When we study communication, we are studying what makes us human because we are learning what allows us to work together well. Communication is the skill employers are most commonly looking for. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies prepares students for management and professional positions in public, private, governmental, nonprofit, and corporate settings.
The option in organizational communication. Students are trained in communication theory and methods across numerous contexts: groups, teams, organizational, interpersonal relationships, as well as across cultures and communities. The option in organizational communication prepares you for a wide range of careers in an ever-changing world and lets employers know you are ready to contribute right now.
The option in communication and public affairs. You have something to share with the world. It could be an experience, a passion, or a product. The option in communication and public affairs equips you to share your vision broadly and effectively. In this program of study, students are trained in communication across numerous contexts: groups, teams, organizational, interpersonal relationships, as well as across cultures and communities. Students also take specialized courses in argumentation, persuasion, and freedom of speech. With the option in communication and public affairs, you tell a future employer you are ready to contribute right now.
Advising Requirement
Advising is mandatory for this program. Consult your department advisor or program coordinator for information.
E-advising Tools
Use the interactive e-advising tools designed to help students graduate within four years. These tools can be accessed through the Student Center in the Portal.
Grading Requirement
All courses taken to fulfill program course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as credit/no credit grading only.
The following courses or their equivalents must each be completed with a grade of C- or higher prior to enrollment in any 400-level Communication Studies (CMST) courses: CMST 131, CMST 330, CMST 331W, CMST 350, and CMST 370. Students should plan to enroll in these courses to begin their program of study.
Course Requirements for the Major: 45 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.
No more than three units of Forensics (CMST 339A, CMST 339B, CMST 339C) may be counted towards the major. No more than eight units of Forensics (CMST 339) may be counted towards University requirements.
2
Must be taken for at least three units.
The Option in Organizational Communication: 18 units
No more than three units of Forensics (CMST 339A, CMST 339B, CMST 339C) may be counted towards the major. No more than eight units of Forensics (CMST 339) may be counted towards University requirements.
2
Must be taken for at least three units.
Formal Minor Requirement
Communication studies majors must complete a minor or a second major in a department outside of Communication Studies. Students must obtain their major advisor's approval on their selection of a minor and courses for the minor, and both departments' approval for courses for the minor.
Electives Requirement
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires six units of honors coursework completed over two semesters.
The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.
Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:
You must take six units of Honors in the Major coursework. All six units are honors courses (marked by a suffix of H), and at least three of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each course with a minimum grade of B.
You must have completed 9 units of upper-division coursework or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the six units of coursework over the two semesters of their senior year.
Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.
Honors in the Major is not part of the Honors Program. Each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.
Students may apply for admission to the Honors in the Major Program in the College of Communication and Education. In addition to other specific requirements, each honors student will conduct and publicly present an original research project. Consult the honors advisor in the College of Communication and Education for specific details.
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
General Education Requirements: 43 units
See General Education and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
American Institutions Course Requirements: 6 units
The American Institutions graduation requirement, as mandated in Title 5, Section 40404, requires that students satisfactorily complete courses in United States history, the US Constitution, and government and American ideals (including California state and local government). At Chico State, HIST 130 meets the US history requirement (US-1), and POLS 155 meets the US Constitution and government requirement (US-2) and the California state and local government requirement (US-3). POLS 155 also fulfills three units of GE Area 4, Social and Behavioral Sciences. See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for more information.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
You must complete a minimum of two courses that focus primarily on cultural diversity. At least one course must be in US Diversity (USD) and at least one in Global Cultures (GC). See Diversity Requirements for a full list of courses. Many courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education.
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Writing Across the Curriculum (EM 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Writing and Math Requirements for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.
The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (EO 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE English Composition (1A) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.
