Communication Studies: Community Engagement
In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, effective communication is essential for civic engagement, public advocacy, and leadership. The Communication Studies: Community Engagement major equips students with the skills to influence public discourse, foster meaningful dialogue, and advocate for change.
This interdisciplinary program integrates rhetorical theory, public speaking, intercultural communication, and strategic communication with perspectives from political science, sociology, and philosophy. Students explore the role of communication in identifying and mobilizing communities, shaping public policy, and advancing social justice.
Through hands-on learning experiences—including community engaged learning experiences and applied projects, internships, and career exploration —students develop practical skills for careers in community outreach, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, government, corporate communication, and other fields that require strong public engagement and leadership abilities.
Graduates of this program will be prepared to navigate the complexities of the public sphere, communicate across diverse audiences, and lead efforts to create positive social impact. This major will prepare students for careers in public engagement, recruiter, community organization and advocacy, human services, lobbying, legal studies, public relations, organizational consultant.
This major is offered in the College for Women only.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM XXXX | Strategies for Public Engagement | 4 |
| COMM 1030 | Speaking to Lead and Influence | 4 |
| COMM 2XXX | Communications Career Exploration | 2 |
| COMM 3030 | Rhetoric, Civic Participation and Social Justice | 4 |
| COMM 3070W | Gender and Rhetoric | 4 |
| COMM 3100 | Communicating across Cultures, Identities and Differences | 4 |
| COMM 4600 | Leadership and the Art of Persuasion | 4 |
| COMM 4604 | Internship | 4 |
| COMM 4850 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| Choose one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Quantitative Impact Evaluation: Applied Research Skills | ||
| Candidate Katie: From Community Engagement to Campaigns and Elections | ||
| Public Policy | ||
| Choose one course from the following: | 4 | |
| Logic | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Challenging Oppressions, Civic Engagement and Change | ||
or CRST 2150 | Challenging Oppressions, Civic Engagement and Change | |
| Social Movements-Social Change | ||
or CRST 2700 | Social Movements-Social Change | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |