Major in Communication Studies

The communication studies major is composed of several required core courses and additional courses chosen in conjunction with the program advisor. Students choose additional courses depending upon their individual interests and the direction they wish to pursue in the field. Communication studies faculty work closely with students to direct them to coursework that will be most beneficial to them given their academic and career interests. The communication studies major is appropriate for students pursuing a general liberal arts degree who desire a flexible preparation applicable to many contexts. Faculty members regularly advise students in designing a course plan to achieve the desired specialization.

Communication Studies Major Requirements

The communication studies major consists of at least 11 courses chosen in consultation with your communication studies major advisor.

Required core courses: 

• COMM 1100 - Introduction to Communication Studies 
• COMM 1650 - Argumentation and Advocacy 
• COMM 3300 - Communication Research Methods 
• COMM 3380 - Small Group Communication 
• COMM 5650 - Western Rhetorical Theory 

One course chosen from: 

• COMM 5900 - Senior Research Seminar 
• COMM 5010 - Departmental Honors Research (application and approval required) 

At least one course in culture and communication: 

• COMM 3460 - Intercultural Communication 
• COMM 3670 - Gender, Communication, and Knowledge 
• Appropriate COMM 3980 Special Topics in Communication (can only be used if pre-approved by your communication studies major advisor)

At least three upper level courses in communication processes: 

• COMM 3320 - Mass Communication 
• COMM 3360 - Interpersonal Communication 
• COMM 3370 - Family Communication 
• COMM 3390 - Organizational Communication 
• COMM 3420 - Media in Global Perspective 
• COMM 3460 - Intercultural Communication (if not used to fulfill the Culture & Communication requirement above)
• COMM 3480 - Media and Global Environmental Conflicts  
• COMM 3560 - Communication in Conflict Situations 
• COMM 3630 - Strategic Communication 
• COMM 3635 - Essentials of Public Relations 
• COMM 3639 - Public Relations Cases & Campaigns 
• COMM 3650 - Political Communication 
• COMM 3670 - Gender, Communication, and Knowledge (if not used to fulfill the Culture & Communication requirement above)
• COMM 3960 - Field Experience Seminar 
• COMM 3980 - Special Topics in Communication (can be used only if approved by your communication studies major advisor, and if not used to fulfill the Culture & Community requirement above)

One additional elective: 

In addition to the upper level courses listed above, the following courses may be applied to the major as electives:

• COMM 1980/3980/5980 - Special Topics in Communication Studies
• COMM 3970/5970 - Independent Study in Communication Studies
• COMM 3990/5990 - Internship in Communication Studies
• ACTC communication studies courses selected in consultation with your communication studies major advisor
• THTR 3980 - Special Topics: Video Production 
• COMM 1110 - Public Speaking
• COMM 1320 - Introduction to Critical Media Studies
• COMM 3180 - Film Studies (crosslisted as THTR 3180)
• COMM 5400 - Managing the Performing Arts (cross-listed as THTR 5400)
• ENG 3320 - Fundamentals of Journalism 

Other Hamline courses recommended (choose one): 

• Econ 1330 - Statistics 
• PSY 1430 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences