Frequently Asked Questions

Students majoring in communication are eligible to receive honors in communication at graduation if the following conditions are met:

1. At least one-half of the course work required by the major is completed at this university;
2. At least a 3.5 grade point average in the major;
3. An overall grade point average of 3.5 or better;
4. An independent study course that culminates in a research presentation to the department;
5. 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.

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.

In so many ways. An appointment with an advisor is time best spent while you are here with us at CSUSB.

Yes, students can minor in Communication! Learn more about our minors...

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. 

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. 

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).

Contact ITS immediately. It is free and included in your tuition and available 24/7.

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.

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.

Counseling and Psychological Services is confidential and just steps away and FREE for students! This is an amazing resource for anyone who feels overwhelmed.

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...!

The Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains a very useful list of jobs related to a comm major. 

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!

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.

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.

Read more about our concentrations, talk to your professors, and visit CAL advising.

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.

Software including Adobe CS is available to students through ITS.

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.

Emergency housing resources are available through Coyote Basic Needs and the CARE team.

All faculty have a few ways they may be contacted. Phone, office hours and email are listed for each instructor on the faculty page.

Paid dining options are available throughout campus. Free food is available for pickup at the Obershaw DEN.

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.