Undergrad FAQ
Who are eligible to receive departmental honors?
Students majoring in communication are eligible to receive honors in communication at graduation if the following conditions are met:
- At least one-half of the course work required by the major is completed at this university;
- At least a 3.5 grade point average in the major;
- An overall grade point average of 3.5 or better;
- An independent study course that culminates in a research presentation to the department;
- Recommendation for departmental honors by the Communication Studies faculty.
Students interested in this recognition must file a formal application with the department and enroll in an Independent Study at least one semester prior to graduation.
I'm about to graduate, what deadlines are important?
You should be talking with your faculty advisor and your graduation retention specialist regularly to make sure your specific deadlines are being met. You'll want to file a grad check early in your second to last semester with the Registry to avoid holds and late fees.
How do I view my campus email?
It is a good idea to check your campus email regularly as many university messages go there. If you are having trouble accessing this, contact ITS immediately to resolve your issue. They offer 24/7 support and it is free and included in your tuition.
I am totally overwhelmed, who can help?
Counseling and Psychological Services is confidential and just steps away and FREE for students! This is an amazing resource for anyone who feels overwhelmed.
When does my term start?
You can find out any question you have about the academic calendar including the first or last day of class, the holidays, the final exams and more at academic scheduling...!
What jobs are there in comm?
When is my final exam?
Your final exam time and date may or may not be listed on your syllabus, but you can always find it yourself! Visit the academic calendar, look for 'final exam schedule' and click on the quarter you are in to get more information!
Should I major in comm?
Only you know for certain, but there are many great ways that a degree in comm can be helpful, no matter what your path may be. Visit and talk with your advisor to learn more.
What are office hours?
They are a time your instructor is specifically in his or her office and available for you! Office hours and contacts for faculty are listed online. It is a good idea to visit your instructors during their office hours regularly and discuss any valuable topics with them during your visit.
Where can I learn more about the different comm concentrations?
Read more about our concentrations, talk to your professors, and visit CAL advising.
Can I take the same practica twice for credit?
Yes! You can! You would not get credit for taking it a third time. It is always encouraged that you meet with advising regularly to confirm your particular circumstances.
I heard there is a really good deal for students on Adobe CS, where can I find this?
Software including Adobe CS is available to students through ITS.
I need to leave something for a professor, is there a place I may leave it?
You may have specific instructions on what to do from your instructor. Faculty also have mailboxes in the department office at UH018 where items can be left for faculty for pickup. It is a good idea to notify your instructor and always keep a copy of anything you drop off.
I am having housing insecurity, where can I go?
Emergency housing resources are available through Coyote Basic Needs and the CARE team.
I need to get in touch with a professor. How may I reach him or her?
All faculty have a few ways they may be contacted. Phone, office hours and email are listed for each instructor on the faculty page.
I am hungry, where can I go?
Paid dining options are available throughout campus. Free food is available for pickup at the Obershaw DEN.
Who is my advisor?
You may have an advisor assigned to you. You may also not know who your advisor is and need to ask at the department office. You can also get advising from CAL advising at any time.
I heard I can borrow a computer, where can I do this?
There is a laptop lending program at the Pfau library. iPads and other multimedia items can also be checked out from the library multimedia center.
How does advising help me?
In so many ways. An appointment with an advisor is time best spent while you are here with us at CSUSB.
Do you offer minors?
Yes, students can minor in Communication! Learn more about our minors...
Where is a computer lab? How can I find out my computer lab hours?
A list of labs and hours is available each quarter. Each lab may have different hours each quarter depending on classes and other factors, but there should be posted hours on the door. It is encouraged you write down or take a photo of these posted hours just to make sure you have the most updated information.
What is Advising?
Advising helps students graduate faster, focus their studies, streamline their path to graduation requirements, and help avoid speed bumps along the way like duplicate coursework.
What are the concentrations in Communication Studies?
You can major in Communication Studies with a concentration in Media Studies, Public Relations, or Relational and Organizational Communication. We also have a Specialized Concentration for those wishing to choose their own path (NB. this requires approval from a faculty member and the department Chair).
Hardware or software provided for my class isn't working, what should I do?
Contact ITS immediately. It is free and included in your tuition and available 24/7.
Strategic Communication FAQ
What jobs are there in Strategic Comm?
Do I have to be a strong writer to be in the Strat. Comm. concentration?
Not every student starts as a strong writer but through practice, hard work and dedication, they will become stronger writers by taking the series of writing-focused classes in the Strat. Comm. concentration. If writing is a challenge for you, don’t let that deter you! We have wonderful resources on campus to help you including our Writing Center
I like Public Relations. Is Strategic Communication similar?
Yes! PR and Strategic communication are both important management functions in today’s workplace. We offer opportunities for students to study and practice PR and Strategic Communication at all levels in their studies.
Relational Organizational FAQ
Minors FAQ
Do you offer minors?
Yes, students can minor in Communication! Learn more about our minors...
Jobs/Internships
Prospective Students FAQ
What do you offer?
We have undergraduate majors, minors, and a graduate program.
If you are thinking about joining us to study for your bachelor's degree you can choose from four concentrations in Communication Studies: Media Studies, Relational & Organizational Communication, Strategic Communications, and we have a Specialized Concentration for those wishing to choose their own path.
You can also get a Minor in Communication Studies.
And, if you are returning to university to develop your career and/or research, you could join the M.A. in Communication Studies.
What do I need to know about your department?
The Department of Communication Studies is a great stepping stone into your future as an academic or a professional. Communication studies intersects with a wide variety of careers, and is a great way to enhance any career path. Also many of our students go on to Ph.D. programs, teach, and become scholars. Check out what our alumni have achieved here.
Our department has a diverse and internationally acclaimed faculty, whose expertise and experience covers media theory, medial production (film, video, radio, social media), public relations, all other forms of strategic communications, relational and organizational communications, ethics of communications, social justice in communications, etc.
Specialized Concentration FAQ
What is a Specialized Concentration?
Students may propose a unique, individualized and specialized 18-unit concentration if the proposed concentration is viable and if it fulfills objectives that cannot be met through one of the other Communication Studies concentrations (e.g., Media Studies, Relational and Organizational, and Strategic Communication). To be eligible for the Specialized Concentration, students must complete a proposal (see document link for the proposal draft in the FAQ below) for their program plan, including all the communication courses that they intend to take in the concentration and a rationale for the course of study. The proposal will be reviewed by a Communication Studies faculty advisor before a student can be approved for this concentration. Before declaring this concentration, a student must have completed the following core classes: COMM 2101, COMM 3101, and COMM 3102. Only 9 units of Communication Studies course work completed prior to such approval can be applied toward the specialized concentration. Importantly, this specialized concentration is not intended to bypass normal graduation requirements or to avoid certain requirements of a regular concentration offered by the department.