Programs of Study

The Department of Communication Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication Studies. The department also offers a minor in Communication Studies. Typically, 260 undergraduate students work towards completion of a Communication Studies major each academic year. The department is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Western Washington University.

Faculty and staff in the department pride themselves on working closely with undergraduate students to provide engaging and supportive academic experience. Our programs of study offer students rich opportunities to engage in courses in theory and application, academic advising and mentoring, independent study and research, internships, scholarships, and workshops. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate proficient speaking in public contexts. Indicators include the ability to choose and narrow topics appropriately; to communicate purpose and central ideas; to use appropriate supporting material or evidence; to employ effective organizational structure; to communicate in ways that are appropriate to audience, occasion, and context; to employ appropriate vocal components; to employ effective nonverbal cues; and to employ effective presentational aids when appropriate.

2. Demonstrate proficient writing at college level. Indicators include the ability to adhere to appropriate conventions of formal writing; to adhere to assigned citation styles; to communicate a clear thesis and support it with appropriate evidence; to communicate in an audience appropriate and context sensitive manner; to employ a coherent structure, logical development and sequencing of ideas, and effective transitions.

3. Demonstrate understanding of communication concepts and theories. Indicators include the ability to explain relevant concepts and theories, and to apply relevant concepts and theories.

4. Demonstrate professional communicative engagement. Indicators include the ability to contribute to collective responsibilities and the ability to manage time effectively (e.g., by showing up, arriving on time, and meeting deadlines).