What is a C-I Course?
C-I stands for Communication-Intensive.
A C-I course is similar to a regular course but provides an added opportunity to develop key communication skills within your field of study—even if communication isn't traditionally associated with your major. The skills developed through C-I courses can transcend any one assignment or discipline, ensuring you have the tools to be an effective communicator wherever you go next. The added bonus is that these courses are often built into a degree path, so that means gaining these skills without having to take any additional courses.
More than 500 C-I Course sections are taught every semester across disciplines, so students have access to at least 1 C-I Course while at LSU regardless of their major. And research shows that regardless of your post-graduation steps, employers across industries prioritize communication skills when vetting candidates.
view list of C-I Courses offered this semester
Benefits of Taking a C-I Course
Smaller class sizes. In a campus as big as LSU, it's easy to feel lost in the crowd. C-I Courses are around 35 students to every instructor, giving you an opportunity to fully engage in your class and develop community with your peers.
Opportunities to practice and get feedback as you build your skills. Feedback plays a key role in C-I Courses, giving you the space to actually learn how to communicate effectively and make adjustments to improve along the way.
Gain better understanding of your course material. Students often say, "If I have to talk about it, then I need to really know my stuff." C-I assignments are built in a way that will help you "know you stuff" and be able to present it to your audience in a way that can help them understand it, too.
Earn recognition. C-I Courses are the foundation for two student recognition programs at LSU: the LSU Communicator Certificate and the LSU Distinguished Communicator medal program.
Communication Modes for C-I Courses
All C-I courses are certified in one or two of the following modes of communication: written, spoken, visual and technological. This means you will have the opportunity to flex those types of skills while you’re taking the course.
Some of the best communicators demonstrate success in all four modes, and we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to gain that experience through C-I courses.