The Department of Communication has just revised its curriculum to reduce the overall number of required credits for graduation to 120, while developing specialized emphasis areas to help students structure their plans of study. In addition, two Certificate programs have been added that provide concentrated areas of study.
TIMELINE – DEPARTMENT of COMMUNICATION
| Date | Event |
| 1932 | Boise Junior College established |
| 1934 | Boise Junior College becomes a public, non-profit school |
| 1935-36 | English department includes a Speech classEnglish department offers “Debate” |
| 1937-38 | Journalism classes are introduced |
| 1940-41 | Amateur radio program created by students |
| 1948-49 | The college is reorganized to serve increased enrollments due to post-war G.I. Bill attendance and “Divisions” – precursors to colleges – are created. Division of Humanities includes English, which covers Speech, Journalism, and the radio program |
| 1957-58 | Introduction to Public Speaking, Survey of Speech Arts, and Forensics become part of the formal curriculum. Broadcasting course offered |
| 1958-59 | Journalism adds a reporting class. Semi-professional department adds a Communications class for term familiarization |
| 1959-60 | Speech Arts class added |
| 1960-61 | Vocational/Technical school offers Human Relations class |
| 1961- 68 | Speech Communication degree offered by Theatre Arts Department |
| 1962-63 | First Communication class offered: Vocational Communication Skills, by the Vocational/Technical school |
| 1964 | “Voice of the Broncos” broadcast through KBSU begins |
| 1968-70 | Communication Arts becomes part of the School of Arts and Sciences |
| 1970-71 | Department of Speech-Communication established |
| 1971 | KAID Television Studio established at the Library Learning Center |
| 1972-73 | Degree enrollment doubles, growing from 42 to 99 students |
| 1973-74 | Degree enrollment grows to 153 |
| 1974 | Boise State College becomes Boise State University |
| 1975 | KBSU student radio established. Journalistic Communication program created |
| 1977 | Degree enrollment grows to 239 |
| 1983 | Department moves to the Communication Building |
| 1990 | Masters in Communication approved |
| 1992 | Department hosts Western States Communication Association conference |
| 2008-09 | Certificate in Public Relations added |
| 2010-11 | Certificate in Cinema and Digital Media Studies added |
| 2011-12 | Degree enrollment of 834 students |