Bachelor of Arts - Communication

Portland State University

Pursue a bachelor's degree in Communication at Portland State University (PSU) to become a competent professional and interpersonal communicator. Develop communication skills to create positive future change and influence global dialogue.

As a communication major, learn social science research skills and apply knowledge in internships while gaining real-world experiences. PSU's program focuses on major lines of communication research and theory, and methods for studying and analyzing communication and allows students to tailor their coursework to their communication-related interests.

Students gain a foundation in communication theory, research, and methods and then have the opportunity to pursue electives across different communication areas including:

• Effects of mass media (e.g., television), including the nature of communication over new media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter)
• Norms and rules of communication in interpersonal and romantic relationships, including the dynamics of intercultural communication
• Role of communication in politics and political outcomes
• Role of communication in healthcare (e.g., doctor-patient communication) and patients’ health outcomes

Students graduate with a well-rounded understanding of human behavior and communications, giving them the skills to go on to programs in healthcare, education, psychology, marketing, business, public affairs, public policy and journalism.