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Communication Studies Minor

Open to Any Major

18 Credits

The communication studies minor is a great opportunity for students in any major to develop vital communication skills before entering the workforce.

This program helps you develop a range of skills, including:

  • Effective listening
  • Interpersonal and group dynamics
  • Critical analysis
  • Persuasion
  • Conflict management and resolution
  • Public speaking

If you're not entirely sure what direction you will take with your major, this minor can provide insights into how communication skills can give you an edge up in any industry or career path. Our alumni work in fields that range from athletic coaching, pharmaceutical/medical sales, insurance, marketing, higher education, and community youth programs, among many others.

Outside of the classroom, you can network and pursue leadership opportunities by joining groups like:

  • Human Communication Organization
  • Pennsylvania Communication Association

The Human Communication Studies Department also backs the Speech and Communication Center, which helps students develop fundamental communication skills. The center provides a variety of services such as:

  • Topic selection and refinement
  • Research and citations
  • Content development
  • Practice and view
  • Visual aid preparation
  • Strategies for managing communication anxiety

Course Work for Communication Studies Minor

Required courses (9 Credits):

  • COST 200 - Human Communication Theory 
  • COST 210 - Public Speaking 
  • COST 270 - Intergroup/Intercultural Communication 

Electives (9 Credits):

Students will work with advisors to develop a program of emphasis that incorporates courses that are connected to personal and professional goals. Communication Studies minors must take at least two courses at the 300-level or above. Additional credits may come from any level courses, and/or internships.

  • COST 220 - Nonverbal Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 225 - Communication and Sport Credits: 3
  • COST 230 - Small Group Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 241 - Practicum in Experiential Learning Credits: 1
  • COST 250 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 260 - Computer-Mediated Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 265 - Interviewing Credits: 3
  • COST 275 - Special Topics in Communication Skill Credits: 3
  • COST 310 - African-American Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 315 - Asian-American Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 325 - Voices of Black Anti-Racism and Resistance Credits: 3
  • COST 333 - Communicating Identity Credits: 3
  • COST 335 - Popular Culture and Gender Construction Credits: 3
  • COST 340 - Gender and Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 342 - Health Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 343 - Communication and Humor Credits: 3
  • COST 344 - Family Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 345 - Environmental Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 350 - Theories of Organizational Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 351 - Special Topics: Comm Contexts Credits: 3
  • COST 352 - Argumentation & Debate Credits: 3
  • COST 356 - Persuasion Credits: 3
  • COST 363 - Political Rhetoric Credits: 3
  • COST 365 - Language and Meaning Credits: 3
  • COST 372 - Communication for Training and Instruction Credits: 3
  • COST 381 - Professional Communication and Multi-media Presentation Credits: 3
  • COST 385 - Resolving Conflict through Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 386 - Crisis Communication Credits: 3
  • COST 410 - Feminist Perspectives on Communication Theory and Research Methods Credits: 3
  • COST 430 - Advanced Interpersonal Communication Credits: 

Students may complete Internships for 1-6 credits. Internships require Department and College approval and faculty advisor supervision.

  • COST 390 - Internship I Credits: 1-9
  • COST 391 - Internship II Credits: 1-9
  • COST 392 - Internship III Credits: 1-9

Any Majors Interested in a Communication Studies Minor

Contact the Communication Studies Department

128 Dauphin Humanities Center, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: 717-477-1732 Fax: (717) 477-4020