Frequently Asked Questions
What is the study of Communication Arts and Sciences?
You may have heard that the twenty-first century will be the "Age of Communication." From the explosion of information on the Internet, cable television and other channels, to the restructuring of organizations into work groups, to the emergence of service industries; communication is one of the skills necessary for personal and professional success.
So called "soft skills," such as interpersonal communication, problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking, are more valued than "hard skills" according to a 2002 report on workforce development. If you want to be able to express your ideas, thoughts, and feelings to others including employers, employees, and the world at large, then Communication Arts and Sciences is for you. The CAS major is especially applicable to our nation's future leaders in business, politics, and human services. If you want to learn to think critically, make effective arguments, solve problems, get along with all kinds of people, form effective close relationships, and function effectively as a member of a democratic community, check out Communication Arts and Sciences.
What Does The Communication Arts and Sciences Major Offer?
Communication Arts and Sciences will teach you many things. It helps you create more effective messages and be more successful in understanding and evaluating the messages you receive. This happens in many ways. The major helps you develop critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written communication skills. Communication is at the root of most of the important social issues of our time and the major assets you will develop include leadership skills, conflict management and negotiation skills, and the ability to successfully function in different cultures.
What Careers Are Available to Communication Arts and Sciences Majors?
Communication Arts and Sciences is not a license to do any one thing but a passport to do almost anything. Communication Arts and Sciences can prepare you for positions beyond the entry level by giving providing you with the necessary leadership and person management skills. Communication Arts and Sciences is not like some fields that train students for a single, specific occupation. This major is more "mind training" than job training and it affords students the opportunities to develop knowledge and skills that applicable to most any career. This is why the Wall Street Journal reports that employers rank communication as the most important personal quality they are seeking.
What Does the Communication Arts and Sciences Major Involve?
Since the Communication Arts and Sciences major leads in so many directions, the requirements are very versatile and individualized. Majors take four core courses that teach the foundational Communication Arts and Sciences concepts, one skills course, and then may select or combine courses from one of eight pathways: interpersonal communication, political communication, organizational communication, rhetoric, presentation skills, intercultural communication, communication and technology, legal communication, and health communication. Individualized emphasis may also be developed.
Can I do a CAS Internship?
Yes, if you:
- have completed a total of 75 credits minimum--with at least five courses completed in the major.
- have an overall GPA of at least 2.5
- have a GPA of 3.0 in their major courses
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