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 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 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 graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded “Outstanding Senior” by the Departments of Communication Studies and Emerging Media. In addition to being a standout student athlete on the softball team, Alyssa presented at two research conferences, completed three internships and was a St. Thomas tour guide captain. She went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Higher Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021. With a passion for working in the sports industry, she is currently serving as a Guest Experience Coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and created the first Minnesota Vikings Game Day Internship program.
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 Minnesota Communities.
Dr. Bernard Armada
Dr. Armada has won local and national awards for his teaching and research. He 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.
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 an associate professor 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 has won awards for his teaching and research, and he has published in multiple prestigious journals throughout his career.
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 Undergraduate Communication Research Conference celebrates undergraduate research in all areas of the communication discipline. We bring together students and faculty from colleges and universities across the upper Midwest.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School 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.