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College of Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Studies:
BS in Communication

The BS in Communication program offers a comprehensive approach to the study of communication, integrating topics from interpersonal, organizational, digital, marketing, public speaking, mass media, public relations, and crisis communication. The program invites students to apply foundational theories of communication and encounter the best thinking across the various fields of communication studies. Because communication is relevant to every human endeavor, the program spans academic disciplines and societal boundaries leading to real life applications. This multidisciplinary approach extends to Communication students selecting a concentration that produces graduates with practical communication skills needed for success in personal, communal, and professional settings. Emphasis is given to the development of strong communication skills leading to ethical human interaction in diverse environments.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Articulate the importance of thoughtful message creation and delivery in personal, family, work, social, political, and community life.
  2. Demonstrate active listening skills to effectively receive, process, and respond to verbal and nonverbal communication delivered through various communication channels.
  3. Identify the influences that organizational and societal structures, practices, and paradigms have on access to communication modalities, as well as the content of messages delivered in social media, political discourse, mass communication, and interpersonal interactions.
  4. Evaluate the implications of ethical choices in a situation and their impact on the communication process and outcomes for all stakeholders.
  5. Synthesize diverse contexts and worldviews into effective communication practices accommodating difference, demonstrating respect for diversity and uniqueness, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
  6. Distinguish among communication platforms and approaches to select those most appropriate for delivery of a specific message to a target audience.

Degree Requirements

  • 181 total quarter credits
  • General education courses (46 credits)
  • Core courses (50 credits)
  • Concentration courses (0–25 credits, depending on concentration)
  • Elective courses (55–80 credits, depending on concentration)
  • Capstone course (5 credits)

Curriculum

General Education Courses (46 credits)

See the General Education section of this Walden University Catalog.

Note: A minimum of 60 quarter credits must be completed at the 3000 or 4000 level in order to meet program requirements. In some cases, this means that students will need to select 3000 or 4000 level courses as either general education or elective options. Students should consult their student success advisor if they have questions about individual program requirements.

Core Courses (50 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.
  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Concentration Courses (0–25 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the course list on each concentration page.

Electives (55–80 credits)

Electives are dependent upon the particular concentration. Please see the elective requirements on each concentration page.

Capstone Course (5 credits)