Communication Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Program Objectives
EKU’s Communication Studies program transforms a natural affinity for human connection into a high-demand professional asset. We train students to analyze, influence, and improve their interactions across personal, professional, and public spheres.
Upon graduation, Communication Studies majors will be able to:
-
Negotiate & Mediate: Diagnose the root causes of conflict and implement communication-based strategies for resolution.
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Lead Responsibly: Apply communication theories to lead teams, manage organizational change, and advocate for civic engagement.
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Analyze Culture: Evaluate how identity, power, and cultural perspectives shape interactions within local and global networks.
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Translate Complexity: Synthesize complex data and ideas into clear, accessible, and persuasive messaging for stakeholders.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 09.0101
Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Graduation Requirements | ||
| Essential Education | 30 | |
| Foundations of Learning | ||
| GSD 101 | Foundations of Learning | 3 |
| Upper division courses (hours are distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Essential Ed/Free Electives categories) | 39 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| CMS 200 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| CMS 205 | Advocacy and Opposition | 3 |
| CMS 210 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CMS 215 | Business and Professional Presentations | |
| CMS 305 | Research Design in Communication Studies | 3 |
| CMS 275 | Applied Organizational Communication Skills | 3 |
| CMS 310 | Team Building and Small Group Communication | 3 |
| CMS 350 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| CMS 375 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| CMS 410 | Human Communication Theory | 3 |
| CMS 495 | Communication, Leadership, and Change | 3 |
| Communication Electives | ||
| Choose from nine hours of upper-division CMS courses (300 or 400 level) | 9 | |
| Free Electives | ||
| Choose from 48 hours of free electives | 48 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Key:
- E
Course satisfies an Essential Education element.
- *
Course must be taken in semester indicated.
Upper division courses: All students are required to have a minimum of 39 hrs. upper division (300-level or above) courses distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Essential Ed/Free Electives categories.
Communication Studies B.A.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| GSD 101 | Foundations of Learning | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Reading, Writing, and Rhetoric (E-1A) E * | 3 |
| E-2A (Quantitative Reasoning) E | 3 | |
| E-1C (Oral Communication) E | 3 | |
| E-4B (Social and Behavioral Science) E | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 200 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Research, Writing, and Rhetoric (E-1B) E * | 3 |
| E-2B (Natural Science) E | 3 | |
| E-3B (Humanities) E | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CMS 205 | Advocacy and Opposition | 3 |
| E-3A (Arts) E | 3 | |
| E-4A (Historical & Global Dimensions) E | 3 | |
| Flexible/Elective Element E | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 210 or CMS 215 |
Public Speaking or Business and Professional Presentations |
3 |
| CMS 310 | Team Building and Small Group Communication | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CMS 275 | Communication Skills for Professionals | 3 |
| CMS 305 | Research Design in Communication Studies | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 375 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| CMS Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CMS 410 | Human Communication Theory | 3 |
| CMS 350 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| CMS Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CMS 495 | Communication, Leadership, and Change | 3 |
| CMS Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective | 3 | |
| Free Elective (upper division) | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |