College of Communication and Information
School of Communication Studies
www.kent.edu/comm

About This Program

Effective communication skills are consistently rated as one of the top three proficiencies employers desire. The Communication Studies minor allows students to improve their speaking, listening, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The minor features flexibility and choice to allow students to personalize their minor for their needs. Whether a student’s major is in business, fashion or public health, communication skills are necessary for success in today’s workplace.

Contact Information

• School Director: Paul Haridakis | comm@kent.edu | 330-672-2659
• Speak with an Advisor
  • Ashtabula Campus
  • East Liverpool Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus
  • Tuscarawas Campus

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • Mostly online (Ashtabula Campus, East Liverpool Campus, Salem Campus, Trumbull Campus, Tuscarawas Campus)
  • In person
• Location:
  • Ashtabula Campus (mostly online)
  • East Liverpool Campus (mostly online)
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus (mostly online)
  • Stark Campus
  • Trumbull Campus (mostly online)
  • Tuscarawas Campus (mostly online)

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare the Communication Studies minor, students must have a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State University GPA. No Kent State University GPA is required if the student is a first-semester freshman or transfer student admitted in good standing.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this minor will be able to:

1. Display competence in verbal, nonverbal and written communication.
2. Advocate courses of action to stimulate improved decision-making.
3. Influence others through demonstrated presentational speaking skills.
4. Communicate ethically.
5. Foster inclusive dialogues and tailor messages that respect diversity, empower others, and bring about social change.
6. Articulate creative, effective and evidenced-based solutions to communication problems.
7. Coordinate action, solve problems, foster well-being, engage in critical thinking and participate in civic life.
8. Communicate effectively in a technological, multicultural and global society to bring about meaningful social change.
9. Apply information and media literacy in an effective and ethical manner.

The program learning outcomes reflect the university's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, creativity and community outreach and engagement.