2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication, B.A.


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Communication majors develop understanding of communication codes, communication and influence, interpersonal and small group communication processes, public communication, cultural differences in communication, and applied communication in work contexts.

The communication major helps graduates develop skills to become more effective advocates, leaders, decision makers, and citizens.

Communication students can become involved in active learning processes inside and outside the classroom. The Communication Club is open to all; honorary society chapters are available for those who excel. The intercollegiate speech and debate program travels throughout the West Coast, where students participate in both debate and individual events tournaments.

Communication graduates excel in many career fields, including education, law, business management, marketing, public relations, human relations, social advocacy, communication consulting, and training and development. 

High school courses in English, speech, and debate are useful preparation, but are not necessary.

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below for the major, please see “Bachelor’s Degree Requirements 

Requirements for the Major (45 units)

The department highly recommends that majors take the following course to fulfill GE Area A: Critical Thinking.

COMM 103 - Critical Listening & Thinking  

Introduction to the Field


COMM 105 is a prerequisite/corequisite for many upper division courses in this program.

Public Communication Skills


Complete 6 units from the following:

Personal Communication Skills


Complete one course:

Cultural Studies


Complete one course.

Communication & Society


Complete one course:

Research Methods


Applied Communication


Complete one course:

Theories of Communication


Complete two courses:

Special Topics


Complete one 3- or 4-unit course. (Lower unit COMM 480  courses may be used as electives, but will not meet this requirement.)

Communication, B.A. Program Learning Outcomes


Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

  • the ability to present an original, formal, and researched speech
  • competence in reflective analysis of persuasive discourse
  • basic competency in written communication
  • understanding of diversity in relationship to communication
  • fundamental understanding of how knowledge is generated in the communication discipline.

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