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Communication Studies (BS)

About

Most employers list “good communication skills” as a requirement for employment, which is why the Communication Studies (BS) degree at Appalachian State University prepares students to enter many different professions. This major educates students in different theories and practical applications of communication skills – such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, public speaking, nonverbal communication and persuasion. Communication Studies also makes an excellent pre-law, pre-seminary or pre-graduate school program.

This degree is structured by theme, yet remains flexible enough to allow students to tailor their courses to their specifics needs. For example, a student could choose to study political communication or organizational communication as part of this major. Students can also work with the Department of Communication’s internship coordinator to find a related internship host site and complete requirements to earn class credit.

After Graduation

Employers: Graduates have gone on to work in communication consulting, environmental advocacy, human resources, political campaigns, non-profit social service organizations, recreation and health care management, and crisis communication consulting.

Graduate School: This degree serves as a solid background for many graduate school degrees including law school and seminary. Students often continue their studies at UNC Charlotte or University of Georgia.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Chris Patti
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Chris Patti

    “I bring in my personal history, stories and interests and I think the students respond to making the class a personal space.”

    - Dr. Chris Patti, assistant professor

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumna Profile: JoCinda Benjamin ’94
    Alumna Profile: JoCinda Benjamin ’94

    Benjamin’s communication studies major led to positions in Charlotte as a news writer for a television station and events director and promotion director for top-rated radio stations. Now, she owns a company that provides concierge services to parents of child performers in Hollywood.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Advertising (BS)
  • Electronic Media/Broadcasting (BS)
  • Digital Journalism (BS)
  • Public Relations (BS)

Minors

A minor is required. Popular minors include:

  • Marketing
  • Business
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Political Science
  • English

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Appalachian Communicators - a student club for Communication Studies majors
  • Intercollegiate debate team - open to all majors
  • AppSpeaks - a student club for campus debate and discussion
  • Socrates’ Café - part of the on-campus debate/discussion program
  • Student Media Showcase - a section of the Department of Communication that highlights student writing, photography, videography and audio work from in-class and extracurricular opportunities.
  • National Conference for Undergraduate Research - a national conference held annually at which students are selected to present research.
  • Carolinas Communication Association - sponsors the Jarrard undergraduate paper competition.
  • Southern States Communication Association - sponsors the Clevenger Undergraduate Honors Conference.
  • Celebration of Research and Creative Endeavors - a day at Appalachian devoted to student research, showcasing research in all disciplines by undergraduate and graduate students.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of Communication has study abroad opportunities in Poland, Belize and Armenia.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative 2.5 GPA based on earned semester hours at App State is required prior to declaring the Communication Studies major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Students are given opportunities to participate in research and publication with faculty members.
  • This program allows students to choose from a broad range of classes, giving them a personalized communication degree to fit their career goals. Examples include: political communication, organizational communication, rhetoric and public culture, health communication, critical/cultural studies and strategic communication.
  • The Department of Communication has an internship coordinator to help students find internship host sites and receive class credit for their work.
  • The department has a strong alumni network that keeps alumni, faculty and current students connected.

Location

Boone and Hickory* and online

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • Attorney
  • College & universities
  • Consumer magazines
  • Educational and professional
  • Government agencies
  • Meeting planning
  • nonprofit organizations
  • publishing companies
  • Religious organizations
  • Retail stores
  • Trade associations
  • Trade books/magazines

View more career opportunities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Communication

Dr. Scott Welsh
Department Chair
welshsm@appstate.edu
828-262-2607

  • Department of Communication

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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It's up to me|us

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