Communication Arts and Sciences, B.A. (Liberal Arts)

Program Code: CAS_BA

Program Description

This major helps students better understand and analyze how people communicate in order to influence others and impact the world around them. The ability to communicate effectively in personal, social, professional, and multicultural situations is an essential skill in modern society. Discovering how to improve practices of communication in any of those situations--whether from a humanistic or scientific perspective--is equally vital. Students of Communication Arts and Sciences will therefore learn to argue persuasively, think critically, solve problems collaboratively, understand and manage conflict, influence people ethically, form and keep relationships, and participate constructively in civic life. The flexibility of this program offers preparation for a variety of careers, which include administration, business, health, higher education, human resources, law, public service, social or political advocacy, and more. Such flexibility is illustrated in the fact that this degree offers two different options for completion based on varying instructional and student needs (the Communication Studies option and the Foundations, Scholarship, and Practice option). For these reasons, majoring in Communication Arts and Sciences also offers an excellent concurrent degree program: a substantive understanding of human communication--which is valuable in numerous forms of personal, social, or professional life--can significantly enhance students' preparation in many fields of study.

Two degree options are available for the Communication Arts and Sciences B.A. in order to provide flexibility based on student and faculty needs at different campuses where the degree is offered:

Communication Studies Option

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Brandywine

The B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences (Communication Studies) provides increased knowledge and skill concerning the practice of human communication across an array of interpersonal, organizational, social, and cultural contexts. Students pursuing the B.A. in this degree option will learn to argue persuasively, think critically, solve problems collaboratively, understand and manage conflict, influence people ethically, form and keep relationships, and participate constructively in civic life. The flexibility of this program offers preparation for a variety of careers, which include administration, business, health, higher education, human resources, law, public service, social or political advocacy, and more. The B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences (Communication Studies) also offers an excellent concurrent degree program: a substantive understanding of human communication--which is valuable in numerous forms of personal, social, and professional life--can significantly enhance students' preparation in many fields of study.

Foundations, Scholarship, and Practice Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

The B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences (Foundations, Scholarship, and Practice) promotes an understanding of fundamental facets of human communication, knowledge of theories and research that illuminate communication processes, and expertise in practical applications of communication research to civic, cultural, family, health, interpersonal, organizational, and social contexts. Students pursuing the B.A. in this degree option will learn to argue persuasively, think critically, solve problems collaboratively, understand and manage conflict, influence people ethically, form and keep relationships, and participate constructively in civic life. The flexibility of this program offers preparation for a variety of careers, which include administration, business, health, higher education, human resources, law, public service, social or political advocacy, and more. The B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences (Foundations, Scholarship, and Practice) also offers an excellent concurrent degree program: A substantive understanding of human communication--which is valuable in numerous forms of personal, social, or professional life--can significantly enhance students' preparation in many fields of study.

What is Communication Arts and Sciences?

Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) privileges the study and practice of communication in interpersonal, organizational, public, and intercultural contexts. Using methods and theories that span the humanities and social sciences, faculty and students create knowledge about the history, present state, and prospects of the fact that we can and do influence one another. This major inspires students to be more effective and ethical in the personal, professional, and public roles their futures have in store for them.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You want to learn about the history and theory of communication from both humanistic and social scientific perspectives.
  • You are curious about relationships, group dynamics, power, and conflict.
  • You want to learn to craft powerful, ethical messages that make a difference.
  • You want to develop analytical and critical thinking skills to understand how messages influence people and shape situations and institutions.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts and Sciences, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 12-15
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 24
Requirements for the Major 36-39

3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if world language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.

Per Senate Policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Requirements for the Major

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 301Rhetorical Theory Keystone/General Education Course3
CAS 303Communication Theory Keystone/General Education Course3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 15 credits of other CAS courses; at least 12 credits must be at the 400 level. A maximum of 3 credits from CAS 494, CAS 495, CAS 496, and CAS 499 may satisfy this requirement. CAS 126 and CAS 195 may not be counted as part of the major.15
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option15-18

Requirements for the Option

Communication Studies Option (15 Credits)

Available at the following campuses: Berks, Brandywine

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 204Communication Research Methods3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following list:3
Interpersonal Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Persuasive Speaking
Speech Writing Keystone/General Education Course
Practical Parliamentary Procedure
Small Group Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Business and Professional Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Intercultural Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Storytelling and Speaking
Communication and Information Technology I Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits from the following list:3
Social Influence
Methods of Rhetorical Criticism Keystone/General Education Course
Rhetoric and Law Keystone/General Education Course
Organizational Communication Keystone/General Education Course
The Rhetorics of War and Peace Keystone/General Education Course
Rhetoric and Public Controversy Keystone/General Education Course
Culture and Technology Keystone/General Education Course
Special Topics
Foreign Studies
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from CAS courses, 3 credits maximum from:6
Research Topics
Internship
Independent Studies
Foreign Studies
Foundations, Scholarship, and Practice Option (18 Credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CAS 101NIntroduction to Human Communication Keystone/General Education Course3
CAS 304Quantitative Methods for Communication Research Keystone/General Education Course3
CAS 311Methods of Rhetorical Criticism Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits from the following list:9
Interpersonal Communication Keystone/General Education Course
Landmark Speeches on Democracy and Dissent Keystone/General Education Course
Argumentation Keystone/General Education Course
Persuasion Keystone/General Education Course

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

B.A. Degree Requirements

World Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.

World Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.​

Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and M.S. in Human Resources and Employment Relations can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and M.A. in Media Studies

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and M.A. in Media Studies can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and Master of Public Policy

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences and Master of Public Policy can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Content Knowledge: Learn communication concepts and theory.
  • Limited Difficulty Outside Classroom: Ability to focus on material owing to limited serious challenges beyond classroom.
  • Research Practice and Methods: Learn the practice of rhetorical or communication science research.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program

Berks

Jill Burk
Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor
Franco 148
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6094
BKCommArtSci@psu.edu

Brandywine

Joshua Phillips
Assistant Teaching Professor Communication Arts and Sciences
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1426
jdp5595@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Communication Arts and Sciences, B.A. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 (or honors equivalent (GWS))*3CAS 100 (or honors equivalent (GWS))*3
CAS 101N*3CAS Additional course (work with adviser)*3
Quantification (GQ)*3Humanities (GH) + (US)3
Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) (FYS)3Natural Sciences (GN) 3
World Language 14World Language 24
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS Additional course (work with adviser)*3CAS Additional course (work with adviser)*3
Quantification (GQ)*3Natural Sciences (GN)3
Arts (GA) + (IL)3Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS)3
BA Fields3Humanities (GH)3
World Language 34BA Fields3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 301*3CAS 303*3
CAS 4XX-level course (work with adviser)*3CAS 311*3
Natural Sciences (GN)3BA Fields3
Arts (GA)3ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D*3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 304*3CAS 4XX-level course (work with adviser)*3
CAS 4XX-level course (work with adviser)*3CAS 4XX-level course (work with adviser)*3
Supporting CAS course (work with adviser)*3Elective3
World Cultures3Elective3
Health and Wellness (GHW)3 
 15 12
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses.

Advising Notes

This document is only for planning purposes and cannot replace working with an academic adviser. Each student is unique, and some campuses may not offer many CAS courses. Most students are "off the plan" after one semester.

Students need at least 24 credits in CAS courses completed at UP due to competency requirements. Campus advisers may work with the UP CAS adviser if they have questions about what their current students might take.

Two general education courses (GQ, GN, GA, GH, GS) must be integrative studies courses - Inter-Domain or Linked.

Depending on placement and proficiency, world language courses may need to be replaced with elective credits.

Students are required to take one Writing across the Curriculum course. There are three CAS 4XX-level courses that will fulfill this requirement, but any W course will work.

Career Paths

CAS graduates are analysts, strategists, persuaders, facilitators, negotiators, collaborators, connectors, and leaders. The CAS B.A. equips students for success in the workforce, graduate and law school, and civic life.

Careers

The CAS B.A. prepares students for success in careers that value a rigorous and diverse understanding of communication practices. Graduates thrive in careers in business, government, law, public relations, public policy, sales, and more.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE COMMUNICATION ARTS AND SCIENCES PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

The CAS B.A. provides excellent preparation for graduate study in rhetoric, as well as fields such as business, human resources and employment relations, law, and public policy. CAS at University Park has three integrated undergraduate-graduate degrees through which approved CAS majors can earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years instead of six: Public Policy, Media Studies, and Human Resources and Employment Relations.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION ARTS AND SCIENCES
234 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
sas519@psu.edu and cas@psu.edu

https://cas.la.psu.edu/

Berks

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Franco Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6094
BKCommArtSci@psu.edu

https://berks.psu.edu/academics/ba-communication-arts-sciences

Brandywine

25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
610-892-1426
jdp5595@psu.edu

https://www.brandywine.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/communication-arts-and-sciences