Communication BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Communication BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is designed for students eager to understand and shape the intricate ways we interact in personal, cultural, and professional spheres. In a world increasingly defined by diverse perspectives and mediated exchanges, this degree equips you with the critical tools to analyze communication processes, identify areas for improvement, and devise strategies for more effective and inclusive practices. You will explore foundational theories in communication, delve into intercultural dynamics, and examine the societal impact of mass media, preparing you to navigate complex relational and organizational landscapes with confidence.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate program unfolds over four years, guiding you through essential lower-division coursework and into specialized upper-division studies. You will engage with core areas such as Communication Theory, Research Methods and Design, and Intercultural Communication, alongside electives in social sciences and practical applications like Communication Internships. Through hands-on projects and rigorous academic inquiry, you will develop advanced analytical, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills, graduating ready for diverse career paths in fields like public relations, marketing, human resources, and media analysis.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Communication BA program provides a comprehensive foundation in communication studies, encompassing theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and diverse areas of specialization. Students will explore topics such as communication theory, intercultural communication, mass media, and rhetorical criticism. The curriculum also offers opportunities to delve into specialized areas like health communication, organizational communication, and political communication, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional and academic pursuits.

1 Preparation for the Major (9 Units)

Introduction to Communication
Argumentation and Dialogue
Introductory Statistics in Psychology
Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences

2 Major Requirements (39 Units)

Communication Theory
Intercultural Communication
Mass Media and Society
Research Methods and Design
Rhetorical Criticism

3 Upper-Division Communication Courses

Communication Theory
Interviewing Principles and Practices
Research Methods and Design
Discourse Analysis
Rhetorical Theory
Rhetorical Criticism
Feminist Rhetorics
Communication Portfolio
Topics in Communication Theory
Communication Internship
Independent Study

4 Communication, Culture and Social Context (CCSC)

Group Interaction and Problem Solving Methods
Conflict and Communication
Intercultural Communication
Language and Social Interaction
Topics in Communication
Health Communication
Feminist Rhetorics
Asian Americans and the Media
Communication and Mediation
Dialogic Communication
Power, Discourse and Social Identity
Communication and Gender
Interpersonal Communication
Organizational Communication
Organizational Communication Ethics
Narratives in Organizations
Topics in Intercultural Communication
Communication and Transnationalism
The Communication of Whiteness
Leadership and Social Change
Visual Communication and Rhetoric
Communication Internship
Independent Study
Independent Study
Independent Study

5 Mass Communication (MC)

Communication and Collaboration
Mass Media and Society
World Wide Web as Mass Medium
Asian Americans and the Media
Television and Culture
Visual Communication and Rhetoric
Communication and Popular Culture
Political Communication
Topics in Mass Communication
Chicana/os Latina/os in Film and T.V.
Communication Internship
Independent Study

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 68,424.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on San Marcos Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

78%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Curriculum & Instructional DesignEdTech & E-LearningEducation Policy & AdministrationHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingHome Health & Long‑Term CareMedical Research & Clinical TrialsNursing & Allied HealthPublic Health & EpidemiologyRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

California State University San Marcos

Scripps Health

Why Study Communication BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Fast Application response time

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Communication BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week during terms and full-time during breaks in the U.S. No separate permit is required for on-campus work, but off-campus work needs university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can meet requirements through various tests like Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Each has specific score thresholds that must be achieved.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as communication specialists, public relations managers, media analysts, and corporate trainers.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers insights into the nature of communication and its social, cultural, and cognitive impacts. The curriculum focuses on effective communication within families, communities, and organizations, as well as analyzing systems for potential improvements.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

You can start the Communication BA program in January or August. Plan your application accordingly to meet these intake months.
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