117 – Honors: General Psychology3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 14
Term 2 Milestone Notes
- ENGL 101 – English Composition I3Credit Hours*
Term 3
- 8Foreign Language3Credit Hours(Intermediate Level)
7Select one course:
- Global Citizenship – USElective3Credit Hours*
- Global Citizenship – InternationalElective3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
- CMST 207 – Honors: Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
6Select one course:
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- MATH 115 – Statistical Reasoning3Credit Hours*
- STAT 201 – Introduction to Statistics3Credit Hours*
- STAT 207 – Honors: Introduction to Statistics3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 3 Milestone Notes
One course from:
- Natural SciencesElective3-4Credit Hours*
- Social SciencesElective3Credit Hours*
Term 4
- 4Expanded PerspectivesElective3Credit Hours*
- 8Foreign Language3Credit Hours* (Intermediate Level)
- 9Written CommunicationElective3Credit Hours*
7Select one course:
- Global Citizenship – USElective3Credit Hours*
- Global Citizenship – InternationalElective3Credit Hours*
6Select one course:
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 250 – Advanced Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 4 Milestone Notes
- Complete one course with a grade of C- or better
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 250 – Advanced Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
Term 5
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours
- 10College Elective3Credit Hours
- 11Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- CMST 352 – Communication Theory3Credit Hours
Select one course:
- CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication3Credit Hours
- CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 5 Milestone Notes
- Complete with a grade of C- or better:
- CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
Term 6
- 11Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours
- CMST 260 – Professional Skills in Communication Lab2Credit Hours
- CMST 356 – Research Methods in Communication Studies4Credit Hours
Select one course:
- CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication3Credit Hours
- CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 6 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Term 7
- 13Engaged InquiriesElective3Credit Hours*
- 10College Elective3Credit Hours
- 11Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- 12CMST Upper-division Content Courses6Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 7 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Term 8
- 11Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- 12CMST Upper-division Content Course3Credit Hours
- 3Unrestricted Electives6Credit Hours
- CMST 499 – Proseminar in Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 8 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Total Credit Hours 120
Footnotes
- Choose from theNatural SciencesVolunteer Core list. At least one of the courses must be a 4-credit hour lab sciences.
- Choose from theQuantitative ReasoningVolunteer Core list.
- Choose from any courses not already reqired for the major.
- Choose from theArts and Humanities,Applied Arts and Humanities,Social Sciences,Global Citizenship – US, andGlobal Citizenship – InternationalVolunteer Core lists.
- Choose from theArts and HumanitiesVolunteer Core list.
- Select two of the three speaking-emphasis classes listed.
- Choose one course from the following:Global Citizenship – USandGlobal Citizenship – International,Arts and HumanitiesVolunteer Core lists.
- Six hours of the same Foreign Language (Intermediate Level).
- Choose fromWritten CommunicationVolunteer Core list. Sample options includeENGL 255*, orENGL 257*,ENGL 295*,ENGL 355*orENGL 357*,ENGL 360*,ENGL 455*;JREM 200* among others.
- Choose two courses (6 hours) from advertising, advertising and public relations, communication and information, communication studies, information sciences, journalism and electronic media, and/or public relations.
- Four courses (12 hours, at least 6 hours must be at the 300-400 level). These courses may be used to complete a minor or may be a combination of classes from all departments except Advertising, Advertising and Public Relations, Communication and Information, Communication Studies, Counselor Education, First Year Studies, Information Sciences, Journalism and Electronic Media, Physical Education, and Public Relations.
- Select three courses fromCMST 300,CMST 400,CMST 410,CMST 412,CMST 414,CMST 416,CMST 419,CMST 426,CMST 429,CMST 442,CMST 444,CMST 446,CMST 449, andCMST 491. No more than 3 hours each ofCMST 300andCMST 491may be counted toward the major; additional hours beyond the required 9 hours may be counted as College Electivesor Unrestricted Electives.
- Choose from theEngaged InquiriesVolunteer Core list.
*MeetsVolunteer Core Requirements.
Major Requirements for Honors Concentration
Term 1
- 1Natural SciencesElective w/Lab4Credit Hours*
- 2Quantitative ReasoningElective3Credit Hours*
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours*
- 4Expanded PerspectivesElective3Credit Hours*
- ENGL 101 – English Composition I3Credit Hours* (or equivalent)
Credit Hours 16
- Completion of 12 hours
- 3.0 GPA
Term 2
- 1Natural SciencesElective3Credit Hours*
- 5Arts and HumanitiesElective3Credit Hours*
- ENGL 102 – English Composition II3Credit Hours* (or equivalent)
Select one course:
- CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
- CMST 207 – Honors: Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- PSYC 110 – General Psychology3Credit Hours*
- PSYC 117 – Honors: General Psychology3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 2 Milestone Notes
One course from:
- Natural SciencesElective3-4Credit Hours*
- Social SciencesElective3Credit Hours*
- ENGL 101 – English Composition I3Credit Hours* (or equivalent)
Term 3
- 4Expanded PerspectivesElective3Credit Hours*
- 6Foreign Language3Credit Hours(Intermediate Level)
8Select one course:
- Global Citizenship – USElective3Credit Hours*
- Global Citizenship – InternationalElective3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- MATH 115 – Statistical Reasoning3Credit Hours*
- STAT 201 – Introduction to Statistics3Credit Hours*
- STAT 207 – Honors: Introduction to Statistics3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 3 Milestone Notes
- Complete one course with a grade of C- or better:
- CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
- CMST 207 – Honors: Introduction to Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
Term 4
- 6Intermediate Foreign Language3Credit Hours*
- CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication3Credit Hours
- CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication3Credit Hours
8Select one course:
- Global Citizenship – USElective3Credit Hours*
- Global Citizenship – InternationalElective3Credit Hours*
Select one course:
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 250 – Advanced Public Speaking3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 4 Milestone Notes
- Complete one course with a grade of C- or better:
- CMST 210 – Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking3Credit Hours*
- CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication3Credit Hours*
- CMST 250 – Advanced Public Speaking3Credit Hours
Term 5
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours*
- 7Written CommunicationElective3Credit Hours*
- 9College Elective3Credit Hours
- CMST 352 – Communication Theory3Credit Hours
- CMST 487 – Honors Seminar3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 5 Milestone Notes
- Complete one course with a grade of C- or better
- CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication3Credit Hours
- CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication3Credit Hours
Term 6
- 10Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- 3Unrestricted Elective3Credit Hours
- CMST 260 – Professional Skills in Communication Lab2Credit Hours
- CMST 356 – Research Methods in Communication Studies4Credit Hours
- CMST 487 – Honors Seminar3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 6 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Term 7
- 11Engaged InquiriesElective3Credit Hours*
- 9College Elective3Credit Hours
- CMST 487 – Honors Seminar3Credit Hours
- CMST 497 – Senior Honors Thesis3Credit Hours
- CMST 499 – Proseminar in Communication Studies3Credit Hours*
Credit Hours 15
Term 7 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Term 8
- 10Concentration Elective3Credit Hours
- 3Unrestricted Electives9Credit Hours
- CMST 498 – Senior Honors Thesis3Credit Hours
Credit Hours 15
Term 8 Milestone Notes
- No milestones
Total Credit Hours 121
Footnotes
- Select two science courses (7 hours) from theNatural SciencesVolunteer Core list. At least one of the courses must have a laboratory.
- Chosen from theQuantitative ReasoningVolunteer Corelist.
- Choose from any courses not already required for the major.
- Choose from theArts and Humanities,Applied Arts and Humanities,Social Sciences,Global Citizenship – US, andGlobal Citizenship – InternationalVolunteer Corelists.
- Choose from theArts and HumanitiesVolunteer Corelist.
- Six hours of the same intermediate foreign language.
- Choose fromWritten CommunicationVolunteer Corelist. Sample options includeENGL 255* ,ENGL 257*,ENGL 295*,ENGL 355*,ENGL 357*,ENGL 360*,ENGL 455*;JREM 200*, among others.
- Choose one course from the following:Global Citizenship – USandGlobal Citizenship – InternationalVolunteer Corelists.
- Two courses (6 hours) chosen from advertising, advertising and public relations, communication and information, communication studies, information sciences, journalism and electronic media, and/or public relations.CMST 392may be counted toward this requirement.
- Two courses (6 hours taken at the 300-400 level). These courses may be used to complete a minor or may be a combination of classes from all departments except Advertising, Advertising and Public Relations, Communication and Information, Communication Studies, Counselor Education, First Year Studies, Information Sciences, Journalism and Electronic Media, Physical Education, and Public Relations.
- Choose from theEngaged InquiriesVolunteer Corelist.
* MeetsVolunteer Core Requirements.
Major Courses
More details about the Communication Studies major and minor can be found in the 2023-2024 Catalog.
CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies
3 Credit Hours
Fundamental theories and practices with particular reference to interpersonal and organizational communication.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
CMST 207 – Honors: Introduction to Communication Studies
3 Credit Hours
Analysis and exploration of fundamental theories and practices in communication studies with particular reference to interpersonal and organizational communication.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (EI)
CMST 210 – Public Speaking
3 Credit Hours
Preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Topics include research, organization, adapting to an audience, topic selection, reasoning, and evaluating the discourse of others.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (OC)
CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking
3 Credit Hours
Basic theory and principles of informative and persuasive public speaking.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (OC)
Comment(s): ACT composite score above 30 or SAT composite score above 1300.
CMST 235 – Intergroup Dialogues
1 Credit Hours
CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication
3 Credit Hours
Basic principles of communication within organizations. Topics and activities may include organizational/communication theory, group problem solving, case studies, interviewing, and formal presentations.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (OC)
CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication
3 Credit Hours
Basic theory and principles of effective workplace communication.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (OC)
Comment(s): ACT composite score above 30 or SAT composite score above 1300.
CMST 250 – Advanced Public Speaking
3 Credit Hours
Theory and practice of informative and persuasive speaking.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 210*, CMST 217*, CMST 240*, or CMST 247*
CMST 260 – Professional Skills in Communication Lab
2 Credit Hours
This lab covers professional and general skills (e.g., writing a resume, interviewing) for success in the field of Communication.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
CMST 280 – Communication Currents
1-3 Credit Hours
Content varies. Emerging research and perspectives on current issues and communication practice.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Credit Restriction: Counts toward College Electives for Communication Studies majors.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207* or PSYC 110* or PSYC 117*.
Comment(s): Topics and scope of subject matter determined by department.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication Studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 300 – Topics in Applied Communication
3 Credit Hours
Content varies. Possible topics include diversity, social media, entrepreneurship, communication technologies, etc.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours can count toward the major. Additional hours count toward College Electives for Communication Studies majors.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
Comment(s): Topics and scope of subject matter determined by department.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication Studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication
3 Credit Hours
Overview of how people interact in a variety of contexts.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication
3 Credit Hours
Overview of how people in for-profit and non-profit contexts interact both internally and externally.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 352 – Communication Theory
3 Credit Hours
Analysis and critique of fundamental theories with particular reference to interpersonal and organizational communication.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): Junior level standing or completion of 60 hours when including courses in-progress. Enforced by department.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors.
CMST 356 – Research Methods in Communication Studies
4 Credit Hours
Survey of contemporary methods used for research in communication studies. Emphasis on interpreting and evaluating communication research reports.
Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and 1 hour lab.(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 352.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): Junior level standing or completion of 60 credit hours when including courses in-progress. Enforced by department.
(RE) Corequisite(s): One course from: MATH 115*, MATH 117*, STAT 201*, or STAT 207*.
Comment(s): Only offered in fall and spring semesters.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors.
CMST 392 – Internship
1-6 Credit Hours
Supervised career-related experiences using communication studies theories and techniques in government and for-profit or non-profit organizations, culminating in a written and oral report.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Credit Restriction: Does not count towards the major. Counts towards College Electives or Unrestricted Electives.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 201* or CMST 207*.
CMST 400 – Topics in Communication Studies
3 Credit Hours
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312 or CMST 342.
Comment(s): Topics, scope of subject matter, and prerequisites to be determined by department.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 410 – Family Communication
3 Credit Hours
Dynamics of interactions within family systems, marriage, and parent-child relationships. Study of verbal and nonverbal communication processes, patterns, and problems.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 412 – Close Relationships
3 Credit Hours
Theory and research examining interactions in friendships, romantic relationships, and/or families.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 414 – Persuasion
3 Credit Hours
Methods that contribute to effective and ineffective persuasion. Topics include credibility, message construction, and receiver variables.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 416 – Interpersonal Health Communication
3 Credit Hours
Interpersonal communication in health care settings. Topics include provider-client interactions, social support groups, stigma and disease, and contemporary models explaining the use of health-related information.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 419 – Interpersonal Conflict
3 Credit Hours
Communication as a significant factor in the development, management, and resolution of conflict at the interpersonal, small group, organizational, or societal levels.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 426 – Communication and Technology
3 Credit Hours
Theory and research of computer-mediated-communication with a focus on understanding the interface between human communication and technology.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312 or CMST 342.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication Studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 429 – Intergroup Communication and Conflict
3 Credit Hours
Theory and research of intergroup relations and conflict. Explores the role of social identity (e.g., disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social class) in communication and conflict management in various contexts. Focus on enhancing personal awareness, intergroup perspectives of social interaction and capacities for facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution across groups and difference.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312 and PSYC 110* or PSYC 117*.
Comment(s): Course contributes to offerings in the Intergroup Dialogue and Conflict Resolution Program.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication Studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 442 – Organizational Communication Processes
3 Credit Hours
Theory and practice of how people in organizations interact.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 342.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 444 – Group Communication
3 Credit Hours
Small group decision-making. Evidence, argumentation, leadership, roles, and norms as they affect critical thinking in groups.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 342.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 446 – Leadership
3 Credit Hours
Examines theory and practice of leadership trends; focuses on interactive aspects of leading and following.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 342.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 449 – Political Persuasion
3 Credit Hours
Study of the communication processes utilized by political candidates, office holders, and social movement organizers.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 342.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors/minors or consent of instructor.
CMST 487 – Honors Seminar
3 Credit Hours
In-depth survey of communication research topics. Topics rotate among health, interpersonal, and organizational/team communication.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 12 hours.
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 312 or CMST 342.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): To be determined based upon topic.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies major – honors concentration.
CMST 491 – Foreign Study
1-6 Credit Hours
Participation in school-sponsored study-abroad program. Application forms and proposal deadlines available in school office.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Credit Restriction: Maximum of 3 hours may be applied toward the major.
Comment(s): 2.75 GPA required; minimum student level – junior.
CMST 493 – Independent Study
1-6 Credit Hours
Selected readings/research in an area of communication studies to be determined by the student in consultation with supervising faculty member and, ordinarily, in an area of study not covered by school curriculum. Application forms and proposal deadlines available in school office.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 6 hours.
Credit Restriction: Counts towards College Electives only.
Comment(s): 3.0 GPA required; minimum student level – junior.
CMST 497 – Senior Honors Thesis
3 Credit Hours
Required of students enrolled in the Honors program.Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.
CMST 498 – Senior Honors Thesis
3 Credit Hours
Required of students enrolled in the Honors program.
Registration Permission: Consent of instructor.
CMST 499 – Proseminar in Communication Studies
3 Credit Hours
Major theoretical perspectives in communication studies, their interrelationships and applications. Consideration of the significance and ethical implications of communication studies in modern society.
Satisfies Volunteer Core Requirement: (AOC)
(RE) Prerequisite(s): CMST 356.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): Completion of 6 hours of CMST 400-level courses. Enforced by department.
Registration Restriction(s): Communication studies majors.
Gain Skills for Any Field
Communication Studies Minor
Our Communication Studies minor teaches you interpersonal and organizational communication skills that are applicable skills you can take into any career, and can equip you to be successful regardless of your major.
The Communication Studies minor requires 18 credit hours of coursework:
Prerequisite (select one course):
CMST 210 – Public Speaking 3 Credit Hours *
CMST 217 – Honors: Public Speaking 3 Credit Hours *
CMST 240 – Business and Professional Communication 3 Credit Hours *
CMST 247 – Honors: Business and Professional Communication 3 Credit Hours *
Complete:
CMST 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies 3 Credit Hours
CMST 312 – Survey of Interpersonal Communication 3 Credit Hours
CMST 342 – Survey of Organizational Communication 3 Credit Hours
Select 9 hours:
Any 400-level CMST electives
* MeetsVolunteer Core Requirements.
