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Communication

Student working in the studio Communication involves the study of all aspects of human communication. All social life, from family, romantic, work, and political relationships are established exclusively through the process of communication. The School of Communication's curriculum recognizes the importance of communication knowledge and skills in an increasingly complex world. The major includes traditional concepts and theories that form the basis of these skills.

Surveys of managers consistently indicate the most important abilities required of prospective employees are in the realm of effective communication. Communication students often augment their education with minors in potential applied arenas of public life, such as business administration, psychology, sociology, political science, women’s studies, public rhetoric and writing studies, international security and conflict resolution, and other applied areas.

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts degree in General Communication Studies provides in-depth study of varied forms of human communication. The major focuses on the study of organizing principles and patterns of social life through observation, analysis, and criticism of human interactions, communication behavior, mediated systems, and technological innovations. The major draws attention to the distinctive character of communication across diverse activities, relationships, organizations, media, and cultures.

The School of Communication is an impacted program. Find out more information regarding the impaction.

High School Preparation

Courses and skills that are recommended for students interested in communication include topics such as social studies, business, speech and communication, writing, and library research. Ask your school counselor for a complete list of courses required for admission to SDSU. Joining the school debate or forensics club or team is also an enjoyable way to develop skills that will prepare you for your major in communication.

Special Features

Forensics Program. A nationally recognized forensic program provides individualized training in debate, interpretive oral reading, and persuasive, extemporaneous, impromptu and expository speaking.

Many of the programs offered by the School of Communication are closely related to students' academic activities. Student Clubs and Organizations available through the School include:

Student organizations provide social and alumni events, career-related programs, field trips, and guest speakers. New members are always welcome and information about the organizations and how to contact club officers is available from the School of Communication office.

Work Experience. Internship programs that place students in work situations requiring the direct application of the skills learned in the classroom help students gain greater insight into the career they are about to enter, and also provide employers a glimpse of the capabilities of potential employees.

Career Opportunities

Communication provides the necessary conceptual background and practical skills for most people-related professions. Graduates often go on to develop careers in consulting, management, campaign coordination, negotiation, media criticism, nonprofit program management, public service, personnel, human resources, public relations, motivational speaking, assessment, and research consultation. Graduates also tend to be entrepreneurial, and many have started their own businesses.

To further explore career options in this field, visit the Career Services Web site for more information.

General Catalog

You can view more complete information regarding the School of Communication in the General Catalog. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the information pertinent to their areas of study available in the General Catalog. It contains requirements for all academic majors, course descriptions, policies, and regulations governing progress at the University. Catalogs are distributed at all Academic Orientation programs. To order a catalog, call (619) 594-7535.

Contact Information

Mailing address:

School of Communication
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4560

Email: socdesk@mail.sdsu.edu
Telephone: (619) 594-0716
Fax: (619) (619) 594-0704
Office location: Communication Building, Room 237
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm