The BS in Communication Studies is ideal for students who are fascinated by communication and wish to deepen their understanding of this complex process for professional and/or personal reasons. Regardless of concentration, students can expect repeated opportunities to work in groups, to sharpen writing skills, to understand abstract theoretical content, to give presentations alone and in groups and to participate in a wide variety of non-classroom environments including service learning, undergraduate research, and several student organizations.

Students should complete the equivalent of our general education course (SCOM 121, 122 or 123) or receive a general education waiver prior to transferring. Students also benefit from taking any major courses than can transfer, but should be aware that admission to the major is competitive and based on grades in two courses (SCOM 240 and 241) for which we do not give transfer credit. Students should also keep in mind that the major requires a second major, minor, or 'cognate area' of 12 hours of 300/400 level courses outside the department, and may consider taking classes prior to transferring to JMU to get credit toward one of those areas. Students interested in a BS should be aware that the major requires MATH 220 (Statistics), and could consider completing that course prior to transferring.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
• Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University within your first year

Students can choose one of six thematic concentrations -- public relations, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, health communication, advocacy, and cultural communication -- or pick the 'generalist' option which allows the greatest flexibility in combining courses to meet individual interests or professional aspirations. The program requires a second major, minor, or 'cognate area' and we encourage students to choose second majors or minors which complement their interests or career goals.

The major emphasizes unique and valuable out-of-class opportunities, including service learning, undergraduate research, study abroad, and student organizations. The largest student organization is the Public Relations Society of America, which is open to all concentrations. Students in this pre-professional group have opportunities to invite guest speakers, participate in workshops, and travel to public relations agencies in Richmond, Washington, D. C., and New York City to increase their understanding of the profession and to participate in networking opportunities. Students who meet grade-based criteria can participate in Lambda Pi Eta, the communication honor society, with its combination of pre-professional and social activities. Students may also apply to work for the student-run public relations firm Bluestone Communication, which works with community clients on a variety of professional projects.

All majors in Communication Studies complete at least one undergraduate research project, alone or in teams, which is of suitable length and quality to submit to an undergraduate research conference, and our majors have had tremendous success when they choose to submit their work. Approximately 96% of our alumni report finding career-related full-time jobs or internships, or are enrolled in graduate programs, six months after graduation.

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: James Madison University