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 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
A Rhetorical Criticism of "Fleabag": Tragicomedy and What it Means to be a Feminist, Morgan Ashley White
Senior Projects from 2023
An Analysis of College Students’ Stories About How Their Religious Backgrounds Impacted Their Sexual Attitudes, Brookelyn Bochenek
Storytelling and Racial Identity: How First-Generation Students of Color Navigate Their Identities at Predominately White Institutions, Kimberly Garcia Cruz
Advising Communication in Finance, Jordan J. Schumann
Let's Talk Body: An Applied Senior Project on Social Media Body Image, Katherine R. Tonges and Lindsey J. Dwyer
Senior Projects from 2022
Social Media and Marketing as a Means of Planning and Promoting the 2022 Camp PolyHacks Hackathon, Amy Gillham, Olivia Gerraty, and Elizabeth Anderson
“Something Would’ve Been Better Than Nothing”: An Analysis of Young Adults’ Stories of Being Ghosted, Katherine Anne Holmes
The White House: No Drugs Allowed, Olivia A. Jones
Political Socialization of College-age Individuals in the Age of Social Media, Spencer G. Lowe
Senior Projects from 2021
The Unheard Voices and Privilege of a Killer: An Analysis of Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Allison G. Jones and Emma L. Mabe
The Power of Video Games: How Celeste and Hellblade Address Mental Health, Victor M. Ortiz
How to Save a Planet: Communicating Climate Change Efficacy Through Narrative, Amanda Kaye Smith
Senior Projects from 2020
Informing the Creation of a Financial Literacy Tool for Cal Poly Students, Kelly Michelle Carroll
Fighting for Equality in the Workforce, Madison Taylor Dewing
The Effect of Communication Medium on Mental Health Outcomes, Brooke Emily Lyon
Analyzing Perceptions of Music From a Songwriting Perspective, Jackson Stephen Reynosa