Multi-dimensional in its approach, Communication Studies Department uses the rich resources of both the humanities and the social sciences in exploring the human capacity for speech - when, where, why, how, and with what effect people interact through language and extra-linguistic symbols - and focuses on the theory and practice of human communication in a variety of contexts: interpersonal, intercultural, instructional, organizational, political, in dyads, in small groups, and in the mass media. The Communication Studies program prepares students for graduate work or careers in a wide variety of occupations that place a premium on excellent communication skills. The Communication Studies degree program is now among the most popular in the College of Liberal Arts.
Modified from coms.calpoly.edu
Senior Projects from 2026
Beach Pollution Messaging: Effects of Negativity/Loss and Fear Appeals on Perceived Threat and Beach Protection Intentions, Cypress Brice
Bridging the Divide: How Political Polarization Shapes Communication Among College Students, Kylie C. Gaynor
An Analysis of Immigration Frames in the News Media Post- Second Trump Administration, Olivia Hartley
Doomscrolling, Algorithms, and AI Literacy: A Potent Combination of Influence on Generation Z, Jacob Le
Motherly Love: A Critical Autoethnography on Identity Formation Through Mental Illness in Maternal Bonds, Ellie E. Monge
Examining How Student Involvement and Identity Shapes Perceptions of Cal Poly Administrative Communication and Organizational Change, Ellenor Rose Nunes
YMCA Changes Lives: Social Media Campaign, Savannah Nicole Rivera
Exploring the Mental Health Impacts of Dating Experiences for Racial and Ethnic Minorities at a Predominantly White Institution, Maya Sánchez, Mylina Garza, and Emma Chung
Senior Projects from 2025
Keeping COMS Connected: Building a Foundation for Alumni Engagement, Ella Captain, Alec Tonas, and Selina Bali
The Absence of Autistic Voices: Stereotypical Depictions of Autistic Characters in Music, The Good Doctor, and Atypical, Emily Drawer
Exploring Speech-Language Pathology in the Age of AI, Charis Gray
Evaluating Campus Safety: Insights from Cal Poly Students, Demaree E. Lewis
An Analysis of How the Coverage of Abortion in Media Reports Highlights Struggles for Millions of American Women Nationwide, Alexa Miranda
Beyond the CSU AI Initiative Rollout: Exploring the Continued Uses, Gratifications, and Literacy of Generative Artificial Intelligence Integration at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Marshall Piros and Kaylie Marrs
An Analysis of Renewable Energy Frames in the News Media Pre- and Post-Trump Administration, Kendall Anjolie Rozen
Senior Projects from 2024
Exploring the Effect of Interactivity on Zoom Fatigue and Student Learning, Kendall N. Baebler
An Analysis of the Framing of Supreme Court Decisions and Their Impact on the Voting Rights of Marginalized Citizens, Nicole Anna Barlia
Cheap Clothes and Costly Consequences: A Study on College Students’ Shopping Habits Surrounding Fast Fashion and The Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior, Stella Rose Chamness
How Political Parties Can Appeal to Voters, Brenden David Jacoby
“There Are People Who Will Not Like You Because of the Skin You Were Born in”: Content and Impact of Socialization Messages About Racism in Black Families, Natasha Malinovsky
Political Orientation and its Effect on Engagement and Perception of the Arts, Parker Robert McKenzie
Learning and Listening: A Podcast on Navigating Latinx/e Identities, Lilianna A. Rivas
Shadows of Virtue: ‘The Abolition of Man’ in Modern Context, Luke Thomas Soule
Politics in the Classroom: A Survey on College Students’ Comfortability to Share Their Views, Ashley Rene Tuell
Pokémon GO: Fostering Community in Location-Based Augmented Reality, Miranda Ward