Communication Studies, B.A.

As of September 1, 2023, this degree is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

Mission

The Department of Communication Studies provides a rigorous integration of academically strong and biblically-based study of communication. We engage with historical and cultural implications, develop identities, and analyze messages informed by foundational theories, contemporary research, and investigative methodologies. Our graduates are empowered to speak, write and problem solve ethically and with humility to impact local and global communities.

Degree Program

Upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements, the Communication Studies Department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Obtaining a degree with one of the four concentrations offered requires 45-48 program and concentration credits. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the communication discipline and its central questions (ULO 1).
  2. Engage in communication inquiry, employ theories, and critically analyze messages (ULO 1, 3).
  3. Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context, and demonstrate self-efficacy (ULO 1, 2, 3).
  4. Apply ethical communication principles and practices (ULO 1, 3).
  5. Utilize communication to demonstrate cultural competency (ULO 2, 3).
  6. Influence public discourse through framing, evaluating, and advocating for local, national, and global issues from a distinctly biblical perspective (ULO 1, 3).

Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information section of this catalog.

Communication Studies Forum

Students in the Department of Communication Studies are required to attend the Communication Studies Forum each semester. During this event, students will complete their academic advising, as well as participate in conversations valuable to their curricular and co-curricular experience within the program.

When a student is unable to attend the Communication Studies Forum, they must complete a formal proposal for the absence, to the department, at least one month prior to the event. The student is responsible to obtain the required form from the department. It is also the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the form by the deadline.

Students who have an accepted proposal for absence are required to individually make up the missing information through an additional assignment. A written report is required from students, two weeks before class registration, in order to complete their requirement for missing the forum.

Writing Competency Requirement

Every Biola student must fulfill the Writing Competency Requirement (WCR). Students fulfill the WCR by passing ENGL 313 with a C+ or better. If they fail to meet this requirement, they must consult with their major advisor for an alternative WCR pathway. For more information, see the section titled "Writing Competency Requirement" under the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section.

GPA Requirements

Communication Studies majors must achieve a minimum grade of a "C" in all major courses taken at Biola. Anyone receiving a lower grade must repeat the course with a higher grade to receive credit for the course.

Curriculum Requirements

Program-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
The required Communication Core Curriculum course for the Communication Studies Department is:
The Rhetorical Act 1
Program Courses
The following program courses are requirements for all concentrations.
COMM 235Interpersonal Communication3
COMM 254Communication Theories3
COMM 272History of Communication3
COMM 368Methods of Communication Research3
COMM 387Organizational Communication3
COMM 432Rhetorical Theories3
COMM 473Communication and Diversity3
COMM 495Advanced Methods of Research 23
Program Course Requirements: 24 credits
Select a Concentration detailed below22-24
Core Curriculum Requirements 374
Total Credits120-122
1

If students have already fulfilled the COMM Core Curriculum requirement, COMM 200 may be taken as a lower-division COMM elective.

2

Either COMM 465 or COMM 496 may be taken as an alternative to COMM 495.

3

See Core Curriculum Program section for details.

Concentrations

Students must choose one of four concentrations under this major:

  • Dramatic Arts
  • Organizational Communication
  • Relational Communication
  • Rhetorical Studies

When students have completed any of these concentrations they should be prepared for employment in fields where excellent interpersonal and group communication skills are especially important. These concentrations are also excellent preparation for advanced graduate work in the discipline of communication studies. Many Communication Studies graduates have gone on to earn their M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in the field at other institutions. In addition, the Communication Studies degree provides excellent general preparation for careers in fields such as the ministry, human resources, sales, education, or law.

Dramatic Arts

As of Fall 2023, this concentration is in teach-out phase; it is not open to new or readmit students.

Concentration-Specific Core Curriculum Courses
Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics (Recommended)
Theatre Appreciation (Recommended)
Concentration Courses
Dramatic Arts students must take the following courses once:
THTR 109Production Practicum1
THTR 209Production Practicum II1
THTR 309Production Practicum III1
THTR 409Production Practicum IV1
Elective Courses17
Select 17 credits from the following: 1, 2
Introduction to Public Communication
The Rhetorical Act 3
Small Group Communication
Oral Interpretation
Intercollegiate Forensics
Intercollegiate Forensics
Advanced Public Communication
Forms of Public Communication
Communication Internship (by arrangement) 4
Teaching Assistant (by arrangement) 1
Communication Practicum (by arrangement) 1
Intercultural Communication
Communication and Diversity
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior
Directed Research (by arrangement)
History of Cinema
Cinema and Media Arts Practicum
Cinema and Media Arts Seminar
Broadcast Anchoring and Announcing
Soc Media, SEO, and Digital Strategy
Voice and Speech for the Actor
Introduction to Acting
Makeup for Stage and Screen
Costume Study and Construction
Intro to Technical Theatre
Lighting and Sound for Theatre
Stage Managing and Directing Theatre
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Dramatic Design
Playwriting for Performance
Advanced Acting Workshop
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Total Credits21
1

Students may count a maximum of 9 credits of THTR 109; THTR 409; COMM 440; COMM 445; COMM 450 towards the major.

2

The University has an upper-division major policy of a minimum of 24 credits. Students must choose at least 7 upper-division credits from this list.

3

If students have already fulfilled the COMM Core Curriculum requirement, COMM 200 may be taken as a lower-division COMM elective.

4

Students may not count more than 6 credits of COMM 440 toward the major.

Organizational Communication

Concentration Courses
COMM 470Communication Seminar (Communication & Calling Required)3
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Communication in the Workplace
Small Group Communication
Forms of Public Communication
Organizational Rhetoric
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior
Select one of the following courses: 11-3
Communication Internship (by arrangement)
Teaching Assistant (by arrangement)
Communication Practicum (by arrangement)
Elective Courses9
Select 9 credits from the following:
History of Cinema
Cinema and Media Arts Practicum
Cinema and Media Arts Seminar 2
Introduction to Public Communication
The Rhetorical Act 3
Oral Interpretation
Argumentation and Debate
Advanced Public Communication
Rhetoric of Media Studies
Forms of Public Communication 2
Communication Internship
Teaching Assistant
Communication Practicum
Rhetorical Criticism
Communication Seminar 2
Intercultural Communication
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior 2
Directed Research (by arrangement)
Media Career Readiness Practicum
Broadcast Anchoring and Announcing
Media Law
Advanced Journalism Seminar
Introduction to Public Relations
Writing for Public Relations
Soc Media, SEO, and Digital Strategy
Public Relations Management, Philosophy and Ethics
Principles of Advertising
Beginning Acting
Intermediate Acting
Advanced Acting Workshop
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Total Credits22-24
1

Students may count a maximum of 9 total credits (no more than 6 credits of any one) of COMM 440; COMM 445; COMM 450 toward the major.  

2

May be repeated with different topics.

3

If students have already fulfilled the COMM Core Curriculum requirement, COMM 200 may be taken as a lower-division COMM elective.

Relational Communication

Concentration Courses12
Select 12 credits from the following:
Small Group Communication
Forms of Public Communication
Communication Seminar
Intercultural Communication
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior
Select one of the following courses: 11-3
Communication Internship (by arrangement)
Teaching Assistant (by arrangement)
Communication Practicum (by arrangement)
Elective Courses9
Select 9 credits from the following:
History of Cinema
Cinema and Media Arts Practicum
Cinema and Media Arts Seminar 2
Introduction to Public Communication
The Rhetorical Act 3
Communication in the Workplace
Oral Interpretation
Argumentation and Debate
Advanced Public Communication
Rhetoric of Media Studies
Forms of Public Communication 2
Organizational Rhetoric
Communication Internship
Teaching Assistant
Communication Practicum
Rhetorical Criticism
Communication Seminar 2
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior 2
Directed Research (by arrangement)
Media Career Readiness Practicum
Broadcast Anchoring and Announcing
Media Law
Advanced Journalism Seminar
Introduction to Public Relations
Writing for Public Relations
Soc Media, SEO, and Digital Strategy
Public Relations Management, Philosophy and Ethics
Principles of Advertising
Beginning Acting
Intermediate Acting
Advanced Acting Workshop
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Total Credits22-24
1

Students may count a maximum of 9 total credits (no more than 6 credits of any one) of COMM 440; COMM 445; COMM 450 toward the major.

2

May be repeated with different topics.

3

If students have already fulfilled the COMM Core Curriculum requirement, COMM 200 may be taken as a lower-division COMM elective.

Rhetorical Studies

Concentration Courses12
Select 12 credits from the following:
Argumentation and Debate
Advanced Public Communication
Persuasive Communication
Forms of Public Communication
Rhetorical Theories
Rhetorical Criticism
Rhetoric of Media Studies
Communication Seminar
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior
Select one of the following courses: 11-3
Communication Internship (by arrangement)
Teaching Assistant (by arrangement)
Communication Practicum (by arrangement)
Elective Courses9
Select 9 credits from the following:
History of Cinema
Cinema and Media Arts Practicum
Cinema and Media Arts Seminar
Introduction to Public Communication
Small Group Communication
The Rhetorical Act 2
Communication in the Workplace
Oral Interpretation
Forms of Public Communication 3
Organizational Rhetoric
Communication Internship
Teaching Assistant
Communication Practicum
Communication Seminar 3
Intercultural Communication
Advanced Studies in Communication Behavior 3
Directed Research (by arrangement)
Media Career Readiness Practicum
Broadcast Anchoring and Announcing
Media Law
Advanced Journalism Seminar
Introduction to Public Relations
Writing for Public Relations
Soc Media, SEO, and Digital Strategy
Public Relations Management, Philosophy and Ethics
Principles of Advertising
Beginning Acting
Intermediate Acting
Advanced Acting Workshop
Drama for Christian Ministry
London Theatre Study Tour
Total Credits22-24
1

Students may count a maximum of 9 total credits (no more than 6 credits of any one) of COMM 440; COMM 445; COMM 450 toward the major.

2

If students have already fulfilled the COMM Core Curriculum requirement, COMM 200 may be taken as a lower-division COMM elective.

3

May be repeated with different topics.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Communication Studies, B.A. Dramatic Arts (CODA)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 200 (required)3
GNST 1021Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
HIST 100 or 1013Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Elective13
MATH 1211THTR 1091
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
Science (see Core Curriculum)3General Elective2
 14 15
Total Credits 29
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Elective12Concentration Elective13
MATH 1221ENGL 3133
THTR 2091MATH 1231
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3PHIL 216 (recommended Phil Core Curr)3
Writing Competency RequirementTHTR 3091
 13 17
Total Credits 30
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
COMM 4323BBST 4653
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4733
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4953
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
THTR 4091 
 16 15
Total Credits 31
1

See list of approved electives in the catalog.

Communication Studies, B.A. Organizational Communication (CORG)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 2003
GNST 1021Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
HIST 100 or 1013Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Course13
Science (see Core Curriculum)3Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Math (See Core Curriculum)3KNES Activity (See Core Curriculum)1
 Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Course13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3ENGL 3133
 Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 12 15
Total Credits 27
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
COMM 4323BBST 4653
COMM 4703COMM 4733
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4953
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Concentration Course13
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3 
 16-18 15
Total Credits 31-33
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.

Communication Studies, B.A. Relational Communication (CORC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 2003
GNST 1021Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
HIST 100 or 1013Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Course13
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Concentration Elective13
Science (see Core Curriculum)3Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
 13 15
Total Credits 28
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Course13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3ENGL 3133
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3Philosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
Math (see Core Curriculum)3Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
Writing Competency Requirement 
 16-18 15
Total Credits 31-33
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
COMM 4323BBST 4653
Concentration Course13COMM 4733
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4953
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Concentration Course13
 15 15
Total Credits 30
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.

Communication Studies, B.A. Rhetorical Studies (CORS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 103 or 1653BBST 103 or 1653
ENGL 100 or 1123BBST 209 or 2103
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 2003
GNST 1021Fine Arts (see Core Curriculum)3
HIST 100 or 1013Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
KNES 1071 
 15 16
Total Credits 31
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 2513BBST 209 or 2103
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Elective13
Concentration Course13Literature (see Core Curriculum)3
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 13 15
Total Credits 28
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3BBST 3543
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Course13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3ENGL 3133
Behavioral Science (see Core Curriculum)3Math (see Core Curriculum)3
Writing Competency RequirementPhilosophy (see Core Curriculum)3
 Graduation Petition due in Registrar's Office
 13-15 18
Total Credits 31-33
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBST 3653BBST 300/400 Bible Elective3
COMM 4323BBST 4653
Concentration Course13COMM 4733
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4953
HIST 200, 201, or POSC 2253Concentration Course13
 15 15
Total Credits 30
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.

NOTE: The course sequence table is designed by the major department and is one way that the classes will work out properly in sequence for your major. However, there are alternative or flexible ways to rotate some of the classes within the same year/level and sometimes between year levels. Please contact your major department advisor to discuss flexible alternatives in scheduling the sequence of your classes.

Taking coursework during the summer session may also be an option to accelerate your degree path.

See Core Curriculum Program section for a list of approved Core Curriculum courses.

Communication Studies, B.A. Dramatic Arts (CODA)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4COMM 2003
KNES 1071MATH 1221
MATH 1211Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
GNST 1021THTR 1091
 15 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Elective13
Concentration Elective12MATH 1231
 THTR 2091
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
COMM 3683COMM 3873
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Concentration Elective13Science (see Core Curriculum)3
THTR 3091ENGL 3133
 14 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
COMM 4323COMM 4733
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13COMM 4953
 Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
 THTR 4091
 13 16
Total Credits 125
1

See list of approved electives in the catalog.

Communication Studies, B.A. Organizational Communication (CORG)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021COMM 2003
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
Math (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Course13
Concentration Course13Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3Concentration Course (upper-division)13
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1ENGL 3133
 14-16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
COMM 4323COMM 4733
COMM 4703COMM 4953
 Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
 13 15
Total Credits 126-128
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.

Communication Studies, B.A. Relational Communication (CORC)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021COMM 2003
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
Math (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Course13
Concentration Course13Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Course (upper-division)13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3ENGL 3133
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1 
 14-16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
COMM 4323COMM 4733
Concentration Course (upper-division)13COMM 4953
Concentration Elective (upper-division)13Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
 16 15
Total Credits 126-128
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.

Communication Studies, B.A. Rhetorical Studies (CORS)

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 1014HNRS 1054
HNRS 1024HNRS 1064
GNST 1021COMM 2003
KNES 1071Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4
Foreign Language (see Core Curriculum)4 
Math (see Core Curriculum)3 
 17 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 2104HNRS 2304
HNRS 2154HNRS 2314
COMM 2353COMM 2723
COMM 2543Concentration Course13
Concentration Elective13Science (see Core Curriculum)3
 17 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 3244HNRS 3374
HNRS 3262HNRS 3392
COMM 3683COMM 3873
Concentration Course (upper-division)13Concentration Course (upper-division)13
Internship/TA/Practicum Course11-3Concentration Elective13
KNES Activity (see Core Curriculum)1ENGL 3133
 14-16 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
HNRS 4434HNRS 4584
BBST 4653HNRS 4672
COMM 4323COMM 4733
Concentration Course (upper-division)13COMM 4953
 Concentration Elective (upper-division)13
 13 15
Total Credits 126-128
1

See list of approved courses on the Program Requirements tab.