Communication Studies Minor
Communication Studies meets the shifting demands of the workplace and the world.The Communication Studies minor focuses on strengthening the core skills that make graduates stand out in any field. Research consistently shows that employers seek college graduates who can communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt their message to different audiences. These are abilities that the minor develops through practical and theoretical study of human communication.
A Minor in Communication Studies prepares students for work in a broad range of fields that require:
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The ability to work with diverse populations and lead others
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articulate ideas and arguments effectively
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critically analyze messages
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Completion of a Communicatoin Studies Minor means completing 21 credits distributed across the following categories:
* At least 9 credits must be at the 3000-level or above.
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Core Requirements: 6 Credits
COMM 2090 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
COMM 2330 - Communication Theory (3 credits) -
Primary Skills Elective: 3 Credits
COMM 2025 - Fundamentals of Communication (3 credits)
COMM 2045 - Public Speaking (3 credits)
COMM 2055 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits) -
Advanced Presentation Elective: 3 Credits
COMM 3045 - Advanced Public Speaking (3 credits)
COMM 3346 - Speaking for Social Change (3 credits)
COMM 3380 - Communicating in Groups (3 credits)
COMM 4346 - Business and Professional Communication (3 credits) -
Diversity Elective: 3 Credits
COMM 4200 - Gender and Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits) -
Communication Studies Electives: 6 Credits
A minimum of three (3) of the 6 credits must be at the 3000/4000 level.
COMM 2025 - Fundamentals of Communication (3 credits)
COMM 2045 - Public Speaking (3 credits)
COMM 2055 - Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
COMM 2090 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
COMM 2325 - Speech and Debate Team (1-3 credits)
COMM 2700 - Professional Communication and Technology (3 credits)
COMM 2999 - Internship/Cooperative Education (1-3 credits)
COMM 3045 - Advanced Public Speaking (3 credits)
COMM 3300 - Qualitative Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
COMM 3310 - Intrapersonal Communication Processes (3 credits)
COMM 3330 - Quantitative Communication Research Methods (3 credits)
COMM 3340 - Rhetorical Criticism (3 credits)
COMM 3346 - Speaking for Social Change (3 credits)
COMM 3350 - Relational Communication (3 credits)
COMM 3380 - Communicating in Groups (3 credits)
COMM 3390 - Persuasion (3 credits)
COMM 4018 - Honors Thesis (3-6 credits)
COMM 4200 - Gender and Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4210 - Family Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4317 - Rhetoric of Diversity & Identity (3 credits)
COMM 4327 - Popular Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4346 - Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4350 - Organizational Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4356 - Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4366 - Communication Ethics (3 credits)
COMM 4377 - Health Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4380 - Communication Studies Internship (1-6 credits)
COMM 4417 - Teaching Secondary Speech and Theatre (3 credits)
COMM 4437 - Conducting Secondary Speech Program (3 credits)
COMM 4450 - Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
COMM 4900 - Independent Studies (1-3 credits)
COMM 4957 - Special Topics in Communication Studies (1-6 credits)
Any COMM Course
For more information, please visit our page in the ETSU catalog here.
For more information about Communication Studies as a minor, please contact Dr. Wesley Buerkle, Head of the Communication Studies Program and Chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling, at (423) 439-7579 or buerkle@etsu.edu.
Expand Your Impact with a Major
If you’re exploring the Communication Studies minor, consider taking the next step by majoring in Communication Studies. While the minor builds foundational skills in listening, speaking, and critical thinking, the major offers a deeper dive into communication theory, practical experience, and career-focused competencies. Majoring gives you more opportunities to specialize, engage in research or internships, and prepare for a wide range of professional paths where strong communication is key.