Academic Programs / Majors

Communication Studies

Program Details

• Major: Communication Studies
• Degree Program: Communication Studies
• Program Web Site
• Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
• Degree Designation: Bachelor's (B.A.)

Program Description

The Communication Studies Program focuses on helping students to understand the dynamics of the communication process:

In different contexts (interpersonal communication, communication in organizations, public and mass communication.

In achieving specific goals (persuasion, decision-making.

In dealing with particular human relationships (intercultural, health-related communication, communication and aging, gender and communication.

Performance courses in which presentations are given to small groups are not a primary focus of the curriculum, which provides a broad social science background in theory and research. Students with specific interests in print or broadcast journalism careers should consider choosing a major in the School of Journalism.

Faculty in the department are among the most published scholars in their field. The excellence of the faculty benefits students in many ways. Students may work on research projects with faculty who have a cutting-edge knowledge of the field. Students have coauthored articles and presented papers at professional conferences as a result of their involvement with Communication Studies faculty members.

Study in Pre-Communication Studies should include courses in introductory communication theory (COMM 200) and communication research methods (COMM 201). These two courses must be completed prior to admission as a major. Regardless of the track chosen, a minimum of 36 credit hours in communication studies must be completed, with 21 hours taken after admission.

The Applied Communication track is designed for students who plan careers in business, nonprofit, or government organizations. Along with a core of general communication course work, the program allows students to design a plan of study that will meet their individual interests and career goals.

The Data Analysis track is designed for students who desire a broad liberal-arts emphasis or who plan to enter graduate study in the behavioral and social sciences. Special emphasis is given to research methods and the collection and analysis of human communication research data. In addition, students acquire a background in social science theories in interpersonal, nonverbal, organizational, and mass communication.

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all courses in the department to be certified for graduation with a degree in Communication Studies. Courses in Communication Studies that the student wishes to count toward the major must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Career Profile

Knowledge of and skill in communication is perceived as an important quality by managers and personnel specialists. Graduates often use a communication studies degree to enter an employer’s career track. They also enter management/sales/promotion training positions in hotel/hospitality, airline, insurance, pharmaceutical, retail, and similar industries. Other options include administrative, human resources, organizational, and promotional communications positions in government, industry, nonprofit, or media organizations.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Please see Office of Admissions - English Language Proficiency for more information.

Apply Now

Prospective students should apply online at:
apply.wvu.edu.

Accreditation

WVU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.