About the Communication Major
Majoring in Communication will expose you to a sizeable body of literature, theory, and practical skills that will lead you to develop an informed perspective on the role of communication as a social, spiritual, intellectual, and artistic institution. The experience will facilitate your development as a competent communicator of both the written and the spoken word.
As a Communication major, you choose one of two tracks:
Depending on which track you choose, many of your courses will focus on skills associated with interpersonal communication, communication theories, public speaking, media law, editing, design, conflict management, and more.
Benefits
Whether you choose the Communication Studies or the Journalism track, the Communication major is designed to prepare you for placement in the culture-shaping world of communication and journalism, as well as in a multitude of other realms. If you decide to continue your studies beyond graduation, the Communication major also serves as a strong framework for graduate school in any number of fields of study, including law, theology, sociology, marriage and family counseling, education, theatre, creative writing, psychology, library science, and business.
Additionally, the skills you will hone as a Communication major — self-knowledge, interpersonal communication, social interaction, presentation of self, personal discipline, risk-taking, cooperative group effort, sensitivity to others, and more — are important to many career applications besides those allied specifically with communication or journalism. As a Communication major you will be prepared to serve especially well in those careers associated with working with others, including working with the public.
Major Courses and Degree Requirements
In general, all Communication majors are required to fulfill the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum of 55 (Communication Studies track) or 58 (Journalism track) credits in Communication and Journalism studies and applications, with a minimum of 28 (Communication Studies track) or 25 (Journalism track) upper-division credits.
- Demonstrate a growing ability in communication criticism, artistic awareness, and personal communication skills.
- Successfully complete a Senior Seminar (Communication Studies track) or Student Media Internship (Journalism track)
A maximum of 12 credits of practica offerings may be applied toward the major; any number toward the BA degree.
View the Communication Studies track and the Journalism track general core courses and electives.
Admission to the Major
To apply for a major in Communication, you must display a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all your college work applicable to the degree, or 3.0 in the 45 credits immediately preceding your application for the major. To apply, download the Major or Minor Application form (PDF). You are required to complete the major requirements in effect when admitted to the major.