Communication Studies Curriculum

Curriculum

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Communication Studies at Gettysburg College requires ten courses, divided into the following components:

Core Courses (3)

These courses provide a grounding in the foundational concepts, research approaches, and critical frameworks of communication studies.

• Introduction to Communication
• Research Methods
• Senior Capstone Seminar

Analysis Courses (3)

Focus on understanding communication in various contexts—social, cultural, political, and institutional. Topics may include:

• Media studies
• Interpersonal communication
• Communication and identity

Praxis Courses (3)

Hands-on courses in which students create messages across multiple modalities, such as:

• Writing for media
• Public speaking
• Digital storytelling
• Visual communication

Practicum (1)

• A full-credit internship where students apply their skills in a professional setting, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities.

First Year Advising and Registration recommendations

Communication Studies explores the power of storytelling and the ways messages influence individuals, institutions, and society. Both the major and minor develop skills in media analysis, digital content creation, public speaking, and more – engaging theory and practice in equal measure. 

Common first-year courses 

Core: start here 

• COMM 141 Introduction to Communication Studies 

Most program courses have no prerequisites. Majors take three core courses, three analysis courses, and three praxis courses. 

Cross-listed courses from other departments also count toward the major 

Africana Studies · Cinema and Media Studies · English · Environmental Science · German Studies · History · Music · Philosophy · Sociology · Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 

For complete information, consult the First Year Advising and Registration Guide.

Major

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Core Courses (3)

Intro Course (recommended: first or sophomore year)

Methods Course (recommended: sophomore or junior year)

Capstone (senior year)

Analysis Courses (3)

Choose two from the following (note that some courses have prerequisites):

Praxis Courses (3)

Choose three from the following; select at least one from the “written” column and one from the “audiovisual” column (note that some courses have prerequisites):

Practicum (1)

Full-credit internship arranged through your advisor.

Optional: Concentration

If you wish to pursue a concentration, 5 of your 10 courses should be affiliated with your concentration. In most cases, this will be 4 of your praxis/analysis courses and either your practicum or your capstone project.

Concentration: Public Communication

Analysis

Praxis

Concentration: Digital Communication

Analysis

Praxis

Minor

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Core Courses (2)

Intro Course (recommended: first or sophomore year)

Methods Course (recommended: sophomore or junior year)

Analysis Courses (2)

Choose two from the following (note that some courses have prerequisites):

Praxis Courses (2)

Choose two from the following; select at one from the “written” column and one from the “audiovisual” column (note that some courses have prerequisites):

All Communication Studies Courses

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Communication Studies Courses Offered in Academic Year, 2025-26

Fall 2025

Core Courses

Analysis Courses

Praxis Courses

Spring 2026

Core Courses

Analysis Courses

Praxis Courses