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Communication Studies is firmly committed to academic excellence through promoting a rigorous and relevant curriculum grounded in the liberal arts tradition. We approach communication as the primary social process: the various modes of human communication forge and maintain individual identity and collective organization. Our curriculum offers an integrated approach to communication, providing depth and breadth of knowledge, and experience for undergraduate students competent in the construction, reception, and analysis of messages, which give shape to our world. Communication studies prepare students to participate in the professional, social, and civic life in an ethical, intellectually curious, and engaged manner. Students who complete the major will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication research paradigms; media industry structure and practices; prevailing criticism of media practice and performance; media influence on individuals and groups; the interplay of media systems in a global context; roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; conventions of public address and advocacy; and the impact and ethics of persuasion. Students will also have the ability to think critically; develop and present an argument; conduct and evaluate social scientific, interpretive, and critical research; communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; and invent, arrange, and deliver effective and ethical messages via oral, print, and electronic modes. All students in the communication studies major must complete 39 units of coursework in the major, including 15 units of lower division core courses, 6 units of upper division core courses, and an additional 18 units divided into 6 units of Human Communication course, 6 units of Media Studies courses, and 6 elective units from upper division offerings. Practical experience is a valuable addition to the undergraduate major and the department offers opportunities for students to participate in an outstanding internship program. In addition, the department supports The Vista, USDtv, and USD Radio and offers the opportunity to receive academic credit for these experiences. No more than three practicum units may be applied toward the major or minor. No more than six units combined of practicum may be applied to the BA degree. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad to complement the major with global learning opportunities. No more than six units from a non-USD faculty led study abroad course can be applied to the major or minor.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Communication Studies is firmly committed to academic excellence through promoting a rigorous and relevant curriculum grounded in the liberal arts tradition. We approach communication as the primary social process: the various modes of human communication forge and maintain individual identity and collective organization. Our curriculum offers an integrated approach to communication, providing depth and breadth of knowledge, and experience for undergraduate students competent in the construction, reception, and analysis of messages, which give shape to our world. Communication studies prepare students to participate in the professional, social, and civic life in an ethical, intellectually curious, and engaged manner. Students who complete the major will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication research paradigms; media industry structure and practices; prevailing criticism of media practice and performance; media influence on individuals and groups; the interplay of media systems in a global context; roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; conventions of public address and advocacy; and the impact and ethics of persuasion. Students will also have the ability to think critically; develop and present an argument; conduct and evaluate social scientific, interpretive, and critical research; communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; and invent, arrange, and deliver effective and ethical messages via oral, print, and electronic modes. All students in the communication studies major must complete 39 units of coursework in the major, including 15 units of lower division core courses, 6 units of upper division core courses, and an additional 18 units divided into 6 units of Human Communication course, 6 units of Media Studies courses, and 6 elective units from upper division offerings. Practical experience is a valuable addition to the undergraduate major and the department offers opportunities for students to participate in an outstanding internship program. In addition, the department supports The Vista, USDtv, and USD Radio and offers the opportunity to receive academic credit for these experiences. No more than three practicum units may be applied toward the major or minor. No more than six units combined of practicum may be applied to the BA degree. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad to complement the major with global learning opportunities. No more than six units from a non-USD faculty led study abroad course can be applied to the major or minor.
Admission Requirements
6.5+
The University of San Diego recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a rigorous college preparatory program. The university will award credits to students having successfully passed the individual IB higher level examinations with scores of 5 or higher.
48 Months
Jan-2000
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
BA in Communication Studies
48 monthsProgramme duration
Communication and Media StudiesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Admission Requirements
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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