Why Should I Major in Communication Studies?

Discover the Power of Human Communication
In today’s world, communication is everything — from building relationships to leading change. Today’s careers require the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing and to understand how communication works within a variety of contexts. Our diverse, rapidly-changing society rewards those who can communicate effectively with consumers, clients, and others across cultural boundaries. 

As a Human Communication Studies major or minor at California State University, Fullerton, you’ll explore how people connect, persuade, and create meaning across cultures, organizations, and communities.

 

Our courses in public speaking, argumentation, digital media, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and rhetorical communication prepare you to think critically, speak confidently, and advocate effectively. Whether you want to work in business, education, law, media, health, or public service — strong communication opens every door and prepares for success.

Why should I major in Communication Studies?

If you’ve ever wondered why some people inspire change, build strong relationships, or lead with confidence — the answer starts with communication.

 

In the Human Communication Studies major at CSUF you’ll explore how people create meaning, solve problems, and connect across differences. Our classes combine theory and real-world practice to help you become a more confident speaker, a more mindful listener, and a more effective leader.

 

You’ll study how communication works in every part of life — from relationships and culture to media and organizations. Along the way, you’ll build the skills employers value most: the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and express ideas with clarity and purpose.

 

• Outstanding Faculty—Our faculty is committed to quality teaching and learning. You will learn the latest theories and principles, as well as practical applications through internship experiences. Many of our faculty are well known in their fields of study, and all stay current through a combination of research activities and communication consulting.
• Flexibility—The degree provides career flexibility - you do not have to decide during your college years on a specific career pathway. You can enjoy the advantages of a college education and excellent communication skills, which are highly valued by all employers including those in business, industry, nonprofit organizations, government and educational institutions.
• Opportunities for Intercollegiate Competition—Many students, including non-majors, elect to join our CSUF Speech and Debate Team, which consistently ranks at or near the top in competitions across the nation. Debate provides students with invaluable experiences in improving communication skills, which are an asset in almost any career, including law.
• Commitment to Students—The department values its students and treats them accordingly. You will be able to work with your advisor to design a program that meets your individual needs, and faculty will work hard to make sure that you have a rich learning experience as you progress through the program.
• Dynamic Students—Students who select Communication Studies as their major enjoy communication and are generally “people oriented.” This orientation makes for a college experience that is as enjoyable as it is valuable.

• You’ll take courses  such as:

  • Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication – Build strong, respectful relationships across diverse communities.
  • Public Speaking and Rhetoric – Learn to inform, persuade, and inspire audiences of any size.
  • Argumentation and Advocacy – Develop your voice for change through evidence-based reasoning and ethical persuasion.
  • Organizational and Leadership Communication – Strengthen your leadership and teamwork in professional settings.
  • Digital and Nonverbal Communication – Understand how messages work both online and face-to-face.
  • Special Topics – Explore unique courses like Sex Communication, The Communication of Happiness, and Small Group Communication.

What is a Communication Studies major?

A communication studies major is one who is committed to learning the theory and principles behind excellent communication and who wants to acquire skills in communicating with others-both within and across cultural boundaries-in a variety of business, professional and interpersonal settings.

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies that allows you to explore communication as it realates to topics such as interpersonal relationships, the workplace, interculutral dynamics, social influence, digital media, healthcare, and many more. It also offers a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Students who complete the bachelor’s or master’s degree are qualified to enter a variety of rewarding careers in business, nonprofit organizations, government, and education, and they are qualified to pursue advanced degrees in communication studies as well as in other academic and professional fields that are described under the sections on concentrations. The department offers a Minor in Communication Studies, which is structured to meet individual students’ educational needs and career aspirations.

What types of career opportunities are available?

The B.A. degree in Communication Studies prepares you for a wide variety of careers in business, industry, government, nonprofit organizations or human services. With careful planning and advisement, you can also pursue an advanced degree in an area that requires excellent communication such as law, social work, clinical psychology, business administration, and high school or university teaching.

Your degree in communication studies will prepare you for a variety of careers, such as work within community organizations, business or nonprofit sectors, teaching, human services, sales, and many more. The communication studies degree has also helped to launch many students in to graduate programs in law, design, education, and of course communication studies. 

International Learning Opportunities

The Department of Human Communication Studies integrates issues of ethnicity and culture in all of its courses. This ensures that students understand their own culture in relationship to other cultures and therefore develop a global perspective. Several faculty members are nationally and/or internationally recognized for their expertise in inter- cultural communication, multiculturalism and bilingual issues.

Courses in intercultural communication are included in the communication theory and process curriculum. These courses emphasize the nature and effects of such communication on multicultural, multi- national and domestic relationships. Clinical experiences that are part of the communicative disorders curriculum also provide expertise on multicultural and bilingual issues.

Communication studies students provide international learning opportunities for other students on campus as well by providing training for CSUF students who will be studying in international universities.

Student Association

The CSUF Speech and Debate Team competes with other colleges and universities and consistently ranks near the top in the nation. CSUF students involved in the Southern California Urban Debate League (SCUDL) teach argument skills to students from underserved high schools.