Department of Communication Studies
Chair: Dr. Frances E. Brandau (936) 294-1356
Information: (936) 294-1497; Suite 410 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building (CHSS)
Website: Department of Communication Studies
Communication Studies is the modern heir to one of the world’s oldest disciplines. The connection between thought and language is fundamental. This academic discipline that examines how individuals and groups create, share, and interpret messages across a variety of contexts, and channels. This field covers a wide range of communication, including interpersonal, group, intercultural, family, public speaking, and mediated communication. By studying Communication, students gain a deep understanding of how effective communication influences relationships, shapes culture, impacts public perception, and drives organizational success.
Mission
The Communication Studies program is committed to equipping students with the interpersonal communication skills essential for success in today’s diverse and interconnected world. Our mission is to develop a deep understanding of human communication, enabling students to navigate and influence both personal and professional relationships.
Through a blend of theory, research, and application, students learn to engage thoughtfully in a wide variety of communication contexts. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness, enabling graduates to adapt to the rapidly changing world.
We are committed to preparing students for success by developing their skills in speaking, listening, collaboration, and leadership, while also strengthening their ability to navigate and resolve interpersonal communication challenges.
Highlights
The Department of Communication Studies offers a supportive environment for students to explore the study of communication, with distinguished faculty who are highly invested in each student's academic success. The department fosters a collaborative atmosphere, where faculty work together and engage in interdisciplinary research projects with colleagues from other departments. Both graduate and undergraduate students have opportunities to conduct research with their faculty mentors.
The department's state-of-the-art research laboratory further enhances the research experience. The lab features high-resolution video recording and playback capabilities, a 55-inch monitor, an ultra-low temperature freezer for research sample preservation, and a dedicated support room equipped with multiple computers for monitoring a variety of social science research projects.
Suggested Minors
There is no preferred minor for Communication Studies. Students should select a minor that suits their interests and career needs. Common minors include English, Political Science, Spanish, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Sociology, Marketing, and General Business.
Career Opportunities
Communication Studies majors develop a diverse set of marketable skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market, such as:
- Effective Interpersonal Communication
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Persuasion and Influence
- Strategic Communication
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Group Communication and Facilitation
These competencies make Communication Studies graduates versatile, adaptable, and highly sought-after in a wide range of professional fields, from business and healthcare to law, education, human relations, public advocacy, corporate communication and training, government relations, and public relations. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is a key asset in virtually every profession, making Communication Studies a versatile and valuable major.
Curriculum
Required Courses for Major
Communication Studies offers both the Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) and Bachelor of Science (B. S.) degree options. The B. A. option requires 14 hours of a foreign language plus a Philosophy course, while the B.S. option instead requires 8 hours of natural science plus a math/statistics or computer science course beyond the core curriculum science requirement.
Students choosing to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Communication Studies (COMS) courses, including at least 9 hours of advanced courses and 6 hours of elective courses in the program. To satisfy the foreign language requirement, all hours must be taken in the same language.
If students choose the Bachelor of Science degree option they must complete at least 30 hours of credit in Communication Studies courses, including at least 9 hours of advanced courses and 6 hours of elective courses in the program.
All students must take the following courses:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
COMS 1361 | Public Speaking | 3 |
COMS 2331 | Introduction - Communication Theory & Research | 3 |
COMS 2386 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
COMS 4381 | Communication Theory | 3 |
12 hours Advanced COMS credits | 12 | |
6 hours COMS elective credits | 6 | |
Total Hours | 30 |
COMS 2382 does not count toward the 30 hour requirement for majors.
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science, Major in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science, Major in Integrated Studies: Legal Writing and Communication Concentration
- Undergraduate Certificate in Communication for Health and Social Care Professionals
- Undergraduate Certificate in Communication for Legal and Criminal Justice Professionals
- Undergraduate Certificate in Communication for Sport Professionals
- Minor in Communication Studies
Student Organizations
Students may take advantage of the department’s student organization, CommuniKats. The department is also home to the Lambda Beta chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the official honor society of the National Communication Association.
Internships
The department offers internship opportunities for qualified students through COMS 4378.
Scholarships
The Department of Communication Studies offers several scholarships. Most scholarship deadlines are in March for the following academic year at: Scholarships4Kats.
Honor Society
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. LPH has more than 500 active chapters at four-year colleges and universities nationwide.
LPH represents what Aristotle described in Rhetoric as three ingredients of persuasion: logos (Lambda), meaning logic; pathos (Pi), relating to emotion; and ethos (Eta), defined as character credibility and ethics.
Learn more at https://www.natcom.org/student-organizations/lambda-pi-eta
COMS 1361. Public Speaking. 3 Hours. [TCCN: SPCH 1315]
Students develop essential communication skills by researching, organizing, and delivering informative and persuasive speeches for a variety of audiences and occasions. The course emphasizes strategies to manage speaker apprehension, analyze audiences, and use effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. Students build skills in critical thinking, message design, and professional presentation. These skills are valued in business, education, public service, civic life, and beyond.
COMS 2331. Introduction - Communication Theory & Research. 3 Hours.
Students study theories and research in the field of communication with an emphasis on interpersonal and family communication. Students prepare reviews of literature as well as scholarly abstracts.
COMS 2382. Communication for Business & the Professions. 3 Hours. [TCCN: SPCH 1321]
Students explore communication theories and apply research-based strategies in professional settings such as interviewing, group decision-making, and business presentations. The course emphasizes interpersonal communication, leadership, listening, and nonverbal communication. Students develop career-ready skills in workplace communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and professional presentation that support success in team-oriented and client-focused roles across industries. Not for COMS majors or minors. Non-Minors only. Non-Specializations only. Non-Minors only. Non-Specializations only.
Prerequisite: Non-Majors only.
COMS 2386. Interpersonal Communication. 3 Hours. [TCCN: SPCH 1318]
Students investigate theories and research related to one-to-one communication in personal and professional relationships. Key concepts explored listening, conflict management, self-disclosure, relationship development, verbal and nonverbal communication, and communication across various social and cultural settings. Students build transferable skills in emotional intelligence, active listening, relationship building, and conflict resolution that support success in the workplace, community, and daily life.
COMS 3330. Communication in Sport. 3 Hours.
Students examine communication practices and challenges within the context of sports, analyzing research across interpersonal, organizational, media, and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes theory-based and practical approaches to communicating sport-related issues, with attention to topics such as branding, fan engagement, leadership, and ethics. Students also explore the role of sports in society and develop critical thinking and strategic communication skills applicable to careers in athletics, media, and related industries. These communication competencies are highly beneficial for success in a wide range of professional settings. *This course emphasized message design and strategic messaging and is not intended to prepare students for careers in journalism or news reporting.
COMS 3340. Communication, Culture, and Technology. 3 Hours.
Students examine how digital technologies influence human communication across interpersonal, group, and organizational contexts. Emphasis is placed on how technologies shapes message construction, relationship development, identity negotiation, and cultural interaction. Topics may include computer-mediated communication, social networking, digital literacy, online conflict, and the impact of emerging platforms on communication norms. Through theory-driven analysis and practical application, students develop critical thinking and digital communication skills that are essential for effective interaction in technology-rich environments. Course Equivalents: COMS 2393 .
COMS 3341. Digital Communication Literacy. 3 Hours.
Students analyze strategies of self-presentation and impression management and apply theory and research-based approaches to effectively communicate messages through various social media platforms. Students gain practical knowledge in creating communication content for various audiences. Students implement these strategies on their own social media platforms as they learn to become more literate information consumers.
COMS 3350. Communication and Pop Culture. 3 Hours.
Students examine how popular culture shapes communication, individual identity, and social influence. They analyze messages in music, television, film, advertising, and celebrity culture to explore how media reflects, and shapes social norms and cultural values. Popular culture offers meaningful ways to engage with complex topics through familiar characters and storylines, encouraging dialog and reflection. Students apply communication theory to build skills in media literacy, cultural awareness, and interpersonal communication skills across personal and professional contexts.
COMS 3360. Interpreting Visual Images. 3 Hours.
Students explore how visual images function as persuasive messages within interpersonal, social, and cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed on analyzing visual communication through theoretical frameworks drawn from communication studies. Topics may include visual rhetoric, representation, symbolism, and the influence of images in the media, advertising, politics, and everyday life. Students develop critical thinking, visual literacy, and analytical skills applicable across academic, professional and civic settings.
COMS 3365. Humor in Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore how humor functions as a communication tool across interpersonal, organizational, and public contexts. Emphasis is placed on applying communication theory and research to understand humor's role in building relationships, reducing conflict, influencing others, and shaping social commentary. Students gain practical insight into how humor can be used strategically to enhance communication and foster more effective interactions.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.
COMS 3370. Intercultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore the theory, research, and practice of communication across cultural contexts, with emphasis on developing awareness of their own intercultural communication. Topics may include cultural similarities and differences, verbal and nonverbal differences, culture shock, prejudice, and racism. This course equips students with the communication skills necessary for effective communication across international and multicultural environments.
COMS 3371. Conflict, Negotiation, and Resolution. 3 Hours.
Students examine the dynamics of conflict and negotiation in interpersonal and professional settings. Emphasis is placed on identifying the underlying causes of conflict, understanding communication patterns that escalate or de-escalate tension, and developing practical strategies for resolution. The course builds skills in active listening, perspective-taking, and collaborative problem-solving essential for managing conflict effectively in personal and workplace relationships.
COMS 3374. Persuasion. 3 Hours.
Students explore the principles and theories of persuasive communication with an emphasis on attitude and behavior change. The course may include theoretical frameworks such as the Elaboration Likelihood Model, Inoculation Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Topics may include persuasive strategies in interpersonal settings, political campaigns, advertising, and social movements. Students learn to critically analyze persuasive messages and apply techniques to create ethical and effective communication across a range of contexts. Course Equivalents: COMS 3382 .
COMS 3375. Strategic Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.
Students analyze the impact of human communication technology on organizations of all types, including political, social, religious, and educational institutions. In the process, students may examine how communication technologies shape organizations, channel power, manage crisis, establish leadership, and redefine privacy and freedom of expression. Course Equivalents: COMS 3390
Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing.
COMS 3379. Freedom of Speech and Civic Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine a broad range of free speech issues, including blasphemy, defamation, popular culture, political speech, privacy, public forums, symbolic speech, threats, and restrictions on free speech. The course is structured to expand the knowledge of the student about freedom of speech and to enable them to be more engaged citizens in their communities. To this end, the course not only covers the areas that the right to free speech encompasses, it also explores instances in which freedom of speech protections do not apply.
COMS 3383. Small Group Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine communication processes in small group settings with emphasis on leadership, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving. The course explores group dynamics, roles, and norms while helping students build skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical leadership. These competencies are essential for success in today's collaborative and team-oriented work environments.
COMS 3385. Community Applied Communication. 3 Hours.
Students improve research skills, critical thinking, leadership, individual and group communication skills. This is achieved through lecture and community interaction. Students work together to examine their community for need, investigate how to meet that need through the lens of established organizations, and present their findings. This is a capstone course. Course Equivalents: COMS 2385 .
COMS 3386. Learning to Listen: A Key Communication Competency. 3 Hours.
Students examine significance and complexity of the many different types of listening across various social, professional, and interpersonal contexts. Students use theory and research-based approaches to tackle issues surrounding listening as a cognitive process, a social and relational skill, and professional competency. They also examine emerging areas, such as mediated listening in the digital age.
Prerequisite: COMS 2386.
COMS 3391. Interpersonal Health Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore communication processes in health-related interactions, with emphasis on patient-provider communication, social support, and identity management in illness. Topics may include survivorship, media influence, e-health, and communication across varied healthcare contexts. The course builds skills in supportive communication, message clarity, and relational sensitivity, all essential for navigating today's complex health environments. Course Equivalents: COMS 3372 .
COMS 3392. Risk Communication. 3 Hours.
Students illustrate the history of risk communication research. Students examine how to effectively communicate risks across various contexts including interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and mass communication. Students apply theory and research-based approaches to effectively communicate risks including health risks, environmental risks, and technological risks.
COMS 3393. Environmental Communication. 3 Hours.
Students learn theory, research and practice with regard to environment and communication from both international and multi-disciplinary perspectives. Students will also learn how to identify environmental issues and use appropriate communication strategies to respond to/solve those issues. The course uses a lecture/discussion format. Course Equivalents: COMS 3373 .
COMS 4091. Independent Study in Communication Studies. 1-3 Hours.
Students pursue particular problems or issues beyond the limits of current course offerings. Students may receive Academic Distinction credit for this course. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog. May be repeated for credit. Senior standing. Variable Credit (1 to 3). Senior standing. Course Equivalents: coms 4391
Prerequisite: 12 hours COMS completed and approval of the Chair.
COMS 4365. Nonverbal Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine key systems of nonverbal communication, including body language, vocalics, facial expression, and spatial behavior. The course emphasizes the role of nonverbal cues in shaping meaning, managing impressions, and enhancing relational communication. Students apply current theory and research to improve their own communication effectiveness in both social and organizational settings.
COMS 4366. Deceptive Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore the nature and function of deception across interpersonal, public, and organizational communication contexts. The course emphasizes empirical research, ethical considerations, and critical analysis of deceptive messages. Students examine both their own communication behaviors and the strategies used by others to better understand the role of deception in shaping trust, credibility, and relational dynamics. These skills are essential for navigating complex communication environments, making informed judgments, and fostering ethical communication practices in both professional and everyday interactions.
COMS 4378. Internship In Communication Studies. 3 Hours.
Students apply communication theories and concepts to real-world experiences through an internship or other approved work-based setting, including current employment or volunteer roles. Students are responsible for identifying and securing their own placement. The course emphasizes critical reflection and the integration of prior coursework, with a focus on applying theory to practice through written analysis. Assignments are designed to deepen understanding of communication in applied contexts by drawing from previously learned models, concepts, and research.
Prerequisite: At least junior standing, 12 COMS hours completed, and approval of the Chair.
COMS 4381. Communication Theory. 3 Hours.
Students analyze and apply major communication theories used to explain and evaluate human interaction in interpersonal, group, organizational and mediated contexts. The course explores both foundational and contemporary theoretical frameworks. Theories covered may include Social Penetration Theory, Expectancy Violations Theory, Social Exchange, and Symbolic Interactionism. Emphasis is placed on understanding theoretical assumptions, assessing their application to real-world communication, and strengthening students' ability to think critically about communication processes.
Prerequisite: COMS 2331 and 6 hours COMS completed.
COMS 4386. Family Communication. 3 Hours.
Students explore interpersonal communication processes within a variety of family structures. Topics may include conflict, relational roles, family storytelling, cultural influences, and communication across the family cycle. The course emphasizes the application of communication theories to understand how messages shape identity, maintain relationships, and manage change within family systems.
Prerequisite: COMS 2386.
COMS 4387. Relationship Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine communication processes within close personal relationships, with particular focus on romantic partnerships and friendships. Topics may include relationship development, conflict, emotional disclosure, long-distance and digitally mediated relationships, and communication strategies for sustaining connection. The course emphasizes theoretical application and skill building to improve relational quality, satisfaction and resilience.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
COMS 4388. The Dark Side of Relational Communication. 3 Hours.
Students investigate the functionality and morality of relational communication in relationships. Students explore the dark and light side of communication behaviors frequently used in relationships. Students gain an ethical understanding and the ability to evaluate communication in various relationships analytically.
Prerequisite: COMS 2331 and COMS 2386.
COMS 4392. Seminar In Communication Studies. 3 Hours.
Students engage in focused study of emerging or specialized topics in communication, with content varying by semester. Seminar topics reflect current trends, faculty expertise, or student interest areas across interpersonal, organizational, mediated, and cultural communication contexts. This course encourages advanced critical thinking, discussion, and application of communication theory and research.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
Director/Chair: Frances Elizabeth Brandau
Carlton G Abernathy, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; MA, Texas State Univ-San Marcos; BA, Sam Houston State University
Michael I Arrington, PHD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Univ of South Florida; MA, Univ of South Florida; BA, Univ of Southern Mississippi
Tamara Sue Arrington, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, The University of Memphis; BA, Univ of Florida
Richard S Bello, PHD, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, LSU & A&M College; MA, LSU & A&M College; BA, LSU & A&M College
Frances Elizabeth Brandau, PHD, Professor and Chair of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, LSU & A&M College; MA, Univ of Southern Mississippi; BS, Univ of Southern Mississippi
Allyzah Allene De Galicia Cabugao, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Univ of Houston-Main
Yixin Chen, PHD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, University at Buffalo, Suny; MA, Univ of Texas-El Paso; ME, Huaqiao University; BE, Huaqiao University
Rebekah Melanie Chiasson, PHD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, West Virginia University; MA, Northern Illinois Un; BA, Keene State College
Jennifer Sherry Coppock, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Univ of Houston-Main
Bryan Michael Corbin, EDD, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, EDD, Southwestern College; MA, Western New Mexico University; MPW, Chatham College; BA, California St Un-Fullerton
Lisa Joanne Dahlgren, PHD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Arizona State University; MA, Univ of Hawaii At Manoa; BA, Univ of Hawaii At Manoa
Kristen Karnes Hester, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Houston Christian University; BA, Houston Christian University
Susan Lee Honeywell, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Univ of Texas At Tyler; BS, Univ of Texas At Tyler
Dena Ruth Horne, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BS, Sam Houston State University
Caleb George Hubbard, PHD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Univ of Oklahoma-Norman; MA, West Texas A&M State Univ; BS, West Texas A&M State Univ
Colton Ellis Krawietz, PHD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Univ of Texas At Austin; MED, Univ of Texas At Austin; MA, Univ of Texas At Austin; BA, LSU & A&M College
Anna Hommadova Lu, PHD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Arizona State University; PHD, University of Tsukuba; MA, University of Tsukuba; BA, Minnesota State Un-Moorhead
Floyd Henry McConnell, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Stephen F Austin University; BA, Texas A&M University
Nilam Patel, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BS, Rice University
Victoria Sandoval, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Sam Houston State University
Margaret Garnett Smallwood, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; MBA, Univ of Texas At Dallas; BA, Univ of Calif-Santa Barbara
Anne Bennett Cook Smithson, PHD, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, George Mason University; JD, Northern Kentucky; MA, Georgetown University; BA, Univ of Kentucky
Terry Mark Thibodeaux, PHD, Lecturer of Communication Studies; Professor Emeritus, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Univ of Southern Mississippi; MED, McNeese State University; BA, McNeese State University
Shelby Alverson Villarreal, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Texas A&M University
Michesha Sherrelle Washington, MA, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, MA, Texas Southern University; BA, Texas State Univ-San Marcos
Melinda Rachelle Weathers, PHD, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, George Mason University; MA, Univ of Houston-Main; BA, Texas A&M University
Kelly Lynn Matheney Weikle, PHD, Lecturer of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Ohio University; MA, Ohio University; MMC, Univ of S Carolina-Columbia; BSJ, West Virginia University
Shuangyue Zhang, PHD, Professor of Communication Studies, Department of Communication Studies, PHD, Ohio State University; MA, Kent State University; MA, Shandong University; BA, Shandong Normal University