Degrees & Programs
GETTING A DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
MAJOR IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
A major in Communication Studies will prepare you for a range of professional career paths, including health communication, social services, government and politics, human resources, nonprofit management, leadership, public advocacy, public relations, event planning, social media campaigns, and more.
The Communication Studies major is 60 credits. Students take four courses in each of three main categories: Foundational Theories, Message Construction, and Message Analysis. Students also take 12 additional credits of electives, which can include internships, seminars, or any additional courses they select from the categories above.
We encourage our students to work closely with their advisor to select courses that will best prepare them for success in their chosen career path.
Be sure to check out the full list of requirements for a major in Communication Studies.
MINOR IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Minoring in Communication Studies is an excellent way to add key skills to your degree and your resume. Communication skills are among the most sought after job skills across all job categories, making this a great addition to nearly all other degrees on campus.
The Communication Studies minor is 24 credits, or just 6 classes. Students must take at least 12 of those 24 credits at the 300- or 400-level. We encourage our students to work closely with their advisor to select courses that will best prepare them for success in their chosen career path.
Be sure to check out the full list of requirements for a minor in Communication Studies.
OUR MISSION:
The Communication Studies faculty at WOU are committed to excellence in teaching, research and service in communication based on sound theory and practice, concentrating on understanding contexts and perspectives, preparing students for lifelong effective communication.
In the liberal arts tradition, our program emphasizes classic texts of rhetoric, modern communication theory, and the latest developments in mass media and communication technology. The major will enhance your understanding of argument, evidence, and persuasion; intercultural communication; techniques of small group leadership; and the craft of researching, writing and delivering a successful communication across a range of fields.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After completing a major or minor in Communication Studies, our students will be able to:
- Learn and apply communication theories, perspectives, principles and concepts.
- Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose and context.
- Critically analyze targeted messages.
We provide a balanced program of theory and practice and attempt to produce what employers are looking for: graduates who speak and write clearly, think critically, and have a strong capacity to learn.
For more information or to declare a Communication Studies major or minor, contact Dr. Dana Schowalter, Bellamy Hall 117, 503-838-9240, schowalterd@wou.edu
