Excellent communication skills are listed as the most important employee trait by employers in all fields. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers website (2007), oral communication skills are consistently ranked first in the list of skills that employers look for in college-educated job applicants.

Communication is also key to individuals’ satisfaction in personal as well as professional life. Effective communication means the ability to adapt to the context of the situation, recognizing individual, group, and cultural differences. Any student who wants a strong background in communication should consider a minor in Communication, or completing the English/Communication major. For more information on the English/Communication major, please refer to the English webpage.

The communication program at CSM offers courses in oral communication skills, interpersonal communication, interviewing, group communication, gender communication, family communication, intercultural communication, and the influence of mass media on society. Specialty courses geared for specific career paths such as Speech for Professionals and Speech for Teachers are also offered. Students may also arrange to do a Communication Internship with a organization in the community to gain practical experience in the workforce.

Questions about the Communication minor (or English/Communication major) should be directed to Dr. Karla Bergen.

Required Courses:
Any 18 hours of Communication courses.