Student Organizations
There are multiple student-led organizations for you to get involved with as a communication studies student, such as TommieMedia and KUST Radio.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Communication studies is the major for every career because all employers value competent communicators. Our curriculum develops excellence in speaking, writing and critical thinking through the practical application of a diverse array of communication theories and principles.
Why Communication Studies at St. Thomas?
The communication studies curriculum helps you develop a well-rounded skill set that is in demand by employers in virtually any industry. From working in a public relations agency to pursuing a law degree after graduation, our program prepares you to communicate clearly and think critically to serve the common good. Our graduates are pursuing careers in sales, digital marketing, public relations, advertising, social media management, law, human resources, education, tourism and more.
Well-Rounded and Flexible
Course Requirements
You will have the opportunity to dive deep into the theories and principles of communication while gaining practical skills that will benefit you in multiple careers. Your core courses cover topics such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, persuasion, argumentation, and communication of race, class and gender. In addition to a huge range of electives to from which to choose, you will complete your time at St. Thomas with a capstone course in communication ethics.
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a faculty member to map out your undergraduate career.
Major Four-Year Plan (36 credits)
Required Courses (20 credits)
- COMM 100 – Public Speaking (4 credits)
- COMM 220 – Interpersonal Communication (4 credits)
- COMM 328 – Communication of Race, Class and Gender (4 credits)
- COMM 366 – Persuasion and Social Influence (4 credits)
- COMM 480 – Capstone: Communication Ethics (4 credits)
- Choose 16 additional credits in communication studies courses.
Minor Four-Year Plan
Required: COMM 100 – Public Speaking
Choose 12 additional elective credits
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Minor in Communication Studies
Internship Opportunities
Practical experience is key to standing out on your job applications. We encourage our students to complete at least one internship during their time at St. Thomas. Students have interned in the past with companies such as the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Vikings, St. Paul Pioneers Football, Everyday Church, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mortenson Construction, Allied Global Marketing, Basilica Block Party and many others.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You will have the opportunity to dive deep into the theories and principles of communication while gaining practical skills that will benefit you in multiple careers. Your core courses cover topics such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, persuasion, argumentation, and communication of race, class and gender. In addition to a huge range of electives to from which to choose, you will complete your time at St. Thomas with a capstone course in communication ethics.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a faculty member to map out your undergraduate career.
Major Four-Year Plan (36 credits)
Required Courses (20 credits)
- COMM 100 – Public Speaking (4 credits)
- COMM 220 – Interpersonal Communication (4 credits)
- COMM 328 – Communication of Race, Class and Gender (4 credits)
- COMM 366 – Persuasion and Social Influence (4 credits)
- COMM 480 – Capstone: Communication Ethics (4 credits)
- Choose 16 additional credits in communication studies courses.
Minor Four-Year Plan
Required: COMM 100 – Public Speaking
Choose 12 additional elective credits
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Minor in Communication Studies
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Practical experience is key to standing out on your job applications. We encourage our students to complete at least one internship during their time at St. Thomas. Students have interned in the past with companies such as the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Vikings, St. Paul Pioneers Football, Everyday Church, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mortenson Construction, Allied Global Marketing, Basilica Block Party and many others.
Practical Experience. Real Results.
Not only do our faculty have years of experience and knowledge, but our students and alumni are applying what they learn in practical ways every day.
Alyssa Erdman '20
Alyssa Erdman graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2020 and was awarded “Outstanding Senior” for her academic achievements and contributions to the Communication Studies discipline, including presentations at two research conferences and completion of three internships. With a passion for working in the sports industry, she is currently serving as the Guest Experience Manager with the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Vikings and created the first ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Vikings Game Day Internship Program. She was the recipient of the 2023 ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Vikings “Rookie of the Year” award for her achievements, contributions, and embodiment of team values. The Communication Studies Department gave her an Award for Excellence in 2024.
Chioma Uwagwu '20
Chioma graduated Cum Laude and received the Julie Friedline Award for Outstanding Student by the Departments of Communication Studies and Emerging Media. Throughout her time at St. Thomas, she was a student researcher for the College of Arts and Sciences’ SOLV Initiative, a Student Leadership Scholarship recipient and a member of the Lamba Pi Eta Communication Honor Society. She is currently working as the Social Media and Digital Producer at Ampers-Diverse Radio for ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ Communities.
Tae Kosmo '25
"The positive impact of COMM 100 Public Speaking on my summer internship was extremely profound. The course’s emphasis on structuring content, practicing delivery, and managing nervousness played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence. The mock presentations, constructive feedback, and practical tips provided in the course allowed me to connect with the audience and handle their inquiries effectively. Overall, the seamless integration of COMM 100's teachings into my internship presentation not only displayed my public speaking growth but also elevated the impact of my communication in a professional setting. Without its influence, I could not have achieved the level of success I experienced this summer."
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries and non-profit organizations after graduation.
- Sales
- Management
- Corporate Giving
- Public Relations
- Advertising
- Law
- Human Resources
- Brand Strategy
- Event Planning
- Social Media Management
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Debra Petersen
Dr. Petersen is Program Director, associate ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, and environmental sustainability consultant with ongoing work with nonprofit organizations in Hawai'i, such as a bilingual environmental charter school on Kaua'i.
Dr. Bernard Armada
Dr. Armada researches rhetoric of race and the social construction of culture and public memory. He also explores the persuasive dimensions of music and deploys the power of theatrical improvisation to improve communication skills.
Dr. Kristina Wenzel Egan
Dr. Wenzel Egan's work focuses on how people communicate during difficult health experiences. She uses ethnographic, narrative analysis, and other methods to examine the dominant discourses individuals use to tell stories about health, illness, death, and dying.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
You have access to a wide variety of opportunities throughout your time at St. Thomas. Whether you’re interested in studying abroad or participating in campus activities, we have resources for you to pursue your passions.
Beta Chi
Beta Chi is the St. Thomas chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Honor Society. Eligible students demonstrate excellence in their communication courses and exhibit high standards of personal and professional character.
Undergraduate Research
The celebrates undergraduate research in all areas of the communication discipline. We bring together students and faculty from colleges and universities across the upper Midwest.
The Major For Everyone
Communication Studies students will learn how to communicate clearly, intentionally and ethically, preparing them for success in a wide variety of fields.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.