Humanities and Communication
Explore HCOM: A Program for Thinkers, Communicators, and Changemakers
The HCOM curriculum brings together classic areas like literature, history, philosophy, rhetoric, communication, journalism, and creative writing with vibrant contemporary fields such as ethnic studies (Chicanx/Latinx, African American, Asian American, Euro American, Native American), American studies, women’s studies, cultural studies, and media studies. At many universities, these subjects are separate—here, we explore how they connect. You'll start with a strong foundation in core humanities and communication courses, and then dive deeper into one of nine unique concentrations that match your passions and goals.
Our mission is to prepare ethical, creative, and critical thinkers and doers in a multicultural and increasingly interconnected global society.
Toward that end, we offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary humanities and liberal arts education for the 21st century.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Communication is an interdisciplinary program that combines a variety of humanities and communication studies areas into one unique degree. Students complete a core set of courses including one each for outcomes in Ethical and Effective Communication, Social and Cultural Analysis, Engaged Creative Practice, and Humanistic Inquiry.
They then choose an area of concentration including:
The School of Humanities and Communication also sponsors or co-sponsors the following minors:
- Chicanx Studies
- Creative Writing and Social Action
- Ethnic and Gender Studies
- Humanities and Communication
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Peace Studies (with the Department of Social Sciences and Global Studies)
- Pre-Law
- Writing and Rhetoric
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic and Gender Studies gives you the intellectual knowledge and tools to be an agent of social change, to thrive professionally, and to flourish as a critic of social structures in the United States. Students in this major learn how multiple social identities – including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and/or ability – intersect and shape our lives, contributing to our life experiences, our opportunities, and the challenges faced by members of our communities. Students complete a series of courses, including on in each core outcome for the major focusing on Cultural Expression/Representations, Communities and Social Movements, Historical Formations, and Theories of Race and Gender.
The Department of Humanities and Communication also accepts the following Associate Degrees for Transfer (AA-T):
- Communication Studies, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- English, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- History, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- Journalism, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- Law, Public Policy, and Society, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- Philosophy, AA-T to Humanities & Communication, B.A.
- Social Justice AA-T to Ethnic and Gender Studies, B.A.
Applied Learning Opportunities
Students earning a degree in Humanities and Communication have multiple ways to gain hands-on experience in their fields and develop critical skills in our disciplines. Students can take a variety of courses or participate in internships.
Course-based opportunities
Beginning in Fall 2020 students can take courses to help build key skills to be successful as students and professionals.
Explore the course-based opportunities designed to help you grow as a student and professional.Applied Learning Opportunities
Our program is guided by a few important beliefs:
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That thinking and communicating ethically, creatively, and critically are essential to living with purpose
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That understanding diverse histories and cultures helps build a more peaceful and just world
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That learning across disciplines helps us better understand the challenges facing our communities and our planet
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That knowledge has the greatest impact when it’s used thoughtfully and creatively to meet real-world needs
As part of the HCOM community, you’ll read powerful literature and craft your own creative work. You’ll explore untold stories and help shape the future through storytelling, research, and media. You’ll study communication as a way to build connection—with an emphasis on ethical dialogue, care, respect, and inclusion. Most importantly, you’ll put what you learn into action through meaningful, hands-on projects that make a difference.
Careers
HCOM students go on to do amazing things!
From education and law to media, nonprofits, and beyond—our graduates have built meaningful careers across a wide range of fields. 🎓
Click the dropdown below to explore some examples! ⬇️
- Advertising, Coast Weekly, Seaside, CA
- Field Representative for Assemblyman Simon Salinas
- Project Manager, Department of Defense
- Paralegal, Long Beach
- Editing Assistant, Hampton-Brown Publishing Co.
- Entrepreneur, Aneas Creative Designs (Fused Glass Art)
- Content Development and Grant Writing, Information & Technology, CSUMB
- Youth Intervention Counselor, Asian American Recovery Services (Non-Profit Organization), San Jose
- Counselor, River Oak Center for Children
- Grant Researcher, Coalition of Homeless Services
- Grant Researcher, John XXIII AIDS Ministry
- Assistant to the Vice President, American Color Graphics Co., Texas
- Style Editor, CTB McGraw Hill
- Assistant Director, Heads Up Child Development Center, Palo Alto
- Migrant Education Instructor, Hollister School District
- Educator, St. Anthony Foundation, (Non-Profit Organization), San Francisco
- Field Director, AIDS Organization, San Francisco
- Campus Events Consultant, CSUMB
- Interim Student Activity Specialist, CSUMB
- Substitute Teacher, Gilroy High School
- Administrative Analyst, Carmel Highlands Hotel and Resort, Carmel
- Outreach Counselor, CSUMB (SOAR)
- Video Producer, Teatro Campesino
- ESL Instructor, Everett Alvarez High School
- CD ROM Multimedia Developer, Marketing/Advertising firm, Maryland
- Public Relations & Marketing Director: Downtown Dining
- English/Journalism Instructor, Gilroy High School
- Physical Education Instructor, Greenfield High School
- Director of Service Learning, Chualar
Want to read personal stories and get advice from HCOM grads? Check out our HCOM Alumni page! 📘
Graduate & Law Schools
HCOM graduates have continued their education at a wide range of graduate schools—from Master’s and Ph.D. programs to law schools across the country. 🎓
Take a look below for a snapshot of fields and institutions they’ve pursued! ⬇️
Graduate schools
- Education, CSUMB
- Social Work, CSUMB
- Education, Claremont University
- Creative Writing, Antioch University
- English, Humboldt State University
- Rabbinical School, Chovevei Torah, Manhattan
- Journalism, UC Berkeley
- Communication Studies, San Jose State University
- English, CSU Sacramento
- Counseling, Santa Clara University
- Pacific Rim Asian Studies Program, University of San Francisco
- Ethnic Studies, San Francisco State
- Library and Information Sciences, San Jose State University
- Social Work, San Jose State University
- Creative Writing, Mills College
- Latin American Studies, UC San Diego
- Masters of Education, CSUMB
- Communications, Boise State University
- Monterey Institute for International Studies
- Educational Counseling, San Jose State University
- Public Health, UCLA
- Education, University of Utah
- Education, University of California Santa Cruz
- History, Chico State
- American Studies, Kennesaw State University
- Teacher Education, UC Berkeley
- Mexican-American Studies, San Jose State
- Justice Studies, San Jose State
- Communication Studies, Cal State Los Angeles
Law schools
- Monterey College of Law
- Santa Clara University School of Law
- Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco
- University of San Francisco School of Law
- Hastings College of Law (University of California)
- Boalt Hall Law School, UC Berkeley
- Thomas Cooley School of Law, Michigan
- Whittier Law School
- California Western School of Law
- University of California Irvine
- Georgetown University
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law
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Is HCOM the right fit for you?
If you’re someone who likes to ask questions and take action—who wants to build knowledge and use it to help others—then yes, this program is for you. You’ll gain critical thinking, collaboration, cultural awareness, and communication skills that prepare you for a wide range of opportunities: graduate school, professional careers, community leadership, and the interconnected world we all share.