Communication Studies
Communicate. Lead. Succeed. A degree in Communication Studies (COMS) prepares you for a world where the ability to connect, persuade, and lead is the ultimate competitive advantage. In the Department of Communication Studies at Texas Tech's College of Media and Communication, you'll build deep expertise in interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and rhetorical communication — with the flexibility to create your degree. You’ll graduate ready for careers in business, health care, law, education, marketing, nonprofit leadership, and more. The personal. The professional. The public. All in one degree.
Built for Every Career Path
Explore the communication skills, specializations, and real-world opportunities that set Texas Tech graduates apart.
Degree & Course Details-
Create Your Degree
The department has a core of five required courses with many additional course options including interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and rhetorical communication.
Explore Program Requirements -
National Champions
The forensics program has a broad focus competing in a variety of debate formats including policy, impromptu, and World University style in both English and Spanish. The team competes at the regional, national, and international level.
Meet the Speech and Debate Team -
Study Online or In-Person
The major is available 100% online or in person in Lubbock, giving working adults, career changers, and traditional students equal access to a Texas Tech degree.
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Any Industry. Anywhere.
Degree & Course DetailsCommunication Studies graduates work in business, health care, law, education, nonprofits, ministry, and beyond — because every industry needs people who communicate well.
Key Courses
View Degree Courses in Catalog
COMS 2300 - Public Speaking
Students learn to prepare and deliver effective presentations, adapt to various audiences, and adjust to different speaking contexts. Required for all communication studies majors and minors.
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- Credit Hours: 3
COMS 3332 - Intercultural Communication
Explores communication and culture within global, national, and local contexts. Examines cultural group values, practices, and communicative behaviors from diverse perspectives. Applies topics such as cultural barriers, cultural similarities/differences, prejudice, and privilege to everyday communicative encounters.
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- Credit Hours: 3
COMS 3355 - Communication in Organizations
An introduction to group process and interaction, the concepts of leadership, and effective participation.
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- Credit Hours: 3
COMS 3356 - Leadership and Communication
A broad-based theoretical approach to the study of leadership and communication. Application to a variety of settings will also be discussed.
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- Credit Hours: 3
B.A. to M.A. in Communication Studies
Motivated undergraduates can advance directly into Texas Tech’s nationally recognized M.A. in Communication Studies — an award-winning graduate program offering funded teaching assistantships, flexible completion options, and pathways into academia, consulting, law, health care, and beyond.
Career Paths & Earning Potential
Communication Studies graduates command competitive salaries in business, health care, government, law, and media. Explore where the data points.
Make Your Degree Affordable
The college offers scholarships for first-year, transfer, and current students. Apply early—the priority deadline is December 1 for incoming students.
All Scholarships College ScholarshipsKelsey Lauren Kidd Memorial Scholarship
Merit-based scholarship recognizing students in the college with strong academics and professional potential.
View Kelsey Lauren Kidd Memorial Scholarship detailsHelen Devitt Jones Scholarship
College-wide award for high-achieving students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
View Helen Devitt Jones Scholarship detailsScholarship Universe
One application, thousands of opportunities – apply through Texas Tech each fall to maximize your scholarship options.
Find ScholarshipsMeet Your Faculty
Learn from scholars and practitioners who study how communication shapes relationships, organizations, and public life. See what they’re researching.
Faculty Directory Meet the Championship Debate Team
Scott Thomson
Lecturer & Forensic Debate Coach
Department of Communication Studies
Scott Thomson
Get Involved
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Texas Tech Speech & Debate Team (Forensics)
Texas Tech University is home to one of the most decorated debate programs in the country. Forensics has won two NPDA National Championships (2008, 2010) and competes in Lincoln-Douglas, British Parliamentary, and individual speaking events at regional, national, and international tournaments. Open to all students — no experience required.
Texas Tech Speech & Debate Team (Forensics) -
Communication Studies Society (CSS)
The Communication Studies Society connects communication studies majors with peers and professionals in the communication field. CSS provides networking opportunities, career insight from industry speakers, and a community for students who want to get more out of their degree from day one.
Communication Studies Society (CSS)
Related Programs
Communication Studies Minor
Add 18 hours of communication studies coursework to any major. The minor builds the interpersonal and persuasion skills every employer values.
Learn about Communication Studies MinorDigital Media & Professional Communication
A flexible 120-hour degree combining communication, advertising, PR, and digital media — ideal for students who want breadth across the communication field.
Learn about Digital Media & Professional CommunicationPublic Relations & Strategic Communication Management
Use strategic communication to build brands, manage reputations, and lead organizational messaging across corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector environments.
Learn about Public Relations & Strategic Communication ManagementAdvertising
Blend creativity and strategy to build brands and connect audiences — a natural complement to Communication Studies for students interested in persuasion and messaging.
Learn about AdvertisingMaster of Arts in Communication Studies
Advance your expertise in one of the country’s top-ranked M.A. programs in Communication Studies, with funding available for qualified applicants.
Learn about Master of Arts in Communication StudiesJournalism
Tell stories that matter. Journalism pairs naturally with communication studies for students interested in media, politics, public affairs, and investigative reporting.
Learn about JournalismReady to Take the Next Step?
Your career starts with a conversation. Learn more about how Texas Tech COMS prepares you for a lifetime of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a Communication Studies degree?
Graduates work in business, health care, law, marketing, education, government, nonprofits, religious institutions and media — across virtually every industry that values leadership and communication.
Is Communication Studies just about public speaking?
No. While public speaking is one component, communication studies covers interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and rhetorical communication, preparing you to communicate effectively in every setting.
What specializations are available within communication studies?
Students can focus on interpersonal communication, corporate-organizational communication, or communication and public affairs—or design your area of study.
Is communication studies related to communication disorders or speech therapy?
No. Communication studies focuses on strategic human communication in personal, professional, and public contexts. It is not a speech pathology or communication disorders program.
Can I try out for the debate team as a communications studies student?
Yes! The Texas Tech Speech & Debate Team is one of the most successful in the country and welcomes students at all experience levels. Email the team at debate.comc@ttu.edu.
Programs
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2011 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu