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Department Name Change: CSI to COMM

Beginning Fall 2025, the Department of Communication and Social Influence (CSI) will be renamed the Department of Communication (COMM).

 

What This Means for Students: 

  • CSI seniors graduating in spring/summer 2025 are unaffected and will graduate with a BA in Communication in Social Influence. 

  • Current CSI majors graduating after summer 2025 can choose to graduate with a BA in Communication and Social Influence or a BA in Communication. 

  • CSI course codes will change to COMC starting fall 2025, but course content remains the same. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about the transition from the Department of Communication and Social Influence (CSI) to the Department of Communication (COMM). If you have additional questions, please refer to the information below, contact academic advising at  or send an email to for assistance. We will also be hosting information sessions in the coming months to answer your questions.

Why is the department name changing?

The new name, Department of Communication, better reflects the depth and breadth of our academic offerings, aligns with national and international professional organizations and makes our degree more recognizable to employers and graduate programs. 

Will this change impact my degree requirements?

No, your degree requirements remain the same regardless of whether you continue under CSI or switch to COMM. You will complete the same courses and credit hours as originally planned. 

Do I have the option to switch my degree from CSI to COMM?

  • If you graduate after summer 2025, you can choose to receive your diploma with a BA in Communication and Social Influence or a BA in Communication. 

  • If you are graduating in Spring or Summer 2025, you must graduate under the Communication and Social Influence degree and cannot switch to Communication. 

What happens to my current CSI courses?

The courses remain the same, but their prefix will change from CSI to COMC. Course numbers may also be updated, but the content and credits remain unchanged. 

Will my diploma say Department of Communication or Department of Communication and Social Influence?

Your diploma will reflect the department name under which you choose to graduate: 

  • If you switch to COMM, your diploma will state Bachelor of Arts in Communication. 

  • If you stay with CSI, your diploma will state Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Social Influence.

How do I switch to the COMC degree if I want to?

More details on selecting your degree name will be shared as we get closer to Fall 2025, when the change officially takes effect. In the meantime, you can discuss your options with your academic advisor.

Do I need to update my academic records or transcripts?

No, your academic records will automatically reflect the updated course codes. If you switch to COMM, your transcript will show the BA in Communication instead of BA in Communication and Social Influence.

What is the difference between the communication studies major and the communication major?

The Communication Studies program is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates courses from various departments across Klein College. Students earning a degree in the Department of Communication will fulfill requirements through courses within the department.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

You can reach out to academic advising, or send an email to for assistance. We will also be hosting information sessions in the coming months to answer your questions.