Program Overview
Effective communication is at the heart of human interaction, shaping relationships, businesses, and societies. The communication studies major at the University of Kansas prepares students to understand, analyze, and practice communication in diverse contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, political, and media-driven environments. Whether you’re interested in public speaking, digital media, corporate communication, advocacy, or civic engagement, this program offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to developing essential communication skills grounded in theory and research.
As a student in KU’s communication studies program, you will explore how messages are created, interpreted, and evaluated across different platforms and communities. The curriculum emphasizes rhetorical analysis, communication theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and applied learning. Students examine communication as a social process that shapes identity, culture, relationships, and institutions. Through coursework and experiential opportunities, the communication studies major helps students strengthen analytical thinking, persuasive speaking, ethical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
KU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of General Studies option within the communication studies curriculum, allowing students to align their academic path with personal and professional goals. The bachelor of arts in communication studies provides a traditional liberal arts foundation with focused study in communication theory, rhetoric, and research. Students pursuing the B.G.S. option can tailor coursework to complement additional academic interests.
Students engage deeply with topics such as rhetorical criticism, intercultural communication, organizational communication, political communication, and media influence. The communication studies major encourages students to participate in undergraduate research, internships, and community-based learning experiences that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world application.
Online (Transfer Students Only)
In addition to the on-campus experience in Lawrence, KU offers an online degree-completion option within its communication studies programs. The online bachelor of arts in communication studies is designed specifically for transfer students who have completed prior college coursework and are seeking flexibility while finishing their degree. This modality allows eligible transfer students to complete upper-division communication studies coursework in a structured, fully online format while maintaining access to faculty expertise and academic advising.
The online communication studies major maintains the same academic rigor and learning outcomes as the on-campus program. Courses are delivered asynchronously to accommodate working professionals and nontraditional students, emphasizing discussion-based learning, research, writing, and applied communication projects. The online pathway is not available to first-time freshmen; it is exclusively a degree-completion option for transfer students who meet eligibility requirements.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Communication Studies, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s of Communication Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and researchBachelor’s in Communication Studies Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the communication studies major will be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate messages in interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, and mediated contexts.
- Apply rhetorical and critical approaches to examine communication in social, cultural, and political environments.
- Design and deliver effective oral, written, and mediated messages tailored to diverse audiences.
- Conduct and interpret communication research using appropriate theoretical frameworks and methodologies.
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning and cultural awareness in communication practices.
- Integrate communication theory with practical application to address contemporary issues.
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies?
A communication studies major opens doors to careers across media, corporate environments, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and entrepreneurial ventures. Because employers consistently rank communication as a top workforce skill, graduates are well positioned for a wide range of communication studies jobs.
According to Lightcast data, common career paths include:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Social Media Strategist
- Speechwriter
- Journalist
- Political Consultant
Graduates pursuing a bachelor’s in communications also frequently continue into graduate or professional programs in law, business, public administration, media studies, or related disciplines. The analytical, research, and presentation skills developed in the communication studies major provide a strong foundation for advanced study.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Visit KU Financial Aid to explore funding options.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the communication studies major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR
- An official ACT score of at least 21 or an official SAT score of at least 1060 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the communication studies major benefit from a rich academic and co-curricular environment designed to strengthen professional skills and intellectual growth.
Experiential opportunities include:
- Undergraduate research in rhetoric, media studies, political communication, and organizational communication.
- Internships with media outlets, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- Applied projects that connect theory from communication studies coursework to real-world challenges.
- Study abroad programs focused on global communication systems and intercultural engagement.
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies Sample Courses
The communication studies major offers a diverse selection of courses designed to develop expertise in theory, research, and applied practice. Sample courses include:
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal Communication
- Rhetoric of Popular Culture
- Introduction to Political Communication
For a complete list of requirements and electives within the bachelor of arts in communication studies, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a communication studies degree?
A communication studies degree prepares you for careers in public relations, media, corporate communication, law, human resources, and more. It also builds a foundation for graduate studies.
Is the program available online?
Yes. KU offers the Communication Studies BA and BGS degrees both on-campus in Lawrence and in a fully online format.
What is the difference between the BA and the BGS?
The BA requires proficiency in a foreign language, while the BGS offers greater flexibility with electives and allows for a secondary field of study.
Are internships available for students?
Yes. Many Communication Studies students complete internships in areas such as media, nonprofit organizations, government, and corporate communication.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the degree in four years of full-time study, though part-time and flexible options are also available.