Overview

In the Communication Studies program at California Polytechnic State University, you will examine how people create, use, circulate and interpret messages and meanings in a variety of contexts.

You are taught to be engaged, intelligent creators and consumers of messages who will explore communication and its effects using humanistic, critical analysis and data-driven research. It is a broadly-applicable major, ideal for students interested in a liberal arts education grounded in a rich history of communication but also flexible in its approach to technological change.

If you want to study famous speeches, the effects of media content on specific audiences, intercultural dynamics and a host of other topics, there is a place for you in this major.

Learn by doing

From joining the award-winning debate team or completing a fundraising event for a California non-profit as part of a senior project, you will find many opportunities to engage in hands-on learning. You can work with the local health department planning health campaigns or research the role of mass media in politics. Internships and cooperative education experiences are encouraged.

Careers

Communication studies majors are prepared for a variety of careers paths including higher education, media, public relations, non-profit work, government, law and business.

Past graduates have become teachers, campaign managers, editors, sales directors and more. Students completing a communication studies major often pursue careers in education, human resources, law, marketing and various media industries, to name only a few.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Public Speaking

Performance of Literature

Applied Argumentation

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Communication

Small Group Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 1451 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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