Scripps College of Communication

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies (BSC)
Degree Code: BC5364


Program Description

The School of Communication Studies (COMS) offers a liberal education, emphasizing the scientific and
artistic basis of communication. The School is firmly committed to providing quality instruction in the
theoretical bases of human communication and the application of theory in specific contexts. The core
courses combine theory and practice as students learn the historical and conceptual foundations of the field
of communication. At the same time, the curriculum equips students with skills in speaking, writing, critical
thinking, discussion, and problem solving. Students complete a rigorous academic program consisting of
courses in theory, research methods, presentations, and engaged learning practica. Elective courses in the
school complement the required courses and expand the students’ repertoire of competencies and skills.
Enhancing the core and major courses are courses in a related area or minor, study of other cultures, and
contemporary technology. Students’ choices lead to professional and pre-professional competence in such
fields as training and human resources, law, politics and government, health advocacy, campaign implementation,
and survey research. The major is designed to augment students’ lives and careers through a
clearer understanding of the effects of communication and messages in their professional and personal
lives.


Program Requirements


In addition to the General Education requirements and the 120 total hours specified by the University, all
majors in the School of Communication Studies must complete (1) four core courses, (2) three theory
courses, (3) one research methods course, (4) three elective courses in the school, (5) a minimum of 18
hours in a university minor or related area approved by the students’ academic advisor.


Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Communication degree in the School of Communication
Studies are prepared with transferable competency sets that enable them to work in a variety of organizations.
The degree is perfect preparation for a career in corporate training, foreign service, law, politics, labor
relations, human services, campaign management, event planning, account representation, sales, management,
or survey research, to name just a few careers. All told, the major is designed to augment students’
lives and careers through a clearer understanding of the effects of communication and messages in
their professional and personal lives.


Communication Studies

1st Year – suggested course ( 31credits)

COMS 1100 Comm Between Cultures 3
COMS 1030 Public Speaking 3
ENG 1510 Freshman Composition 3
POLS 2000 American Politics 3
HLTH 2020 Intro to Health 3
ANTH 1010 Cultural Anthropology 3
BIOL 1030 Prin of Human Biology 3
COMS 1010 Fund Human Communication 3
PSY 1010 General Psychology 3
MATH 1200 College Algebra 4

2nd Year – suggested courses (30 credits)

COMS 2050* Techniques of Group Dynamics 3
COMS 2060* Interpersonal Relationships 3
COMS 2150* Argumentative Analysis 3

*Select two
COMS 3400* Health Communication 3
COMS 3500* Organizational Communication 3
COMS 3600* Communication in Public Advocacy 3

*Select one 3
COMS 2350 Intro to Communication Theory 3
TIER II Cross Cultural (2CP) 3
TIER II Humanities (2HL) 3

3rd Year - suggested courses (30 credits)
COMS 3420* Field Research Methods 3
COMS 3520* Empirical Research Applications 3
COMS 3620* Rhetorical Analysis & Criticism 3

*Select one
COMS Electives (See Advisor) 9
Related Area or Minor 9
Electives (If needed) 9

4th Year - suggested courses (29 credits)
COMS 4800 Capstone Seminar in Communication 3
Related Area or Minor 9
COMS Electives (See Advisor) 3-6
Electives (If needed) 12-17



Graduation Requirements

Communication Core: 12credits

General Education Tier I: 9-10 credits
Communication Theory: 9 credits

General Education Tier II: 21 credits
Communication Research: 3 credits

General Education Tier III: 3 credits
Communication Electives: 9 credits
Related Area or Minor: 18 credits