Degree
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
Department
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Communication Studies at St. Mary’s
In the Communication Studies program at St. Mary’s University, students develop effective visual, oral, digital and written communication skills. They cultivate respect for multiple perspectives through analysis and explore the world through the lens of ethical scholarship, rhetorical inquiry and creativity. Graduates of the program are ready for graduate or law school, as well as careers in community outreach, nonprofit leadership, public relations, organizational leadership, digital production and journalism.
Program of Study
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree or minor in Communication Studies, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with Teacher Certification, or a minor in Communication Studies.
Students may customize their experiences to follow tracks focused on pre-law advocacy and leadership, organizational and corporate communication, media production and writing and teaching through specific courses, such as media law, advocacy and persuasion, rhetorical criticism and persuasive writing.
Teacher Certification
Share your passion for communication with the next generation. The Communication Studies program at St. Mary’s includes a 27-credit-hour teacher certification option.
Degree Plans
Our degree plans allow students to gain general skills and knowledge desired by the communications industry.
Students can also pursue a combined degree:
Course Highlights
Courses include
- Foundations of Communication Studies
- Senior Capstone in Communication Studies
- Communication Research Methods
Find course descriptions and requirements:
What can I do with a degree in Communication Studies?
Internship and Career Opportunities
Recent graduates have interned and launched extraordinary careers with organizations such as:
- The White House
- Bromley Communications
- San Antonio Express-News
- Rackspace Technology
- USAA
- Dallas Cowboys
- Spurs Sports and Entertainment
- The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
- SA Youth
- Radio and television broadcasting companies
Earn Two Degrees
This program allows qualified students to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in five years — saving you money and time.
Law School-Ready
Many students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies go on to pursue a degree in law.
- The Pre-law Program increases your chance of gaining admission to law school.
- The Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program helps motivated students graduate in less time. This program is available to those studying Communication Studies.
- The Guaranteed Law School Admission Program guarantees St. Mary’s graduates admission to the School of Law, if they meet certain criteria.
Outside of the Classroom
Student Organizations and Clubs
Communication Studies students can join the St. Mary’s chapter of Lambda Pi Eta (LPH), the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities.
Co-Curricular Activities
Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, such as:
- Academic research and publishing
- Broadcasting opportunities
- Writing for the campus newspaper, The Rattler
- Video production
- Lambda Pi Eta honor society and professional organizations
The Rattler Newspaper
The Rattler, St. Mary’s University’s campus newspaper for more than 100 years, has helped launch the journalism and communications careers of many St. Mary’s alumni.
“The Rattler prepared me to do a little of everything, from writing to photography to working on a team, and that set me up for a successful career in communications,” said Helen Montoya Henrichs (B.A. ’00), a photojournalist who worked for newspapers for about 15 years before moving into nonprofit communications for the Girl Scouts.
Faculty
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Katherine Hampsten, Ph.D. Professor of Communication Studies
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Amanda Hill, Ph.D. Chair and Graduate Program Director of Communication Studies
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Camille Langston, Ph.D. Professor of Communication Studies
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Kathe Lehman-Meyer Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice
Similar Programs
English Communication
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
Visual Communication Design
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
English
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership
- Graduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
- Master of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Graduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/communication-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lily-Schow-square.jpg
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