Communication Studies
Program of Study
Most employers list “good communication skills” as a requirement for employment, which is why the Communication Studies (BS) degree at Appalachian State University prepares students to enter many different professions. This major educates students in different theories and practical applications of communication skills – such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, public speaking, nonverbal communication and persuasion. Communication studies also makes an excellent pre-law, pre-seminary or pre-graduate school program.
This degree is structured by theme, yet remains flexible enough to allow students to tailor their courses to their specific needs. For example, a student could choose to study political communication or organizational communication as part of this major. Students can also work with the Department of Communication’s internship coordinator to find a related internship host site and complete requirements to earn class credit.
Admission Requirements
- A minor is required for all Communication majors.
- If double majoring with a major outside of Communication, a minor is not required.
- If double majoring IN Communication, a minor IS required.
- A foreign language is not required for Communication majors.
- Students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 (or higher) to declare a major in Communication Studies.
Computer Requirement
Many students in the Department of Communication are enrolled in at least one course that involves working with graphics, audio, or video. Students enrolled in video courses will need a computer capable of running Adobe Premier Pro. All other students will likely be successful if they have a computer capable of running Adobe Illustrator.
While computer labs are open, you may not want to rely on them to join online class meetings or to complete your assignments. Having a laptop computer will be very helpful.
Core Courses (6 Hours)
A 2.0 GPA is required in the core courses
COM 1200 - Thinking Through Communication (3)
COM 2101 - Public Speaking (3) OR
COM 2105 - Public Speaking in the Disciplines (3)
Major Core (12 Hours)
COM 2180 - Communication Theory (3)
COM 2181 - Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (3)
COM 3341 - Communication Ethics (3) [WID]
COM 3928 - Communication Research Methods (3) OR
COM 3929 - Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (3)