Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers to Commonly-Asked Questions
Q: What can I do with a Communication Studies major?
A: Our graduates pursue a wide variety of careers. There’s bound to be one that’s a fit
for you! Check out our flyer, “Positions held by Texas Tech Communication Studies
Alumni,” posted on this bulletin board.
Q: What GPA do I have to have to be a Communication Studies major?
A: The minimum GPA to declare a Communication Studies major is 2.0.
Q: Do COMS classes have pre-reqs?
A: None of our courses have pre-reqs at this time. We do, however, recommend that you
start with some of the basics before jumping into the more advanced courses.
Q: Do I have to have to have a minor if I am a communication Studies major?
A: In the College of Arts & Sciences, Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science Degrees require a minor.
Q: May I have two minors if I am a Communication Studies major?
A: Most definitely. You may choose a minor in any discipline that offers a minor; the only rule
is that you may choose only one minor outside the College of Arts & Sciences.
Q: How do I declare Communication Studies as my major?
A: First of all, visit our Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Judy Poffenbarger, down the hall in
Room 273. She can fill you in on the requirements for a COMS major and can answer any
questions you may have. From there you head to the Dean of Arts & Sciences Office in
Room 102 Holden Hall to make your choice official.
Q: I declared Communication Studies as my major, and now I have a registration HOLD. What do I do?
A: Go see our Undergraduate Advisor, Judy Poffenbarger, in Room 273; she can tell you what
the HOLD is for and how to get it moved or cleared.
Q: How long will it take me to graduate with a Communication Studies major?
A: Communication Studies is a 36-hour major; students must also complete the General Core
Education requirements outlined by the College of Arts & Sciences, and a minor (most
minors require 18-21 credit hours). Graduation requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, but the
amount of time it will take differs for every student, depending on previous courses taken, how
many hours the student completes every semester, etc. If you visit with Judy Poffenbarger, she
can estimate how long it will take for you.
Q: How do I become involved in debate?
A: Joe Gantt is the Director of Forensics and can answer any questions you have have.
His e-mail is joe.gantt@ttu.edu and his office # is 277.
If you have any other questions, just ask!
We're here to help you in any way we can!