Department Information
Department of Communication and Performance
PO Box 70667
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-7676
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/comm_perform/
The communication studies major prepares students for work in a broad range of fields that require the ability to work with diverse populations and lead others, articulate ideas and arguments effectively, and critically analyze messages. The skills garnered from the communication studies major easily translate into careers in law, government, health administration, patient educator, family/patient advocate, social service, the ministry, public relations, sales, training and development, management, human resources, community liaison, customer relations, and the business world at large. Communication Studies majors are natural candidates for work in social justice, civic engagement, and diversity/equality efforts. Students will develop their skills as rhetorical critics and social scientists in the study and understanding of human communication. The department also provides a teacher education major in communication studies that requires 36 credits and a teaching minor that requires 24 credits.
Advising
Students with 0-59 earned credits:
Contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Visit the CASE website www.etsu.edu/cas/case/ and call (423) 439-5602. For more information or any questions about the program contact Dr. Wesley Buerkle by email (buerkle@etsu.edu) or phone, (423) 439-7579.
Students with 60 or more earned credits:
Dr. Wesley Buerkle
buerkle@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7579
or
Dr. Amber Kinser
kinsera@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7577
Transfer Students
Transfer students majoring in Communication Studies should contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) for advising as soon as possible. This will ensure that the student’s previous work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements.
For general information about the department or courses, contact Dr. Amber Kinser, Department Chair at kinsera@etsu.edu or (423) 439-7676.
Degree Requirements: 120 credits
General Education | 41-42 credits |
Total Major Requirement | 36 credits |
Minor | 18-24 credits |
Free Electives | 18-25 credits |
TOTAL | 120 credits |
Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: CMST-BA
College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.A. degree requirements.
- Completion of a foreign language course numbered 2020 or above with a grade of C- or better. Students may be required to take courses numbered 1010, 1020 and/or 2010 based on a placement test or equivalent.
- Non-U.S. History (3 credits)
- MATH 1530 or MATH 1910
General Education Requirements
These requirements include earning 41-42 credits in Communication, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavior Sciences, History, Natural Sciences and Mathematics categories.
Additional Information
Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements for all ETSU students.
CSCI 1100 or Proficiency exam: Must be completed to meet Bachelor’s Degree Requirements.
Most minors range from 18-24 credits. Those few minors with more than 24 credits may affect the number of free electives allowed.