2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog 
    
    Apr 17, 2024  
2022-2023 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication, B.A.


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.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements .

Requirements for the Major (45 Units)


The department highly recommends that majors take COMM 103 - Critical Listening and Thinking  to fulfill GE Area A: Critical Thinking.

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


Theories of Communication


Complete two courses:

Applied Communication


Complete one course:

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.