All Fall Advising will be done by appointment via Zoom. Each academic advisor for the School of Communication has a sign-up sheet posted for advising. If you need to meet with an advisor please sign up for a 15 minute Zoom Appointment. Advisor can also be emailed any questions you may have. Please consult the major requirements listed under the major on the website. Please note that advisors do check email frequently and will return emails in a 48 hours period. Please be sure to include your RED ID# in all correspondences.
There are different advisors for general education requirements. Students can make appointments for GE advising at https://advising.sdsu.edu/
Advising Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see an advisor?
Yes! You should make a strong effort to see your major advisor at least once per academic year. This will help ensure you are taking the right classes and are on track to graduate. Students have two advisors. One advisor in General Education and one in their Major.
Do I need to make an appointment to see an advisor?
Yes. Each advisor in the School of Communication has advising appointments on our website that you can sign up for an advising appointment.
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.
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).
What is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement?
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement. Passing the Writing Placement Assessment with a score of 10 or Rhetoric and Writing Studies 305W with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/GRBD.pdf for a complete listing of requirements.
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).
How many units does the minor require?
The minor in communication requires the completion of 21 units (7 classes). See minor sheet for more details.
Are major courses allowed to be taken for credit/no credit?
No, courses being used to satisfy major requirements are not allowed to be taken for credit/no credit. For more information visit - http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/webfolder/440-454_U_Policies.pdf
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.
