Department of Communication Studies
Communication Studies (BS)
Abigail Thompson takes courses with service learning
Communication Studies major Abigail Thompson learns how to connect with people. (Filmed and edited by Emerson students.)
Your major in Communication Studies will provide you with a broad-based understanding of the role that communication plays in a number of different professional paths, including healthcare advocacy, negotiation, human resource management, and consumer rights, among many others. While completing the core courses, you may choose to develop your own program of study, tailoring it to your career goals. Or, you may select to choose one of the three clusters/tracks of study: Negotiation and Dialogue, Culture and Performance, or Rhetoric and Argumentation. Those wishing to pursue this major are strongly encouraged to complete one of three internship opportunities/semesters extended by the Department: The Emerson Washington, D.C., semester, the Civic Engagement semester, or the Presidential Campaign semester.
General Program Requirements
| CC 201 | Evolution of Expression |
| CC 263 | Argument and Advocacy |
| CC 266 | Conflict and Negotiation |
| CC 303 | Politics, Advocacy, and Public Opinion Research |
| CC 304 | Communicative Informatics |
| CC 476 | Capstone in Communication Studies |
| Related electives: 20 credits in Communication Studies, including at least one at the 400 level. | |
All Communication Studies majors complete a senior thesis or capstone project.
SUGGESTED CLUSTERS WITHIN THE COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR:
RHETORIC AND ARGUMENTATION
Requirements: 20 credits from the following:
| CC 160 | Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| CC 260 | Communication in Groups and Teams |
| CC 262 | Professional Communication |
| CC 280 | Communication Theory |
| PH 300 | Special Topics in Political Philosophy (Spring 2013: Liberal Politics and Religion) |
| CC 343 | Rhetorical Theory: Audience Analysis |
| CC 344 | Rhetoric of Social Movements |
| CC 410 | Language, Symbols, and Political Communication |
| CC 472 | Topics in Communication Studies |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication |
| CC 499 | Internship in Communication |
| Recommended: CC 321 Community Debate and CC 322 Competitive Debate | |
CULTURE AND PERFORMANCE
Requirements: 20 credits from the following:
| CC 160 | Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| CC 203 | Intercultural Communication |
| SO 206 | Gender in a Global Perspective |
| CC 265 | Professional Voice and Speech |
| CC 280 | Communication Theory |
| SO 303 | Culture and Power |
| CC 422 | Politics and Comedy: Subversive Laughter |
| CC 472 | Topics in Communication Studies |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication |
| CC 499 | Internship in Communication |
| Recommended: CC 322 Competitive Debate (Individual Events) | |
NEGOTIATION AND DIALOGUE
Requirements: 20 credits from the following:
| CC 160 | Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| CC 203 | Intercultural Communication |
| CC 260 | Communication in Groups and Teams |
| CC 280 | Communication Theory |
| CC 330 | Management and Communication |
| CC 357 | Leadership |
| CC 415 | Mediation, Facilitation, and Dialogue |
| CC 423 | Crisis Communication |
| CC 472 | Topics in Communication Studies |
| CC 498 | Directed Study in Communication |
| CC 499 | Internship in Communication |
| Recommended: CC 323 Discussion Facilitation: Campus Conversations on Race | |
Student Organizations
With two rich majors covering topics ranging from intercultural communication to politics and public advocacy, there is something for everyone in one of our seven student organizations. Learn more:
- Communication, Politics, and Law Association
- Emerson Pre-Law Society
- Emerson Model United Nations
- Emerson Forensics
