Communication Studies

Communication studies draws from the richness of the communication discipline to allow you to design a program of study that meets your unique interests and professional goals through a broad understanding of how communication functions in interpersonal, group, organizational and public contexts.

As a communications studies major in the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies, you will develop competencies in a number of areas, including intercultural and interpersonal communication, organizational communication, argumentation, event planning, persuasion, professional communication, visual communication, rhetoric and popular culture, digital media and community relations.

Spring-boarding off of Duquesne’s liberal arts foundation, the program will also instill in you aspects of communication ethics, intercultural communication and communication research methods.

As a graduate of the communication studies program, you will be able to pursue a career in businesses and for-profit and non-profit organizations across a vast array of industries. Or you’ll be well prepared to attend graduate school in communication, law, healthy policy and administration, public policy or business.

 

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's

Duration

4-year

Required Credit Hours

30

Program Requirements

  • COMM 301W History of Communication
  • COMM 494W Communication Ethics
Students select two of the three courses below: 
  • COMM 206 Communication in the Marketplace
  • COMM 201 Human Communication in a Technological Age
  • COMM 407 Intercultural Communication
Students select one of the following courses:
  • COMM 204 Professional Comm. in IMC
  • COMM 304W Persuasion

Major electives are selected in consultation with an undergraduate director. Students may select five courses from any of the communication courses offered to frame a dynamic and tailored program of study. Examples of courses include:

  • COMM 330 IMC: Functions I: PR
  • COMM 458 Rhetoric & Popular Culture
  • COMM 304W Persuasion
  • COMM 461 Rhetorical Theory
  • COMM 459 Philosophy of Communication
  • COMM 456W Organizational Communication

 

Enhanced Major

You may take up to 15 additional credits for an enhanced major.

An enhanced major allows you to supplement the 30-credit major with additional coursework and internships. This option requires consultation with the undergraduate directors.