University General Course Catalog 2024-2025
Communication Studies, B.A.
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 Return to: Programs in the College of Liberal Arts
Communication Studies focuses both on the practice and development of skills for competent communication as well as analyzing and studying the how people create shared meanings and interpretations of the world around them. Students with communication competency can find success in a variety of careers and enriched personal relationships. Communication Studies aims to connect the classroom to the real world. Our department focuses on two interrelated areas of communication: Relational Dynamics (RD) and Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement (PACE). Relational Dynamics focuses on the development and maintenance of relationships (personal, friendship, romantic, family, workplace, organizational, intercultural, and community). Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement focuses on how we influence and persuade public audiences through speaking, argument, and mediated communication. Students learn about advocacy campaigns in business, political, community, or social movement contexts.
https://www.unr.edu/assessment/plans/liberal-arts
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Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the communication studies discipline including its theories, concepts, and how the study of communication is applied to academic and non-academic settings. (C, QR)
- apply appropriate research methods, including asking questions, finding appropriate resources and/or conducting independent data gathering and analysis, while understanding the limits of research methodologies. (CT, QR)
- develop and deliver oral messages by successfully determining and focusing message purpose, organizing appropriate information, and effectively presenting a message appropriate to specific audiences and contexts. (C, CT)
- develop and adapt written messages to specific contexts, mediums, and audiences. (C, CT)
- communicate successfully in relational settings (interpersonal, intercultural, group, and organizational environments). (C, CT)
- communicate in public advocacy contexts. (C, CT)
- communicate ethically in and for our increasingly diverse and globalized world. (C, CT)
Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno
Use the transfer agreement and the degree planner (available by clicking  at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.
If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.
Graduation Requirements
- Total Units | 120
- Cumulative GPA | 2.0
- University GPA | 2.0
- Major GPA | 2.0
- Major Coursework | Must earn a “C” or better in required major courses
- Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
- Major Residency Requirements | 15 Units of the Major Requirements at UNR
- Upper-Division Requirement | 42 Upper-Division Units
I. Core General Education Requirements (24-27 units)
NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy .”
Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.
A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3
B. Quantitative Reasoning (3 units minimum) - CO2
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO2 courses.
C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6 units minimum) - CO4, CO4L
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO4/CO4L courses.
D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6
E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO7 courses.
F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8
Refer to the Core Curriculum Chapter in this catalog.
II. Additional Core Requirements (15 units maximum)
Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV). Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter in this catalog.
A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9
Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO9 courses.
B. Diversity & Equity - CO10
Choose one course. The following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement:
C. Global Contexts - CO11
The following recommended course can also be used in the Major Requirement:
E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13
Choose one course. The following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement:
F. Application - CO14
Choose one course. The following recommended course can also be used in the Major Requirement:
III. Additional College Requirements (6-20 units)
Units may vary depending on initial course placement in foreign language coursework.
A. World Language Requirement (0-14 units)
Students seeking this bachelor’s degree must demonstrate proficiency in a world language other than English equal to a fourth semester course level through one of the following options:
- complete a fourth semester college course in a world language other than English;
- demonstrate proficiency through a means determined by the Department of World Languages and Literatures including but not limited to minimum standardized test scores (CBAPE, SAT II, or IB), attaining a minimum aptitude on an accredited world language assessment test, or providing transcript evidence of a high school or equivalent diploma in which English was not the language of instruction; or,
- participate in a study abroad language program pre-approved by the Department of World Languages and Literatures to meet the world language requirement.
Note: Four years of high school world language instruction does not automatically satisfy this requirement.
B. College Breadth Requirement (6 units)
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree in the college shall be required to take, within the College of Liberal Arts, 6 units that are outside the departments in which they major or minor, and that exclude courses taken to fulfill the Core General Education requirements (Core Objectives 1 through 8).
IV. Major Requirements (33 units)
A. Required Major Courses (12 units)
B. Communication Electives (21 units)
Any COM course numbered 100–499 not already used to satisfy the requirements of section A above may be counted toward the elective requirement. Refer to the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog for a full list of COM courses.
At least 15 of the 21 units required here must be taken at the 300-400 Level.
V. Minor Requirements (18-21 units)
The Department of Communication Studies accepts any major approved by the College of Liberal Arts.
VI. Electives (4-24 units)
VII. Recommended Schedule
Use the Planner in MyNEVADA to build a custom graduation plan. Review and adjust the plan in each academic advisement session.
Spring Semester (16-17 units)
- ENG 102 - Composition II (3 units) CO1, CO3
- Physical & Natural Phenomena (3-4 units) CO4L
- Foreign Language 112 (4 units)
- Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) CO7
- 100-Level General Elective (3 units)
Fall Semester (15-16 units)
Spring Semester (15 units)
Fall Semester (15 units)
- 300-400 Level Communication Elective (3 units)
- Science, Technology & Society (3 units) CO9
- Minor (3 units)
- College Breadth Requirement (3 units)
- COM 311 - Communication Research Methods (3 units) CO12
Spring Semester (15 units)
- 300-400 Level Communication Elective (6 units)
- 300-400 Level Minor (6 units)
- 300-400 Level General Elective (3 units)
Fall Semester (15-18 units)
Spring Semester (8-13 units)
- Application (3 units) CO14
- 300-400 Level Minor (3 units)
- General Elective (2-7 units)
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