Individuals who successfully complete bachelor’s in communication programs in California and other states can choose from a wide range of careers. Communications degree holders are able to obtain positions as announcers, sound engineers, editors, interpreters, public relations specialists, writers and more with annual salaries ranging from $30,830 to $69,850.
Students who complete communications degree programs gain skills in the theoretical aspects of language and the effects of communication within social groups. By studying how people communicate, students develop an understanding of the importance of persuasion and influence in society.
In 2016, there were almost $3,500 reporters and correspondents in California, earning an average salary of $52,470 per year. There were more than 8,300 writers, earning $95,920 per year and almost 6,600 technical writers earning $86,530 per year. Other media and communications employees earned an average of $52,920 per year. The job outlook for individuals with communications degrees varies depending on the career they plan to enter. Throughout the country, media and communication occupations are expected to grow by four percent by 2024.
Continuing with our list of Bachelor’s in Communications Programs in California (A-C), here are the accredited undergraduate communications degrees at Cal State.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo is among one of the most diverse and selective in the university system. It includes 15 departments with a focus in humanities, social science, communication and performing arts. The school’s mission is to offer a comprehensive education and provides nearly one-third of all instruction at the San Luis Obispo campus. The college infuses a liberal arts education with hands-on learning opportunities. Leadership is focused on interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial learning so students gain a unique understanding of their subject. Students are encouraged to push boundaries through innovation.
BA Communication Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication studies at the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo provides students with an understanding of classical and contemporary communication theories as well as an understanding of communication from a philosophical, historical, theoretical and practical perspective. Students develop an increased sensitivity to multicultural dimensions of communication and an understanding of the interpersonal, small group, public, organizational and mass media aspects of communication. The program is 60 units and there is a graduation writing requirement. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
Admissions Office
Cal Poly
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo CA 93407
Telephone: 805-756-2311
Email: Admissions@calpoly.edu
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Communication Department
The Communication Department at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona offers challenging, hands-on learning with specialized options in journalism, public relations and organizational communication. Students are also provided internship possibilities that emphasize practical application as well as access to job options. Graduates have pursued positions at newspapers, radio or television stations and public relation agencies. Many have gone on to the governmental or public sector as well.
Organizational Communication
The Organizational Communication degree at California State Polytechnic University’s Pomona campus Communication Department prepares students for careers in business or industry in the area of interpersonal and intercultural communication. Courses required for the program include:
- Advanced Communication Research
- Advanced Organizational Communication Theory
- Advocacy and Argument
- Communication Ethics
- Communication Law
- Communication Research
- Communication Theory
- Group Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Media Criticism
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Organizational Communication Theory
- Persuasion
- Public Opinion, Propaganda and Mass Media
- Public Speaking
- Special Events Planning
- Statistics with Applications
- Writing for Communication Practitioners
Courses are also required in mathematics, sciences, humanities and social sciences. Students must also complete an internship.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona CA 91768
Telephone: 909-869-5299
California State University, Bakersfield
Department of Communications
Communication is the foundation of all other disciplines and at the heart of what it means to be human. The primary purpose of communication programs is to prepare students in the use of media as well as internal communication to express their organization’s goals and objectives. Students have many opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and campus organizations. The department offers degrees in communication with three emphases, including journalism, public relations and digital media.
Communication
The Department of Communication at California State University in Bakersfield offers a bachelor’s degree in communication that can be customized using three different concentrations:
- Journalism – designed for students interested in careers in newspaper, television, radio, magazines and other areas of publishing. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practice and analytical skills oriented to their use in media context.
- Public Relations – designed for students interested in marketing and public relations. Students develop an understanding of the practice and analytical skills needed to represent government, private and public business entities in a public setting.
- Digital Media – designed for students who wish to work in the area of digital media, graphics and imaging as well as video and audio production. Students develop an understanding of animation, interactivity and graphic design in order to work in digital areas of communication.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Bakersfield
Office of Admissions and Records
Division of Enrollment Management
Student Services Building, 47SA
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield CA 93311-1022
Telephone: 661-654-3036
Email: admissions@csub.edu
California State University, Channel Islands
Communication Department
The Communication Department at California State University at Channel Islands provides students with an education that is creative, innovative and grounded in theoretical understanding. Graduates have found positions in National Parks shaping public policy and designing strategic health campaigns as well as in their own firms or non-profit organizations. The department offers Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentrations in Environmental Communication, Health Communication as well as Business and Nonprofit Communication. Students may also choose a minor in Communication. The programs are interdisciplinary with students working in groups, creating presentations and building leadership skills.
Communication
The California State University in Channel Islands offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication as well as a minor. Students may customize their studies with three emphases and must complete a Capstone course that provides hands-on experience in the community. Emphasis in the program is to respond to emerging community needs along with economic conditions throughout the state, region, nation and world. The Environmental Communication program is the only undergraduate program in the university system that offers students the opportunity to learn how language shapes interactions with the natural world. Students gain practical skills in resolving environmental conflict as well as resource management. The Health Communication emphasis allows undergraduates to develop knowledge related to health communication, such as doctor-patient communication, health campaigns, cultural concepts, mediated messages and eHealth. Business and Non-Profit, also known as Organizational, Communication focuses on non-profit leadership, providing students with the fundamentals of communication in organizational settings.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University Channel Islands
1 University Drive
Camarillo CA 93012
Telephone: 805-437-8400
Email: admissions@csuci.edu
California State University, Chico
Media Arts, Design and Technology Department
The Media Arts, Design and Technology Department at California State University in Chico prepares students for professional careers in media and design. Instruction focuses on the connection between art, craft and technology. Students graduate with critical thinking, collaboration and leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles in art, design and technology. Students are able to demonstrate industry specific written and oral communication skills while also understanding the local and global ethics of mediated communication. Students are able to demonstrate current design practices, apply visual and technical skills necessary to excel as artists and to understand the values, character and habits necessary to become professionals in the field.
Mass Communication Design
Students in the Mass Communication Design program develop a background in communication design theory, visual design practices, digital photography and critical writing skills. Students learn to think critically about media forms of all types and to design media solutions. Students are also able to work with media development applications. Students begin with a core curriculum before moving into the practice of the visual message design. They also learn to apply their studies in real-world situations that involve computer graphics, digital photography and audio as well as web design, rich media design, television and other telecommunication forms. Students are also provided an understanding of project management and media law.
Communication Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies offers an emphasis in either Organizational Communication or Communication & Public Affairs. Students may also choose a minor in Communication Studies. Students may participate in the nationally recognized Speech and Debate Team, the communication honor society, Lambda Pi Eta and the Students of Communication Studies Club in order to develop leadership skills in the communication industry. The program focuses on the evaluation, treatment and research in human communication and disorders. The mission of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the communication industry. The program focuses on intellectual curiosity and an understanding of the importance of research.
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The program provides students with the evaluation, treatment and research of human communication and disorders. Students gain an understanding of speech-language pathology and develop a commitment to continued learning. The program promotes academic and clinical excellence, stimulating a learning environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and a desire to integrate research principles to solve clinical problems while also using research in clinical practice.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Contact
Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology
California State University, Chico
400 West First Street
Chico CA 95929-0504
Telephone: 530-898-4048
Email: madt@csuchico.edu
Department of Communication Arts & Sciences
California State University
Tehama 201
Chico CA 95929-0502
Telephone: 530-898-5871
Communication Sciences & Disorders Program
California State University, Chico
400 West 1st Street
Chico CA 95929-0350
Telephone: 530-898-5871
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Communication Department
Students who wish to enter careers in journalism, print and digital media or film, television, new and emerging media as well as the fields of public relations or advertising can find programs that will prepare them for careers in those fields. The department offers several majors in communication designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to advance in their chosen careers.
Journalism Option
The Bachelor of Arts with the Journalism Option is for students interested in print, online or broadcast journalism careers. Students are prepared for a wide range of media-related careers and are provided with industry experience. New technologies have opened doors for graduates who possess the skills, principles and practices in the diverse regional, national and international news media market. Students are taught by seasoned journalists with a curriculum that focuses on writing, information gathering and production techniques.
Media Studies Option
The Bachelor of Arts with a Media Studies option allows students to develop an understanding of history, theory and criticism of media culture. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills in the study of film, television and other types of digital media. Students also learn about production and reception as well as history and contemporary structures.
Advertising/Public Relations Option
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an Advertising/Public Relations option is designed for students who wish to enter fields of advertising, integrated communications, marketing or public relations. The program provides information on strategic problem-solving through communications which includes everything from counseling of top management to preparing communication strategies and campaigns. Students in the program are encouraged to join the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria Street
Carson CA 90747
Telephone: 310-243-3696
California State University, East Bay
Department of Communication
The Department of Communication at the California State University East Bay provides students with studies in communication theory and criticism through the development of practical skills. The department offers the first state-university program in the Bay Area to cover the interrelated spectrum of communication in both traditional and modern forms. The broad range of courses and programs provide students with outstanding choices upon graduation.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Students who complete the Bachelor of Arts in Communication are able to create, analyze, edit and respond written, spoken and visual messages in different formats and contexts. Students are able to research and evaluate communication using design and production techniques as well as quantitative, qualitative and critical inquiry. Students can effectively communicate to present divergent ideas, resolve conflict and create relationships across cultural, racial, socio-political, gender and justice perspectives. Students can also illustrate concepts of ethical leadership by using communication perspectives and understand the role identity plays in communication.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
Hayward CA 94542
Telephone: 510-885-3000
California State University Fresno
Department of Communication
The Department of Communication at California State University in Fresno offers both traditional and contemporary instruction in communication. Programs offered present a balance of scientific combined with humanistic instruction. Students develop the skills and knowledge to function in teaching, business, law, the communication professions, public service, politics and management
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication was created in 2000, framing curriculum in terms of competencies and outcomes. The program requires 12 upper-division units in theoretical and methodological core coursework in personal, public advocacy and organizational settings. Students are prepared for two common career paths, either post-baccalaureate studies or immediate entries into positions in sales, public service, administration, public relations and management. The program develops basic communication skills and upper-level courses that provide a theoretical foundation in different tracks.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Fresno
Department of Communication
5201 North Maple Avenue
Mail Stop SA 46
Fresno CA 93740-8027
Telephone: 559-278-2826
Email: kathyna@csufresno.edu
California State University, Fullerton
College of Communication
The College of Communication at California State University in Fullerton takes advantage of the diverse and media-savvy region. The college prepares students for careers as professionals with strong ethics in communication using a rigorous curriculum and activities that help students gain hands-on experience. Internships are available in the local community to provide additional hands-on experiences. Students are able to access the Advising and Student Success Center. There are also study abroad options and a Latino Communication Initiatives.
BA Communications
The College of Communication at California State University in Fullerton offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication that prepares students for entry into professional practice. Students develop the critical thinking, research and analysis skills necessary to achieve their career goals. Students develop an understanding of the effective use of communication and to apply concepts, models and theories to both personal and professional areas of life. Students are aware of the importance of social, economic and social diversity. They are able to demonstrate knowledge of historical, legal and ethical issues as well as the history and role of the communications expert.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Fullerton
800 N. College Boulevard
PO Box 34080
Fullerton CA 92831-9480
Telephone: 657-278-2011
California State University, Long Beach
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts provides students with an understanding of humanities and social sciences while also providing general education courses for the university that are required of all students. It is the center of the commitment of California State University in Long Beach to create students with a greater knowledge of both international and cultural issues in today’s world. Faculty strive to inspire students to celebrate diversity, engage in the world and develop a desire for lifelong learning.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies offered through the College of Liberal Arts at California State University in Long Beach is a 120-credit hour program and provides students with an education in both liberal arts and communication. Students receive specialized training in communication that prepare them for careers as personnel specialists, community organization workers, lawyers, politicians, media specialists and more. Students may specialize their studies with options in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication or Communication, Culture and Public Affairs. There is also a minor in Speech Communication available.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach CA 90840
Telephone: 562-985-4301
California State University, Los Angeles
College of Arts & Letters
The College of Arts & Letters at California State University in Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant community that is committed to creating graduates with an understanding of arts and humanity. The college provides a liberal education through general studies required of all students. Programs at the college are nationally acclaimed and delivered by award-winning faculty. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities in eight departments. The location of the college in one of the most creative and vibrant areas of the world provides students with extensive opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and participation in college organizations.
Communication, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication provides an understanding of the nature and function of human communication. The program includes historical, philosophical, critical, cultural and scientific methods that apply to public discourse, interpersonal, small group and intercultural interactions as well as technology-assisted communication. Students develop an understanding of the dimensions of speech and performance. Students may choose from four options:
- Communication for Social Change and Rhetoric
- Interpersonal/Language and Social Interaction
- Organizational Communication and Public Relations
- Performance Studies
Students develop skills in critical, methodological and presentational skills that deal with broad spectrum communication. Graduates have excelled in positions in business, law, government, health, ministry, teaching, public relations and other professions where communication is a key component of success.
Communicative Disorders, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders offered through the College of Arts & Letters at California State University in Los Angeles prepares students for graduate degree programs in communicative disorders with a focus in either audiology or speech-language pathology. Students develop an understanding of communication difficulties among special education learners, the deaf and other disciplines. Students must complete 180 units with 92 units in the major. In California and other states, a master’s degree is required for certification in Speech Language Pathology.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Contact
Office of Admissions
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles CA 90032
Telephone: 323-343-3901
Email: Admissions@calstatela.edu
California State University, Monterey Bay
School of Humanities & Communication
The School of Humanities & Communication offers several degree programs in the areas of communication and humanities. The school also sponsors several minors in those areas. The school is comprised of a diverse group of students, faculty and staff who focus on many different concentration areas with a focus that benefit humans and the way they communicate.
Human Communication BA
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Communication is an interdisciplinary program combining various aspects of humanities and communication. Students can concentrate their studies in:
- Africana Studies
- American Multicultural Studies
- Chicano Studies
- Creative Writing and Social Action
- English Subject Matter Preparation Program
- History
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Literary and Film Studies
- Oral History and New Media
- Peace Studies
- Practical and Professional Ethics
- Pre-Law
- Women’s Studies
- Writing and Rhetoric
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Monterey Bay
5108 Fourth Avenue
Marina CA 93933
Mailing:
100 Campus Senter
Seaside CA 93955
Telephone: 831-582-3889
Email: hcom@csumb.edu
California State University, Northridge
Mike Curb College of the Arts
The Mike Curb College of the Arts at California State University, Northridge, understands that communication is pivotal to culture and society. The college offers curriculum that engages multiple disciplines as they relate to human communication. Students gain an understanding of rhetoric, performance, culture, language behavior and theory. Under the Curb College of the Arts, the Department of Communication Studies uses aesthetic, humanistic and social scientific methods to examine communication in a wide range of contexts. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively in business, entertainment, law, government and other areas where communication is critical. The college is named after Mike Curb, an award-winning songwriter who began his career at the age of 18, composing songs on the Northridge campus. In 2006, he pledged $10 million to Cal State Northridge and the school honored his gift by naming the College of the Arts after him.
Communication Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies provides students with an understanding of the complexity and diversity of communication in today’s global world through instruction in context, processes, issues and effects. Students gain an understanding of aesthetic and social scientific investigation related to problems that can result when language and patterns are used to work with and influence others. Students are provided instruction in communication skills necessary to function in a wide variety of professional and social contexts at a local, regional, national and global level.
Communication Disorders and Sciences
The Communication Disorders and Sciences undergraduate program, offered through the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, uses a three-dimensional method of teaching. Students gain knowledge through teaching, research and service in order to advance the human potential for speech, language and hearing. Students study speech and hearing sciences along with audiology and speech-language pathology. The program offers an emphasis of either audiology or speech-language pathology and prepares students for graduate work in the major as a master’s degree is required for licensing in the state of California and other states.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
Communication Studies:
Communication Studies
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA 91330
Telephone: 818-677-1200
Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences
Monterey Hall 301
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA 91330-8279
Telephone: 818-677-2852
Email: comdis@csun.edu
California State University, Sacramento
Communication Studies Department
The Communication Studies Department at California State University in Sacramento provides students with an understanding of subjects like journalism, film and other industries where communication is critical. Students develop an understanding in the creation, application and use of messages relayed between people. The department provides quality instruction in order to create graduates who are ethical, competent and able to communicate across cultures and other boundaries.
Communication Studies
The Communication Studies undergraduate degree offered through the Communication Studies Department at California State University in Sacramento provides students with an understanding of how communication impact human interactions. Students are provided education in the following areas:
- Criticism & Public Communication
- Digital Media
- Intercultural & International
- Interpersonal & Small Group
- Mass Communications
- Organizational Communication
- Public Relations
Students are also able to gain hands-on experience through internships and practicums in the surrounding area.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
Department of Communication Studies
Mendocino Hall 5014
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento CA 95819-6070
Telephone: 916-278-6688
Email: smithg@csus.edu
California State University, San Bernardino
Department of Communication Studies
The Department of Communication Studies understands that communication is multifaceted that combines many different disciplines. Courses offered through the department provide students with an understanding of communication processes as they explore problems in diverse media, settings and contexts. Students develop an understanding of the relationships between symbols and culture as well as discovering information from its source. Students are able to describe characteristics of potential audiences and translate information into a format that audience will understand and comprehend.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication offered through the Department of Communication Studies at California State University at San Bernardino creates graduates who are qualified for entry level positions in business, government and non-profit sectors of all industries. Students gain an understanding of the core values of the department and carry those values forward into their working lives. Courses required as part of the program include:
- Advanced Topics in Human and Organizational Communication
- Argumentation
- Business and Professional Communication
- Classroom Communication
- Communication Approaches to Area Studies
- Communication for Training Programs
- Communication, Language and Culture
- Communication Law and Policy
- Communication Research Methodology
- Communication Theory
- Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric
- Critical Approaches to Communication
- Culture and Ethnicity in Language
- Environmental Communication
- Ethical Aspects of Communication
- Ethnography of Communication
- Feminist Contributions to Communication Theories
- Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication
- Gender and Communication
- Health Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Intercollegiate Forensics
- International Communication
- Interpersonal Relations
- Interviewing
- Introduction to Communication Studies
- Introduction to Critical Communication Studies
- Mediation Theory and Practice
- Nonverbal Communication
- Organizational Communication
- Persuasion
- Rhetorical Theory
- Small Group Communication
- Topics in Human and Organizational Communication
Students must complete both a communication practicum in the following areas:
- Human and Organizational Communication
- Print and Online Journalism
- Public Relations
- Radio
- Video Production for Journalism
Students must also complete an advanced practicum in television, mentoring, two practicums in research and an internship.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino CA 92407-2393
Telephone: 909-537-5000
Email: moreinfo@csusb.edu
California State University, San Marcos
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences
The College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences at California State University in San Marcos offers a wide range of degree programs that make up the core of liberal arts Students master the skill necessary for either professional success or advanced graduate study. The college provides many opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, faculty and leaders in the surrounding community.
Department of Communication
One of the largest majors in the College of Humanities is Communications, offered as part of the Department of Communications. The undergraduate degree in Communication provides students with detailed information on the power of communication and media. The department teaches students to embrace diverse perspectives and engage in innovative as well as creative practice. Students develop critical thinking, proficiency with a wide range of media and knowledge in how to engage in relationships using communication on a local, regional, national and global level.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road
San Marcos CA 92096
Telephone: 760-750-4000
Email: chabss@csusm.edu
California State University, Stanislaus
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the California State University in Stanislaus is the largest of four academic colleges. Students can choose from 20 undergraduate degree programs, including three that are nationally accredited Arts programs and a nationally accredited graduate program in Public Administration. The college is committed to liberal arts that broaden the mind and encourage students to become involved, engaged, compassionate members of society on a local, regional, national and international level.
Communication Studies
The Communication Studies program challenges students to be attentive to behaviors related to communication in multiple contexts. Students are encouraged to use critical and analytical thinking skills to develop methods for improving relationship, evaluate information or gain media industry experience. Students must have completed Public Speaking or Group Discussion Processes as well as introduction courses in both Mass Media and Communication Studies prior to entering the program. Between nine and ten lower-level general education credits and not less than 34 upper-division credits must be completed. Students must have a C- or better in all major courses as well as an overall 2.0 GPA. Students may be required to complete laboratories in journalism or radio production and may also be required to complete either a journalism or communication internship.
Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Contact
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock CA 95382
Telephone: 209-667-3122
Email: outreach_help_desk@csustan.edu
Individuals who wish to obtain positions that require an understanding of communication between people will find themselves in high demand if they complete accredited bachelor’s in communication programs in California.