BA in Communication Studies (General Communication)

Units Required for Major: 39
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

Communication Studies is a broad-based discipline concerned with the exchange of messages in interpersonal and mediated situations and with the impact of such exchanges on society. Courses focus on understanding the communication process and developing skills to communicate effectively. The Department offers a wide range of courses in interpersonal, group, and organizational communication, rhetorical theory and criticism, public relations, mass communication, research methodologies, and digital media (video or multimedia).

This concentration is designed to:

  • improve student awareness, understanding, and practice of communication in professional and social interactions;
  • enhance the traditional citizenship role in the democratic process; and
  • train students in communication skills in preparation for professions within the public or private sectors of the economy

Program Requirements

Required Lower Division Core Courses (9 Units)
COMS 2Argumentation 13
COMS 8Interpersonal Communication Skills3
COMS/JOUR 55Media Communication and Society3
Required Upper Division Core Courses (9 Units)
COMS 100ASurvey of Communication Studies3
COMS 100BRhetoric and Social Influence 3
COMS 100CIntroduction to Scientific Methods in Communication Research3
Research Methods (3 Units)
Select one of the following:3
Visual Communication
Communication and Religion
Approaches to Rhetorical Criticism
Data Analysis in Communication Research
Survey Methods in Communication Research
Content Analysis
Theory and Seminar Pair (6 Units)
Select one of the following pairs:6
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Communication
Senior Seminar in Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Senior Seminar in Interpersonal Communication
Film as Communication
Film As Communication
Senior Seminar in Film
Mass Communication
Mass Communication Theories and Effects
Senior Seminar in Media Issues and Ethics
New Media
Mass Communication Theories and Effects
New Media and Society
Organizational Communication
Organizational Communication
Senior Seminar in Organizational Communication
Rhetoric and Social Influence
Systems and Theories of Rhetoric
Television Criticism
Small Group Communication
Communication in Small Groups
Senior Seminar in Small Group Communication
Upper Division Electives (12 Units)
Select four approved courses 212
Total Units39

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (3-6 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication 20 - 3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking 30
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (13 Units)
B1 - Physical Science3
B2 - Life Forms3
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5)1
B4 - Math Concepts3
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course3
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units43-46

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (6 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI) 20
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 36