Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit. 

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication Studies
Core Curriculum
Component Area I (Communication)6
Component Area II (Mathematics) 13
Component Area III (Life and Physical Science)8
Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture) 23
Component Area V (Creative Arts)3
Component Area VI (U.S. History)6
Component Area VII (Political Science/Government)6
Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Sciences) 33
Component Area IX (Component Area Option) 44
Degree Specific Requirements
PHIL Elective3
ARTS, DANC, MUSI, or THEA3
Foreign Language (one field) 214
Major: Foundation
COMS 1361Public Speaking 43
COMS 2331Intro - Comm Theory & Research3
COMS 2386Interpersonal Communication 33
COMS 4381Communication Theory3
Major: Prescribed Electives
COMS Advanced Electives12
COMS General Electives6
Minor: Required 5
Minor 18
Electives: General
Electives13
Total Hours120
1

 MATH 1332 or MATH 1342 is recommended.

2

WOLC 2311 and WOLC 2312 satisfy Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture). 

3

If COMS 2386 is used to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VIII (Social and Behavioral Science) addition hours will be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120.

4

If COMS 1361 is used to satisfy 3 semester credit hours of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Core Component Option) additional hours will be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120. 

5

All minors can be paired with this degree program. 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind.

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.  

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area II13COMS 23313
COMS 136123ENGL 130233
ENGL 130133Foreign Language 141244
Foreign Language 141144HIST 130253
HIST 130153 
 16 13
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area III4Component Area III4
COMS 238663Component Area V3
Foreign Language 23114,73COMS General Elective3
POLS 230583Foreign Language 23124,73
 POLS 230683
 13 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ARTS, DANC, MUSI, or THEA3COMS Advanced Elective6
COMS Advanced Elective6COMS 43813
Minor93Minor96
PHIL Elective3 
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Component Area VIII3Electives13
Component Area IX4Minor93
COMS General Elective3 
Minor96 
 16 16
Total Hours: 120
1

MATH 1332 or MATH 1342 is recommended

2

If COMS 1361 is used to satisfy 3 semester credit hours of the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option) additional hours will be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120.

3

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communication).

4

Four courses in one language required. 

5

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VI (U.S. History).

6

If  COMS 2386 are used to fulfill Core Curriculum requirements additional hours will be needed to reach the minimum total semester credit hours of 120. 

7

WOLC 2311 and WOLC 2312 satisfy Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture). 

8

Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).

9

All minors can be paired with this degree program. 

Notes

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum overall GPA in all coursework. 

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum overall major GPA in all major coursework.

Students must earn a 2.0 minimum SHSU GPA in all coursework.

Students must meet a 2.0 minimum SHSU major GPA in all major coursework.

Minor and elective hours should be chosen with the university requirement of 42 advanced hours in mind.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The BA in Communication Studies is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Professional oral and written communication.
  • Effective Presentation skills. 
  • Research and analytical skills.
  • Evaluation of sources and information validity. 
  • Data synthesis.
  • Critical thinking and the ability to compare and contrast information.
  • Multi-cultural and diversity competencies.
  • Conflict management and resolution.
  • Interpersonal communication. 
  • Listening skills.
  • Leadership and teamwork.
  • Problem solving.
  • Ethical communication