Department Information
Department of Communication Studies and Storytelling
PO Box 70667
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-7676
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/comm_perform/
The Communication Studies major, with concentrations in Communication Studies and Storytelling, prepares students with the essential career competencies that employers seek most often: managing conflict, working in and leading teams, embracing diversity, communicating ethically, and communicating like a professional be it a memo, a one-on-one interview, a sales pitch, or corporate seminar. The skills garnered in the Storytelling concentration adds creative elements to these skill sets, teaching you to perform narratives and how narratives are used in workplace settings (the courtroom, health advocacy, and more). Storytelling concentration students can move into a variety of fields where there is a need to craft messages that persuade, engage, and even entertain audiences: strategic communication and web marketing, ministry and celebrancy, and work as a performer and performance coach. Communication Studies majors are natural candidates for work in social justice, civic engagement, and diversity/equality efforts. 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
buerkle@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7676
or
Nancy Donoval, MFA
donoval@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7863
Students with 60 or more earned credits:
Dr. Wesley Buerkle
buerkle@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7676
or
Nancy Donoval, MFA
donoval@etsu.edu
(423) 439-7863
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. Wesley Buerkle, Department Chair at buerkle@etsu.edu or (423) 439-7676.
Degree Requirements: 120 credits
| General Education |
41-42 credits |
| Total Major Requirement |
36 credits |
| Core |
15 credits |
| Concentration |
21 credits |
| Minor |
18-24 credits |
| Free Electives |
18-25 credits |
| TOTAL |
120 credits |
Suggested Four-Year Program of Study: CMST-BA (Storytelling Concentration)
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.