Advising

Summer Advising Updates

Summer advising will begin with our Chief Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Michael McHan, on July 10th, 2020.

Many questions about School of Communication majors and courses are available on this website. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below on this page. Also, please browse other tabs and pages on the School of Communication website for many routine questions.

If after viewing the School of Communication website you are still in need of help, please see below.

If you have advising questions for your major before summer advising begins, the PSFA Assistant Dean's office can help you: psfa@sdsu.edu
The Assistant Dean's office can also help answer questions about withdrawals, leaves of absence, student services and support, and any other student issues or question.
If your questions are related to General Education, Graduation requirements, writing, language, math, etc. requirements, please contact the Academic Advising Center: https://advising.sdsu.edu/
SDSU and its student services remain open through the summer. This webpage is continually updated with student services and information, particularly related to COVID-19.

For incoming transfer students, orientations will be held July 31 - August 13. During orientation, we will cover in detail what to register for in the Fall, additional major requirements, and everything else you will need to feel comfortable as COMM majors. Orientations will include one-on-one sessions with an advisor.

If you are interested in enrolling in a major course over the summer (either COMM 321 or COMM 350), please submit a request to SDSU Summer Request

How to Join a Zoom Meeting

Joining a meeting via Zoom is very easy.
At the assigned meeting time (during open hours or at a scheduled meeting time) use one of the links provided below to be taken to Zoom;
You will be directed to download application if needed;
If you are put in a virtual waiting room, wait there until you can be seen privately in a virtual meeting room.

Meet Your Undergraduate Advisors

Michael McHan

Spring 2020 Virtual Advising
Tuesday: 12:30-6:30
Thursday: 12:30-6:30

Zoom link to contact Dr. McHan during scheduled hours: https://SDSU.zoom.us/j/441560431

mmchan@sdsu.edu

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need help with questions concerning general electives, or non-major courses?

For non-major courses, it is recommended you speak with a general counselor/advisor. Your major advisors specialize in questions related to your major courses. Questions related to non-major courses should be directed towards general advising. For more information about general advising please visit - https://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/advising/contact.html

What is the difference between “Applied Arts and Sciences” and “Liberal Arts and Sciences?”

Liberal Arts and Sciences (Language Requirement) – Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one foreign language to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to section of catalog on “Graduation Requirements.” (Think completion of Span 201, French 201, etc.).
You can also test out of the language requirement if reading, writing and speaking proficiency is demonstrated. See https://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/testofc/Index.html

Applied Arts and Sciences (Mathematics Requirement) – Competency of mathematics must be satisfied by three semesters of college mathematics or a statistical sequence such as Statistics 250, 350A, 350B; or Sociology 201*, 406*, 407* (*additional prerequisites required).
See http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/GRBD.pdf for more information about what math courses can be taken to fulfill this requirement.

How do I get from pre-major status to major status?

A. Complete general education oral communication requirement (3 units) and two courses (6 units) selected from Communication 160, 201, 204, and 245, each with a grade of “C” or higher and an average grade of 2.75 or higher. These courses cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC).

B. Complete a minimum of 45 transferable semester units and a maximum of 90 semester units.

C. Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.

D. To gain entry into the major, students must fulfill the pre-major requirements described in the catalog in effect at the time they declare the pre-major at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

What is the Communication Certificate?

The certificate program in communication emphasizes scholarly, creative, and professional aspects of communication studies. Coursework includes instruction that provides understanding of culture, health, institutions, interaction, politics, relationships, and rhetoric in everyday life. The focus is placed on how effective communication enhances well-being and relationships; promotes civic engagement, and allows for effective participation in a global community. To be admitted to the certificate program, students must be enrolled at San Diego State University or through the College or Extended Studies. The certificate requires 12 units from Communication 201, 245, 300, 371. Coursework must be completed with a GPA of 2.0. Courses in the certificate may not be counted toward the major or minor in the School of Communication.

What is the Health Communication Certificate?

The certificate program in health communication focuses on how people understand and communicate about health and illness. Coursework includes instruction in health-related and care-related messages, the goals and strategies of health care promotion, the relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in health maintenance and promotion, and the communication surrounding wellness, illness, and healthcare in personal and professional relationships. To be admitted to the certificate program, students must be enrolled at San Diego State University or through the College of Extended Studies. The certificate requires 12 units to include Communication 321 and nine units selected from Communication 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428. Coursework must be completed with a GPA of 2.0. Courses in the certificate may not be counted toward the major or minor in the School of Communication.