Department of Communication
Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
The Communication major provides broad-based competencies in oral and written communication and critical analysis of human discourse in communication, rhetoric, and performance/cultural studies approaches. The major emphasizes how knowledge is generated and theories applied in context.
The major requires 6 lower-division units, 15 upper-division units in core theoretical and methodological competencies, and 18 units of specialized context coursework spread out across three areas: of communication, rhetoric and argumentation, and performance and cultural studies. The final 3 units come from applied and experiential coursework.
Beyond the coursework to complete the major, students are required to complete general education requirements, the upper-division writing requirement, the ethnic studies requirement, and other unit-based requirements (e.g., residency, 120 minimum total units, etc.). G.E. and M/I courses can be double-counted with major requirements. The writing requirement may be met by taking the upper-division writing exam. See your designated major advisor or your academic advisor in the College of Arts & Humanities Advising and Support Center for additional details.
Catalog Year
Students who attend a California public community college or a California State University campus generally use the University Catalog in effect at the year they began attending. Students may elect to use the Catalog in effect at the time they begin attending California State University, Fresno, or in effect at the time they graduate. Changing to a later catalog year can cause problems, such as different General Education requirements. Consult an academic adviser before altering this classification when you apply to graduate.
Resource Links
Communication Major Worksheet (Fall 2025 to present)
Communication Major Worksheet (prior to Fall 2025)