Focus Area Information

To complete a Focus Area, you will take 18 semester units or 24 quarter units chosen from a list of approved courses for that area (click on the links for each Focus Area above to see the list of classes). Classes do appear in more than one Focus Area.

The five focus areas are:

Students also have the option to create a Generalist Focus Area by choosing classes from any of the Focus Area Lists.

 

FAQ's

  • Why does the COMS major have focus areas?

The focus areas provide guidance on what classes relate to each other and work well together. Completing course work in a specific focus area allows you to add some specificity to your degree and to help you communicate the knowledge and abilities you will have as a result of your degree. Along with this, we want you to dive deeper into the area(s) of communication that you’ve come to enjoy the most!

    • Will my focus area show up on my transcript? 

    No, a focus area will not be listed on your transcript. But, you can list your focus area on your resume and talk about it in cover letters, interviews, and personal statements to highlight the specific aspects of communication about which you have advanced knowledge.

        • How do I decide which focus area to pursue? What if I have questions about a focus area? 

        In COMS 100/1100, you will learn more about Focus Areas and evaluate which one might be the best fit for you.

        Additionally, each focus area has an assigned advisor. They are here to help you with all questions regarding a focus area. Or you can reach out to Dr. Anuraj Dhillon (Department Chair) or Dr. Leslie Nelson (Associate Chair) for guidance on choosing a Focus Area.

        • When do I need to decide on a focus area?

        For students who start at Cal Poly as freshmen, ideally, a focus area should be decided upon by the end of your sophomore year; however, students are welcome to decide on a focus area and approach the focus area advisor earlier on in their studies. 

        For incoming transfer students, a focus area should be decided by the end of your first term at Cal Poly—we know that’s fast! You should meet with your faculty advisor or one of the current focus area advisors early on in your time at Cal Poly to help you decide which Focus Area is the best fit for you. 

        • How do I formally choose or change a focus area?

        Good news, you do not need to do anything! The focus areas are a way to help you decide what classes to take to complete your degree and prepare for your post-graduation plans. There is no formal process to choose or change a focus area.

        If you change your focus area later in your degree, it may limit the total number of classes you can take within that focus area. Luckily, the focus areas have some crossover, meaning that the courses you have already taken or already planned to take may also be listed in your new focus area.

        • How many classes in my focus area should I take per year in order to graduate on time?

        There is no one answer to this, as every student’s pathway through the major differs based on transfer units, changes of major, chosen minors, etc. Generally, you should begin taking upper division major courses, all of which fall into one of the listed focus areas, during the last semester of your sophomore year. For more specific guidance, you should meet with CLA Advising and/or your COMS faculty advisor. You can also review the flowchart for more guidance on how to plan out all your courses and stay on track with your intended graduation date.

        • How do I know when the classes in my focus area will be offered?

        The term that a given class is typically offered can be found here: https://coms.calpoly.edu/communication-studies-course-descriptions-course-offerings. This is updated regularly and will help you decide what classes to take. We try to offer the majority of the Focus Area classes at least once a year, but many of them will only be offered one time a year.

        • What if the classes I want to take in my focus area are not offered? 

        If a class in your Focus Area is not being offered and no term is listed on the Term Typically Offered page, you should contact your COMS faculty advisor or the Associate Chair (Dr. Nelson) for guidance. 

        • There is a class that I want to take that is not listed in my Focus Area. Can I substitute this course in the focus area?

        The focus areas are meant to guide you, but you have flexibility. For example, if you want to take an upper division COMS course that is not listed in your focus area, you are welcome to do so. There is no penalty, nor is there a formal process of approval. Simply speak with your COMS faculty advisor or the advisor of your focus area. 

        If the course is coming from outside the COMS Department (from another department or study abroad, for example), a formal course substitution must be submitted by the department. Please see the Department Chair or Department Associate Chair for more information on this. Course substitutions will be granted on a limited basis and only for courses that have a clear focus on studying communication throughout the course. 

        • How do I get career help and internships in these focus areas?

        For information on internships, feel free to reach out to the Internship Faculty Advisor. 

        For AY 26-27, the Internship advisor is Dr. Leslie Nelson.

        What if I have a question that is not answered here?

        Please contact Dr. Anuraj Dhillon (Department Chair) or Dr. Leslie Nelson (Associate Chair) for further inquiries, including suggestions for questions to add to this FAQ.

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