Communication Studies - Undergraduate
Communication Studies
Communication studies is an academic discipline that concerns human communication–both verbal and nonverbal. It deals with a variety of issues related to these processes, including the sharing of meaning, the encoding and decoding of messages, and the development of relationships using communication in a variety of contexts.Our department focuses on interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, and theories of communication, among other areas.
The online master's degree and certificate programs are a great opportunity for secondary school teachers, community and small college instructors, human resources managers, nonprofit and community advocates, and those in management positions to advance their careers.
SHSU ranked #8 on the Best Online Master's in Communication Studies list!
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Bachelor of Arts &
Bachelor of Science
The communication studies undergraduate program may be completed as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. In both degree paths, you will study nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, family communication, principles of persuasion, communication theories, conflict management, and more. The major course work will provide you with the skills necessary to effectively communicate in interpersonal, small group, and various other contexts.
Minor
The minor in communication studies is 18 hours and available face to face or completely online. The course work will prepare you with the soft skills needed to work in almost any field. Many communication studies minors are majoring in fields such as health care, education, criminal justice, business, or engineering. Course work in persuasion, conflict management, deception, and intercultural communication offer real world skills to help you navigate interactions in these fields.
Undergraduate Certificates
The undergraduate certificate programs in communication are designed to satisfy current market demands for professional communication skills. These certificates highlight transferrable specialist skills, allowing you to distinguish yourself from other candidates to potential employers, scholarship committees, or internship committees.
Undergraduate certificates are freestanding credentials that can be earned as a standalone certification or awarded on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
See What Our Alumni Have to Say
Lauren Archer Hodge
Choosing to attend Sam Houston State University and major in Speech Communication with a minor in Mass Communications was one of the best decisions I have ever made.... My career in education has lead me to be in positions as a classroom Teacher, Assistant Principal, and currently Principal of an elementary campus. The skills I attained in my Speech Communication classes have played an essential role in the everyday job duties I perform as a Principal. Whether it’s speaking and presenting at a national conference, creating campus newsletters, to working in small groups with my fellow principal colleagues, I attribute my success to the strength of my educational background. Speech Communication/Communication Studies is a degree that you will utilize in any field of work.
Morgan Webb
My Communication Studies degree has helped me immensely in my career as a leader in the U.S. Army as well as contributing to my acceptance into 5 well respected law schools.... Communication Studies relates directly to my work because I communicate everyday! Understanding the importance of emotional intelligence and the impact it can have has assisted in my success thus far as an Army officer. All of the faculty members are friendly and the classes were engaging. My favorite course was Intercultural Communication, because it gave me insight into various types of cultures. Anyone looking to succeed after graduation should choose Communication Studies as a major or minor.