Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Conquer Communication & Lead the Conversation

Great communicators don’t just talk—they connect, inspire, and lead. At 51¸£ÀûÉç, you’ll gain the tools to do all three in every arena, from the boardroom to the digital frontier.

With a Communication Studies BA, you’ll build the skills and knowledge to launch a high-impact career in any industry. Our comprehensive, innovative program combines communication theory with hands-on experience. Whether you choose to earn your degree online or on campus, you’ll graduate ready to navigate the complexities of modern human interaction.

You’ll master the ability to connect with diverse audiences, speak the language of AI, and solve real-world challenges. Our curriculum is designed to strengthen your:

  • Strategic influence: Public speaking and professional confidence
  • Critical analysis: Media literacy and critical thinking
  • Human connection: Conflict resolution and interpersonal dynamics

You can even tailor your journey with electives that match your specific goals, such as marketing, healthcare, sports, entertainment, or event planning.

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Why Study Communication at the Region's Polytechnic?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.


Small Class Sizes

Most classes are limited to 30 students so you can get personalized guidance.

Expert Faculty

Learn from leading researchers and seasoned industry pros who provide valuable insights.

Hands-On Experience

Put theory into action through real-world case studies, projects, and internships.

High-Value Education

You don't have to sacrifice quality to get an education you can afford.

Career-Preparedness

Master in-demand skills and participate in workshops and networking events.


Where Our Graduates Work

  • Starbucks Corporate
  • Disney
  • Amazon
  • Washington State Legislature
  • Leading PR and marketing agencies
"When I started in the [Communication Studies] program, that is really when I found my community at 51¸£ÀûÉç. The classes are small enough to create those one-on-one connections with professors and other students, and those connections have opened so many doors for me. Every staff member is eager to help propel students into their career and are willing to help in any way they can." — Mia Blomgren

Applied Learning Opportunities

You’ll turn your classroom knowledge into action by:

  • Collaborating with faculty on real-world projects.
  • Gaining valuable work experience through an internship.
  • Attending networking events to meet industry leaders.
  • Participating in workshops that help you create a strong resume and LinkedIn profile.
51¸£ÀûÉç PRSSA club members attend a networking event

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official , which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Communication Studies Major, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

51¸£ÀûÉç

Students graduating with a degree in Communication Studies are highly sought after due to their ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences, critically analyze messages, and perform research. The curriculum in this major prepares students for employment in a diverse array of fields, including social media, public relations, marketing, recruiting, grant writing, teaching, law, consulting, and more. 

There are two options to declare this program:
In-Person: most of the classes will be in person, with some occasional online classes.
Online: all of the classes will be online. Note that the online option operates using a different tuition model.

Major Requirements:

  • cannot be taken for credit towards the Communication Studies Major.
  • Up to 10 credits of internship courses can be counted in the Section C Electives.

World Language Requirement: Two years of a single high school world language or one year of a single college-level world language is required.

Grade Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA ≥2.0 by graduation.

Section A–Required Communication Foundation Credits
PUBLIC SPEAKING5
MASS MEDIA AND THE INFORMATION SOCIETY5
COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION5
INTEGRATED METHODS FOR COMMUNICATION RESEARCH5
or  STATISTICS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Section B–Required Upper Division Core Credits–choose three 5-credit 400-level CMST courses.15
Note: the following courses cannot count in this section (B): , or , .
Note: any course used in Section B cannot count in Section C.
Section C–Electives20
Any Communication Studies course can count in this area with the exception of .
Note: any course used in Section C cannot count in Section B.
Section D–The STAR Component (STudy/Act/Reflect)– contact the STAR Component Coordinator for any additional information.
Note: A minimum of 15 credits of CMST coursework at 51¸£ÀûÉç must be taken before beginning the STAR component. Written and oral reports on the STAR experience must be completed successfully.
This requirement can be satisfied by: • A CMST or required JRNM class that has a built-in engagement component; • An internship; • Employment or volunteer activities.
Senior Capstone Requirement
SENIOR CAPSTONE5
Total Credits60

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current.ÌýStudents should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the .

This major requires the completion of the .Ìý Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA)Ìýdegree must complete two years of a single language in high school or one year of a single language in college.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
5 (Social Science BACR 1)55
55Diversity - graduation requirement15
Humanities & Arts BACR 115Humanities & Arts BACR 215Social Science BACR 215
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
5Communications Studies Section B Elective25 or 5
Global Studies - graduation requirement15Communications Studies Section C Elective35Communications Studies Section B Elective25
Natural Science BACR 115Natural Science BACR 215Communications Studies Section C Elective35
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
Communications Studies Section B Elective25Communications Studies Section C Elective35Elective - minor or general elective5
Communications Studies Section C Elective35Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5 (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
Ìý15Ìý15Ìý15
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.Ìý Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

2

Section B–Required Upper Division Core Credits–choose three 5-credit 400-level CMST courses. The following classes cannot count in this section (B):ÌýCMSTÌý480,ÌýCMSTÌý481ÌýorÌýCMSTÌý495,ÌýCMSTÌý499. Any course used in Section B cannot count in Section C.

3

Section C–Electives- choose 20 credits, any CMST course can count in this area with the exception ofÌý. Any course used in Section C cannot count in Section B.

51¸£ÀûÉç

(GER)

  • Minimum Quarter Credits—180 cumulative credit hours
    • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
  • Minimum Semester Credits—120 cumulative credit hours
    • 40 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 30 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 10 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

University Competencies and Proficiencies


 

 


(BACR)

 
 


 (UGR)




 
 (for Bachelor of Arts)


Application for Graduation (use ) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the to determine .

  1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
  2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

51¸£ÀûÉç

Students who earn a BA in Communication Studies from 51¸£ÀûÉç should be able to:

  • craft compelling written messages;
  • deliver an effective public speech;
  • apply ethical communication principles to message composition or analysis;
  • demonstrate the ability to design or conduct sound communication research;
  • use communication theories to critically analyze the characteristics of mediated messages.

Career Possibilities

  • Television producer
  • Radio host
  • Broadcast journalist
  • Multimedia journalist
  • News reporter
  • Investigative reporter
  • Video producer
  • Editor
  • Copywriter
  • Public relations specialist
  • Communications director
  • Social media manager
  • Marketing strategist
  • Advertising copywriter
  • Brand manager
  • Content creator
  • SEO specialist
  • Public speaking coach
  • Motivational speaker
  • Nonprofit communications manager
  • Advocacy campaign director
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Fundraising communications specialist
  • Political communications director
  • Public affairs specialist
  • Speechwriter
  • Lobbyist
  • International relations specialist
  • Cross-cultural communication consultant
  • Diplomacy and communications officer
  • Communications consultant
  • Media analyst
  • Market research analyst
  • Consumer insights specialist
  • Event planner
  • Brand strategist
  • Communication strategy advisor

A Communication Studies degree gives you versatile skills that can take you almost anywhere, from digital marketing and consumer research to health communication, social media, and beyond. This option may be the right choice if you want to build in-demand communication skills that can translate across industries.

You won’t navigate your journey alone—your professors, 51¸£ÀûÉç Career Center advisors, and the Eagle Career Network will be there to guide you. You’ll graduate ready to launch your career and thrive in it.

Explore what you can do with a Communication Studies degree: