Communication, B.A.
Requirements
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
Communication Major
The communication major is designed to provide broad-based competencies in oral and written communication, critical analysis of human discourse, and social scientific and humanistic research methods. The major also emphasizes how this theoretical knowledge is applied in specific contexts ranging from personal relationships to business management to public advocacy.
1. Major requirements (42 units)
Fundamental communication processes and skills (6 units)
Select two from COMM 3, 4, 5, 6H, 7, 8, 15
Core competencies (12 units)***
COMM 100, 140, 142, 166
Personal and professional communication (18 units)
Select a minimum of two courses in each area
- Personal and relational settings: COMM 108, 120, 150, 161, 162, 164, 169
- Advocacy in public settings: COMM 103, 105, 115**, 148, 149, 160, 163
- Organizational and professional settings: COMM 114, 165, 167, 168, 170, 171, 176, 179I, 189
Electives in major (6 units)**
Select an additional 6 units of upper-division communication coursework.
2. General Education requirements (49 units)
3. Other requirements (6 units)
Upper-division writing and Multicultural and International (MI)
4. Sufficient elective units to meet required total units (varies)
5. Total units (120)****
* See Advising Note 1.
** See Advising Note 2.
*** See Advising Note 6.
**** G.E. and MI courses can be double-counted with major requirements. The writing
requirement may be met by taking the upper-division writing exam. See advisor for
details.
Advising Notes
- The 6 units of COMM 3, 5, 7 and/or 8 may be applied to fulfill General Education Foundation A1 and A3 requirements.
- No more than 3 units from COMM 15 and 6 units from COMM 115 can count toward fulfillment of the communication major. No more than 3 units from COMM 115 can be applied to the Advocacy in Public Settings Area.
- CR/NC grading is not permitted in the communication major with the exception of COMM 179I (Internship).
- No more than 6 units of COMM 179I (Internship) may be applied toward completion of the communication major.
- Students are allowed only 3 units of COMM 190 and no more than 6 units toward the baccalaureate degree.
- A grade of C or better is required in COMM 100, 140, 142, and 166 to fulfill the core competencies requirement.
Faculty
For faculty phone numbers and e-mail, see the campus directory.
For more on the faculty, see the faculty pages.
The faculty pages are updated by the department or program.
Roadmap
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
A Roadmap identifies the specific set of courses students must complete in their major in sequential order. Information on corequisites or prerequisites is listed along with other pertinent information to assist students in completing courses towards the major.
Please note: Roadmaps are not a guarantee of course availability.
If you are looking for archived roadmaps, please click here.
Careers
The communication program presents a balance of humanistic and scientific instruction including communication skills people need to function effectively in teaching, business, law, the communication professions, public service, politics and management. Students have an opportunity to explore the full range of human communication.
Recognizing that some careers require extensive knowledge about specific communication practices (in occupations ranging from politics and law to human resources and public relations), while virtually every field demands competence in oral and written communication skills, the Department’s undergraduate program offers degree and certificate options tailored to our students varying needs.
What You Can Earn
Public Relations Specialist
$47,107 (in our region)
Communications Manager
$91,101 (in our region)
Vendor Management Analyst
$48,599 (in our region)
Source: HR Reported data on salary.com as of December 2012
Interesting Classes You Might Take
- The Dark Side of Close Relationships
- Leadership in Groups and Organizations
- Rhetoric of Terrorism
- Freedom of Expression
What You Can Learn
- Various theories of interpersonal communication
- Communication and problem solving in group settings
- The use of persuasion as a social tool for resolving controversy and opinions from the perspectives of both the persuader and the persuaded
- The nature of communication and its relationship to learning and instruction
About the College
The College of Arts and Humanities provides a diverse student population with the communication skills, humanistic values and cultural awareness that form the foundation of scholarship. The college offers intellectual and artistic programs that engage students and faculty and the community in collaboration, dialog and discovery. These programs help preserve, illuminate and nourish the arts and humanities for the campus and for the wider community.
College Contact Information
College of Arts & Humanities
Office of the Dean
2380 E. Keats MS/MB99
Fresno CA 93740-8024
(559) 278-3056
FAX: (559) 278-6758
Email
Where We Are Located
We are located in the west wing of the Music Building in Room 186.
Department Contact Information
Department of Communication
5201 North Maple Ave, M/S SA 46
Fresno, CA 93740-8027
Office Location: Speech Arts 15
Phone: 559.278.2826
FAX: 559.278.4113