Major in Communication Studies

Learn theories and applications that will serve you in life

As a major in Communication Studies, you will learn the theories of human communication and the application of those theories in a variety of contexts, including interpersonal relationships, small group interaction, organizations, cultural interaction, and media.

You will graduate with talents and knowledge that will serve you well in any personal, community, and professional setting. In Communication Studies, you can pursue diverse topics and explore your curiosity about communication’s effects on daily life and ways in which it affects the world around us.

Required Courses

The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies (COMM) requires satisfactory completion of the following:

  • Completion of general education and distribution requirements as indicated in the School of Liberal Arts.
  • Completion of a total of 33 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course,
  • Completion of four core courses in Communication Studies:
    • COMM-G100: Introduction to Communication Studies
    • COMM-G201: Introduction to Communication Theory (P: or C: COMM-G100)
    • COMM-G310: Introduction to Communication Research (P: or C: COMM-G201)
    • COMM-G480: Senior Capstone in Communication Studies (P: COMM-G310 and senior standing)
  • 15 credit hours in the major must be in courses at the 300 level or above
  • At least 3 credit hours each in three of the four areas which are designated by the prefixes C, M, R, & T, (COMM-R 110 may not count toward the major)
  • At least 21 credit hours of the major coursework must be in courses offered solely or cooperatively by the Communication Studies Department (a total of 9 credits of G 300: Independent Study and G 491: Internship may count toward the major)
  • No more than 12 credit hours may transfer.

Recommended Curriculum

The Communication Studies curriculum provides a foundation for pursuing careers that apply communication principles, such as public relations, sales, marketing, video or film production, corporate media production, training and development, human resources, public affairs, consulting, and special events planning. In addition, it prepares you for graduate work in various areas, including communication, informatics, humanities, or social sciences, or in professional programs such as law, business, health, and social work.

Freshman Year

COMM-M 150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society
COMM-G 100: Introduction to Communication Studies
COMM-R 110: Fundamentals of Speech Communication

Sophomore Year

COMM-G 201: Introduction to Communication Theory
COMM-C 180: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
COMM-G 310: Introduction to Communication Research
Meet with Career Advisor

Junior Year

COMM-R or COMM-T Elective
Communication Studies Elective 300/400 level
Communication Studies Elective 300/400 level
Communication Studies Elective
Meet with Career Advisor

Senior Year

Communication Studies Elective 300/400 level
COMM-G 480: Senior Capstone in Communication Studies
Apply to Graduate
Meet with Career Advisor

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

For more information

If you are considering majoring or minoring in Communication Studies either as a new student or as a transfer student, please email an academic advisor at laadvise@iu.edu, call at 317-274-3976, or stop by the Advising Office in Cavanaugh Hall Room 401.