Learn more about our Academic Programs
BA in Communication: Areas of Study
The BA in Communication provides theoretical and practical learning to help students understand, analyze, and apply communication across diverse contexts. Students develop skills as critical thinkers, confident communicators, collaborative decision-makers, and engaged citizens, taking courses in general communication and one or more specialized focus areas.
Social Systems: Social systems involve the interrelationships between individuals, groups, and organizations to form a coherent whole. Communication creates and connects our relational, family, work, and community lives, contributing to society as a whole. Our classes explore how communication shapes and is shaped by the various social systems at play in our lives. Students will learn about how to navigate interpersonal and professional relationships, romantic partnerships, and family dynamics (both face-to-face and virtually) in ways that will contribute to personal and relational wellness. They will also obtain skills and experiences to help them become engaged and dynamic people, teammates, and leaders, improving the ways they live and work with others.
Culture, Difference & Advocacy: Culture, Difference, and Advocacy focuses on preparing students to be active and culturally competent citizens. Courses in this area help students understand rhetorical concepts and practices, effectively communicate across contexts and cultures, and advocate for themselves and others.
Media and Society: The Media and Society area helps students understand and engage in today’s media environment by combining a broad liberal arts context with a critical focus on the information needs of democratic society. By studying theoretical and practical approaches to communicating in the digital age, students learn to understand the social and political contexts of mediated communication and to produce content for existing institutions as well as new and emerging platforms and outlets.
Communication Minors
Communication Minor
The Communication Minor is our most adaptable means for students to compliment their major by choosing courses of interest to them.
The Professional Communication Skills Minor
The Professional Communication Skills Minor focuses on communication skills necessary for professional development in any endeavor. Pursuing a Professional Communication Skills Minor provides opportunities to develop communicative competences needed for ongoing personal and professional success.
Social and Cultural Advocacy Minor
The Social and Cultural Advocacy Minor focuses on communication associated with advocating for self and others. Pursuing a Social and Cultural Advocacy Minor provides opportunities to develop communication competencies necessary for cultural understanding and advocacy as a part of active community and civic engagement.
Workplace Communication Minor
The Workplace Communication Minor focuses on communication related to the workplace. Pursuing a Workplace Communication Minor provides opportunities to develop interpersonal skills and other communicative competencies necessary to promote quality relationships and collaborative workplaces.
Certificate Programs
Digital Media Literacy
The Certificate in Digital Media Literacy is designed for all students who want to enhance their media literacy and gain knowledge and skills that are vital to navigating the complex problems of the 21st century. Students explore media products and practices and their influence on American life. Students will have opportunities to engage with local organizations to conduct media literacy outreach and help support community information needs.
Resources
You must declare your intent to complete a minor or certificate program by declaring the certificate on myBoiseState. Students from any major may declare this certificate. See the appropriate undergraduate catalog for requirements. Students declare their intent to complete a certificate program on myBoiseState, and are responsible for monitoring their progress.