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Undergraduate Students

B.A. in Communication Studies

At WVU, students majoring in Communication Studies can choose from one of five areas of emphasis: interpersonal communication, integrated communication, health communication, organizational communication, or social media and communication technology. Students work closely with the Department's Undergraduate Academic Advisor to choose the area of emphasis that is appealing to them and matches their future career goals. A degree in Communication Studies opens doors to allow students to be successful in just about any career from healthcare to human resources, from sales to social media, or from image management to promotions. This curriculum makes students with a B.A. in Communication Studies attractive to potential employers or graduate programs.

The B. A. in Communication Studies Bachelor is a SpeakWrite Certified ProgramTM. SpeakWrite Certified programs incorporate and develop students’ written, verbal, visual, and mediated communication skills across the curriculum.

For more information on graduation requirements for the B.A. program, see the Undergraduate Catalog.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.A. program in Communication Studies, students should be able to:

1. identify and explain the primary Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts associated with their area of emphasis;

2. analyze and critique messages using Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts;

3. interpret, design, and conduct original Communication-based research;

4. create and deliver effective communication messages across oral, written, and mediated channels appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context; and

5. develop the ability to accomplish communicative goals using Communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts needed for functional personal, social, and professional relationships.

Areas of Emphasis

Health Communication

Design and evaluate effective health messages to be communicated interpersonally, organizationally, and culturally. Explore contemporary issues in the U.S. health care system and develop the skills necessary for navigating diverse populations. Prepare for careers in health care management, advocacy, and campaigns.

Integrated Communication

Create and deliver messages for diverse audiences across communication contexts and relational partners. Customize coursework across the health, interpersonal, social media and technology, and strategic and organizational communication areas of emphasis. Prepare for careers across a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Interpersonal Communication

Develop and demonstrate the ability to relate to others across personal and professional relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, family, small groups, and workplace colleagues. Explore the behaviors and events that affect the development, maintenance, and termination of these relationships. Prepare for careers in community relations, public service, and nonprofit management.

Organizational Communication

Create and implement messages designed to strategically navigate workplace interactions with superiors, subordinates, peers, and stakeholders. Acquire ways to recruit, retain, and socialize organizational employees as well as develop leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Prepare for careers in management, human resources, and training and development.

Social Media & Communication Technology

Construct and deliver appropriate, effective, and ethical messages necessary for meeting the communication goals associated with social media and technology. Analyze the role that social media and technology plays in shaping people’s perceptions, behaviors, and social interactions. Prepare for careers in media planning, social media coordination, and marketing.

For a full list of classes and to learn more about the Communication Studies major, see the Undergraduate Course Catalog.