Communication Studies (Online)

Communication is an essential skill, and in today’s ever-changing world, effective communication will significantly impact your career. The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies program at Appalachian State University provides a solid foundation in core principles and practices to help you build the requisite knowledge and skills to plan, deliver and evaluate persuasive communication.

Course Sequencing

General Education

Students are strongly recommended to complete most, if not all, of Appalachian’s General Education requirements before completing major coursework, except for COM 1200 and either COM 2101 or 2105.

Communication Studies Online Course Availability

Not all Communication Studies major classes are offered online every semester, so pay close attention to the semester in which courses are offered and plan accordingly.

Offered every semester and should be taken as soon as possible:

COM 1200: Thinking Through Communication (3)
COM 2101: Public Speaking (3) or COM 2105: Public Speaking in the Disciplines (3)
COM 2121: Interpersonal Communication (3)

Fall Semesters Only

Spring Semesters Only 

Take the classes in the order they are listed if possible

COM 2180: Communication Theory (3) (Prerequisite: COM 1200)
COM 3200: Internet Communication (3)
COM 2150: Introduction to Strategic Communication (3)
COM 3300: Mass Media and Society (3)
COM 2124: Intercultural Communication (3) [GenEd: SS]
COM 3155: Persuasion (3) [WID] (Prerequisites: COM 1200 and COM 2101, or COM 2105)
COM 3928: Communication Research Methods (3)

Take the classes in the order they are listed if possible

COM 2181: Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3) (Prerequisite: COM 1200)
COM 3341: Communication Ethics (3) [WID] (Prerequisites: COM 1200 and R C 2001, or its equivalent)
COM 3150: Strategic Communication Writing (3) (Prerequisite: COM 2150)
COM 3152: Communication in Organizations (3)
COM 4432: Communication Studies Seminar (3) [CAP] (Prerequisites: COM 2180, COM 2181, Senior standing)
COM 3312: Crisis Communication (3) [WID] (Prerequisite: R C 2001 or its equivalent) or COM 2700: Foundations of Advertising (3)

First Summer Session 2024 (5/28-6/29)

Second Summer Session 2024 (7/3-8/6)

COM 1200: Thinking Through Communication (3)
COM 1300: Journalism Matters: An Introduction to News Literacy and News Writing (3)
COM 2101or COM 2105: Public Speaking in the Disciplines (3)
COM 2121: Interpersonal Communication (3)
COM 2124: Intercultural Communication (3) [GenEd: SS]
COM 2181: Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3) (Prerequisite: COM 1200)
COM 2618: Introduction to Media Publishing (3)
COM 3010: Media Graphics (3)
COM 3130: Race & Diversity in Media (3)
COM 3200: Internet Communication (3)
COM 3300: Mass Media and Society (3)
COM 3305: Communication Law (3)
COM 3317: Social Media Strategies (3)
COM 3341: Communication Ethics (3) [WID] (Prerequisites: COM 1200 and R C 2001, or its equivalent)
COM 3928: Communication Research Methods (3)

COM 1200: Thinking Through Communication (3)
COM 1300: Journalism Matters: An Introduction to News Literacy and News Writing (3)
COM 2124: Intercultural Communication (3) [GenEd: SS]
COM 2180: Communication Theory (3) (Prerequisite: COM 1200)
COM 2618: Introduction to Media Publishing (3)
COM 2700: Foundations of Advertising (3)
COM 3155(Prerequisites: COM 1200, and COM 2101 or COM 2105)
COM 3200: Internet Communication (3)
COM 3300: Mass Media and Society (3)
COM 3312: Crisis Communication (3) [WID] (Prerequisites: R C 2001 or its equivalent)

 

Minors

This program requires a minor. Current online options are:

  • General Business
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Nutrition and Foods
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Sport Science and Coaching
  • Workforce Leadership and Development

However, it is possible to complete other minors if students already have some transfer credit and are able to take online courses over the summer. Students interested in completing a minor other than those previously listed will need to consult with the academic department for their minor of interest to confirm that online classes will be offered. Minor courses should be completed along with major coursework and planned according to the desired graduation timeline.

Helpful Links

Academic Calendar
Career Development Center
Financial Aid
Registrar: Registration Information, Transcripts, Withdrawal, and Readmission
Student Accounts: Tuition and Fees, Billing, Payment, and Important Dates
Student Learning Center: Tutoring and Academic Strategy
University Bulletin: Programs of Study and Academic Regulations
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