Explore the meanings people share through verbal and nonverbal messages in relationships, organizations and societies.
As a communication studies major at USD, you will develop your speaking, listening, critical thinking, problem solving, research and technology-guided communication skills that will benefit every part of your life – personal relationships, professional opportunities and public leadership. This program encourages you to follow your curiosity and find answers to questions like, "How does social media shape our communication?" and, "How can I improve my relational skills and become a more effective communicator?"
At USD you'll take dynamic classes, get involved in internships or undergraduate research, and join a community of lifelong learners. Whether you want to pursue a career in government, education, sales, marketing, human resources, politics or another field, our program can set you up for success.
Follow your curiosity, become a dynamic and persuasive leader, and develop skills employers are looking for as a communication studies major.
Through the communication studies major, you'll explore how humans communicate and behave. With exciting and topical classes covering everything from persuasion to science communication, this program will help you learn about relationships, organizations and societies as you gain a variety of marketable skills. You can tailor the program toward a humanistic perspective with the B.A. or take a social-scientific, research-based approach through the B.S.
If you are passionate about communication studies and also want to teach, you can complete the communication studies degree along with the appropriate teaching certification courses. There is also an option to major in secondary education with a specialization in communication studies.
Communication studies is a strong complement to a variety of other academic disciplines, including business, education, contemporary media and journalism, political science, health sciences, anthropology, psychology and sociology. Employers are looking for strong communication skills, and this minor equips you with those marketable skills.
Program Details
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As a communication studies student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
Communication is at the center of everything we do. Explore the role communication plays in our personal relationships, professional experiences and public leadership through the Department of Communication Studies.
Are you interested in politics, health, gender, organizations, culture or technology? Ask questions that spark your curiosity and find the answers at USD. As a communication studies student at USD, you will have opportunities to explore your interests and conduct innovative research with the support of professors who care about your success.
Develop your communication and leadership skills in and beyond the classroom as you prepare for a successful career or graduate studies. In the last few years, USD communication studies students have gained valuable experience while interning for Disney World, Sanford Health Systems, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Mall of America, Premier Real Estate, Children's Miracle Network and the U.S. Senate.
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SD Residents, SD Advantage* & Child of Alumni
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Out-of-State
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Tuition (30 cr.)
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9432
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12942
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Fees (30 cr.)
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1659
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1659
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Books (estimate)
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1200
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1200
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Housing
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4890
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4890
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Food Service
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4194
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4194
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Total
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* SD Advantage: The in-state rate is available to new undergraduate students who are residents of South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (starting Summer 2024), Minnesota (starting Summer 2024), Missouri (starting Summer 2024), Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and children of alumni of USD.
This is an estimated annual cost. Other factors may change the cost of tuition.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
The communication studies professors truly care about your success here at USD, and in my opinion, that is the best part about being a communication studies major!
Phoenix Choal
Communication Studies '20
Counseling & Psychology in Education M.A. Candidate
University of South Dakota
