Communications Degree

The communications program at California State University – Chico prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer communications degrees.

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California State University – Chico

3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA

About
California State University - Chico, located in Chico, California, was established 1887 and began operations in 1889 as the Chico Normal School, an institution dedicated to training and education teachers in Northern California. Over the years the school expanded its focus, offering more programs and growing its facilities, as well as going through a number of name changes that reflected the school's growth.

In 1972 the school became known as the California State University - Chico, and currently operated as part of the California State University System, offering over 100 undergraduate programs to students. The main campus is located in Downtown Chico, though additional facilities are located about a mile away on land owned by the school.

Academics
Students have over 100 options to choose from when considering a major at Chico State. The school provides an in depth education in one's major, alongside a large number of minors. Students are required to take a number of general education courses to fulfill educational requirements, along with upper division courses related to one's major.

In addition the school offers distance learning opportunities for students in need of flexible scheduling. Graduate programs are also available for students wishing to continue their education past a bachelor's degree. Such programs normally require a reasonable GRE score as well as a bachelor's degree for admission.

Programs offered include:

• Anthropology
• Fine and Studio Art
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Economics

Admissions and Financial Aid
As a public university in the California State University System, Chica State has a number of requirements necessary for admission. These include having completed the core curriculum of a high school education or equivalent and having earned the appropriate ACT/SAT test score to GPA ratio. Admissions gives priority to California residents, and tuition costs are lower for residents. Students wishing to enroll may begin the process online through the CSU FastPass system, which allows students to apply to multiple CSU schools.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards. Residents of California may also be eligible for CalGrants, also determined by a completed FAFSA or through academic excellence. Scholarships may also be awarded both by the school or through external organizations offering awards for a variety of reasons.

Athletics
The Chico State Wildcats participate in intercollegiate athletics through the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Intercollegiate athletics allow students the opportunity to pursue personal and team success in an environment of healthy competition.

Participating students will be able to travel across the state, as well as to tournaments given seasonal success, allowing for a broadening of one's views while developing skills, such as discipline, teamwork, and good health habits, which are useful for one's academic and professional career. Athletic programs start at varying points throughout the school year. Students interested in trying out should visit the athletic department to obtain the dates and times to begin the process.

Athletic programs offered at Chico State:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball (Women Only)
• Track and Field
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Clubs and Organizations
California State University - Chico has a number of clubs and organizations in place and encourages students to participate in one or more in order to expand their interests or to focus on existing ones. Clubs and organizations focus on a variety of topics related to social causes, academics, extracurricular activities and more. Students will find like minded individuals to socialize with outside of a classroom setting, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and the participation of events to encourage promotion and growth.

Clubs and organizations include:

• Habitat for Humanity
• Investors Club
• Japanese Animation Club
• Cycling Team
• Birding Club

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. California State University – Chico has offered the following programs for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).