Communication Studies

BACHELOR OF arts

Effective communication is foundational to individual and organizational success, from managing our daily lives to leading Fortune 500 organizations. The communication studies program is designed to educate and develop our students to be effective communicators, leaders and ethical advocates in today’s evolving workplace. Offering two concentrations — digital communication and speech communication — this program allows students to focus on effectively communicating in a global, networked, digital environment or on spoken communication, growing their skills to write and deliver impactful messages. In a dynamically changing communication landscape, strong communication skills online and in the workplace translates to professional success.

Minors and Concentrations

Communication Studies Minor

Digital Communication Concentration
Speech Communication Concentration

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning Outcomes
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Why study communication studies at CBU?

Practice communication in the classroom
The communication studies program is heavily focused both on individualized attention and real-world skill acquisition. With concentrations in digital and speech communication, students can choose their study area that addresses relevant and current communication strategies. Courses throughout the program integrate real-world concepts that translate to profession. Our core public speaking class is capped at 21 students, allowing more time for coaching and improvement. And our organizational communication course allows students to form a hypothetical small business where they confront communication problems in the workplace and in life.

Join a premier speech and debate team
CBU offers one of the nation's premier speech and debate programs. Speech students compete at tournaments throughout the year and consistently take top honors in individual and team competitions.

Graduate on time
Communication studies is one of the few programs at CBU that actively works to maintain students' ability to take all of their major classes with no conflicts between class times. Students often use this distinctive either to add communication studies as a double major, as a minor, or as a switch from another major if their desired graduation date is no longer within reach.

Interpersonal Communications

COM 308

This class examines the dynamics of the two-person communication process.

Argumentation and Debate

COM 401

A study of the principles and models of argumentation and debate, and how a student may present an effective argument.

Communication Theory

COM 403

Recognizing human communication theories in everyday life, and critically examining situations in multiple cultural contexts based on those theories.

Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1: Demonstrate proficiency in oral, technical, and/or nonverbal performance.
SLO 2: Implement creativity in assignments and performances.
SLO 3: Use critical thinking skills in developing, researching, and presenting arguments.
SLO 4: Demonstrate an ability to evaluate individual work critically and assess personal growth.
SLO 5: Demonstrate spiritual literacy and an ability to incorporate a Christian worldview.
SLO 6: Understand principles of communication across philosophical, cultural and religious settings.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

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Career Opportunities

Social Media Manager
Communications Director
Digital Communication Director
Speech Writer
Script Writer
Salesperson

*Some career opportunities may require further education

36

Units

80

Students in Program, On Average

10–12

Speech and Debate Tournaments Each Year

Student Testimonials

"I chose my major because I can do a lot of things with it. No matter where I go, I will need to be able to communicate effectively."
Mairin Deasy, 2018

"I chose this major because I am a great communicator so it just felt right. I want to go to grad school and get a degree in early childhood education, and this degree is going to help me achieve my goals."
Analy Garcia, 2018

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Victoria Brodie

Associate Professor

I have been a communication strategist for over two decades, working with clients in various fields from political candidates to lifestyle organizations. Through this work, I have developed branding, public relations and communication strategies that aided businesses in reaching their organizational goals. In addition to my work, I strive to impact and help shape my community through volunteerism. To that end, I sit on the Leadership Riverside Steering Committee and serve on various boards and committees.

See Profile >

Cynthia Boes

Professor of Communication Studies

I am a rhetorical critic who is interested in the ways that culture affects how we communicate. Rhetorical criticism is a method used to identify how messages affect people, and I specifically look at messages in popular culture and how they affect society’s views on people of differing cultures. I enjoy interacting with different people with different perspectives and expanding my understanding and appreciation for people of all kinds and then sharing those perspectives with my students.

See Profile >

Michael Marse

Assistant Professor

I believe that every single student could earn more, be promoted faster, and take on more leadership projects if they could control the perception that others have of their communication anxiety. I see my mission as improving knowledge and skill in communication for every student in my classes, whether that's social media communication (my own primary area of research), public speaking, or being more successful in interpersonal relationships.

See Profile >

Victoria Brodie

Associate Professor

I have been a communication strategist for over two decades, working with clients in various fields from political candidates to lifestyle organizations. Through this work, I have developed branding, public relations and communication strategies that aided businesses in reaching their organizational goals. In addition to my work, I strive to impact and help shape my community through volunteerism. To that end, I sit on the Leadership Riverside Steering Committee and serve on various boards and committees.

See Profile >
Cynthia Boes

Professor of Communication Studies

I am a rhetorical critic who is interested in the ways that culture affects how we communicate. Rhetorical criticism is a method used to identify how messages affect people, and I specifically look at messages in popular culture and how they affect society’s views on people of differing cultures. I enjoy interacting with different people with different perspectives and expanding my understanding and appreciation for people of all kinds and then sharing those perspectives with my students.

See Profile >
Michael Marse

Assistant Professor

I believe that every single student could earn more, be promoted faster, and take on more leadership projects if they could control the perception that others have of their communication anxiety. I see my mission as improving knowledge and skill in communication for every student in my classes, whether that's social media communication (my own primary area of research), public speaking, or being more successful in interpersonal relationships.

See Profile >