Students who complete the major from the University of San Diego will have knowledge of foundational theories of communication; prevailing communication research paradigms; media industry structure and practices; prevailing criticism of media practice and performance; media influence on individuals and groups; the interplay of media systems in a global context; roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; conventions of public address and advocacy; and the impact and ethics of persuasion. Students will also have the ability to think critically; develop and present an argument; conduct and evaluate social scientific, interpretive, and critical research; communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public contexts; and invent, arrange, and deliver effective and ethical messages via oral, print, and electronic modes.

All students in the Communication Studies major must complete 39 units of coursework in the major, including 15 units of lower division core courses, 6 units of upper division core courses, and an additional 18 units divided into 6 units of Human Communication course, 6 units of Media Studies courses, and 6 elective units from upper division offerings.