Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies in Communication Studies
The Communication Studies undergraduate major equips students with a diversity of skill sets by investigating communication in various cultural contexts, including relational, organizational, intercultural, political, and more.
In an increasingly globalized world, competent communication is crucial for career advancement, interpersonal relationships, and public democratic participation. Here’s what we know: humans rely on communication, and the creation and translation of symbols, language, and messages are integral to daily interactions. In other words, communication connects us.
The major expands on fundamental public speaking principles from the introductory course through emphasizing theories, methods, performances that apply to everyday communication practices.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.
Students should meet with departmental academic advisor or faculty member to declare a Communication Studies major.
Requirements for the B.A. or B.G.S. Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core 34 General Education | 34 | |
| The KU Core 34 is comprised of 34-35 credit hours typically completed during the first two years of study. The Core 34 consists of the following requirements: English (6), Communications (3), Math & Statistics (3), Natural & Physical Sciences with lab (4-5), Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 in two different disciplines), Arts & Humanities (6 in two different disciplines), US Culture (3), and Global Culture (3) | ||
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Requirements | 16-21 | |
| Students will follow the BA or BGS degree specific requirements based on their degree selection. BA students will demonstrate proficiency in a Non-English Language, complete a Quantitative Literacy course, a Laboratory or Field Experience, and two semesters of Writing. BGS students will complete a minor, two certificates, or a second major and a Career Preparation Course. Please see the College's undergraduate tab for more detailed information on these requirements. | ||
1 credit hour of a Laboratory of Field Experience, 6 credit hours of Writing, and 3 credit hours of Quantitative Literacy are required for all BA students. These requirements will be met through the completion of the KU Core 34. | ||
| Prerequisite Knowledge | ||
| Communication requirement. Satisfied by one of the following: | 3 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
or COMS 131 | Public Speaking, Honors | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
or COMS 145 | Interpersonal Communication, Honors | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Communication Core Knowledge in Theory and Methods | ||
| Basic Communication Theory | 9 | |
| Majors must complete one course of the following two | ||
| Introduction to Political Communication | ||
| Introduction to Rhetoric | ||
| Majors must complete one course of the following two | ||
| Introduction to Organizational and Professional Communication | ||
| Introduction to Intercultural Communication | ||
| Majors must complete a third course in Basic Communication Theory from the courses above | ||
| Research Methodology | ||
| COMS 355 | Introduction to Rhetoric and Social Influence | 3 |
| or COMS 357 | Introduction to Rhetoric and Social Influence, Honors | |
| COMS 356 | Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods in Communication | 3 |
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Ethical Communication Behaviors | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following | ||
| Communication in a Diverse World | ||
| Micro-Level Organizational Communication | ||
| Communication and Gender | ||
| Ethical Issues in Political Communication | ||
| Rhetoric of Popular Culture | ||
| Intercultural Communication: The Afro-American | ||
| Communication and Culture | ||
| The Rhetoric of Women's Rights | ||
| East Asian Communication | ||
| Communication Studies Required Electives | 12 | |
| All majors must take 12 elective hours in Communication Studies. 6 hours must be at the 300-level or above. NOTE: some courses may require additional prerequisites | ||
| Note: For students pursuing the B.G.S. degree, it is recommended that you choose one of the following courses as part of your 12 hours of required major electives, as either of these also fulfill the Career Preparation Requirement for the B.G.S. COMS 330, COMS 342 | ||
| General Electives | 34-29 | |
| Students will need to complete additional general elective credits to reach the required 120 hours. | ||
| Capstone Experience in Communication Studies | 3 | |
| Capstone in: _____ | ||
or COMS 498 | Honors Thesis | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade point average minimum standards:
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
A sample 4-year plan for the BA degree in Communication Studies can be found here: Communication Studies, or by using the left-side navigation.
A sample 4-year plan for the BGS degree in Communication Studies can be found here: Communication Studies, or by using the left-side navigation.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking in constructing and analyzing arguments, research and discourse.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how communication is shaped by and in turn shapes factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, age, ability, geography, and culture.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the relationship between community and communication and how communicative practices underpin citizenship and civic engagement.
- Communicate well in public, professional, and personal endeavors.
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and moral implications of communication decisions and practices.
- Demonstrate an understanding of major communication theories and apply them to contemporary contexts.
Departmental Honors
Outstanding undergraduates may earn departmental honors if they meet the following criteria:
- A grade-point average at the time of graduation of at least 3.5 in Communication Studies courses.
- Completion of an honors thesis involving independent research — either a single comprehensive project or an integration of several related projects. Completion requires satisfactory defense of the thesis in an oral examination and submission of a satisfactory thesis manuscript to the department office by one month before graduation. Independent research for the thesis must be conducted under the direction of a faculty member. The student must be enrolled with that instructor in 2 to 6 hours of COMS 498, usually over two semesters.