You can get a general Communication degree by taking any two (2) courses at the theory level, any five (5) courses (from 3 different specializations) at the advanced topics level, and all required courses.  However, many of our students find that they prefer to specialize in one—or more than one—area of the field.  If you’re interested in more specific course of study, check out our eight different specializations.

Specializations Within the Communication Major

After enrolling in the required prerequisites, COM 1000, 1100, and 1200, and declaring the Communication major, students will consult their academic advisers and choose one of the Department’s specializations:

• Interpersonal Communication- studies role of communication in the formation and negotiation of intimate relationships, families, and friendships. This specialization is great if you're interested in conflict mediation, counseling, intercultural training, or communication consulting!

• Journalism- studies creation and framing of news in print, electronic, and broadcast media. This gives you a great background for a career as a sportswriter, newscaster, photojournalist, or e-journalist!

• Media Production- studies design, production, and editing of content for television, film/video, audio, radio, and multimedia contexts. This is a perfect specialization for a career in audio production or sound recording, radio and internet radio broadcasting, television production, video editing and production, and multimedia production!

• Media Studies- studies mass mediated content (film, television, new media), media technology, media audiences, and mass media as an industry. This is an ideal major if you're interested in entering film school, the film industry, or if you're interested in the study, criticism, and public policy related to the mass media (film, television, internet, etc.)!

• Organizational Communication- studies communication as a process occurring within organization, as well as the role of communication in structuring relationships, values, and cultures central to the organizing process. This is a perfect track for a career in corporate training and development, corporate or international negotiations, human relations/resources, communication management, or organizational consulting!

• Performance Studies- studies public performance (texts, culture, advocacy), performance art, embodiment, folklore & orality. This is a great major if you're interested in theater, acting, or performance art!

• Public Relations- studies image creation and maintenance, media relations, strategic campaign planning and implementation, and crisis communication. This is perfect if you're interested in a career in any area of public relations, marketing, advertising, or integrated communication!

• Rhetorical Studies- studies law, advocacy, social justice/human rights. This is an ideal pre-law major, or a strong preparation for a career in advocacy, politics, or human rights work!

...or combine specializations to unite two of your interests.  For example, combine Public Relations and Organizational Communication, or Performance Studies and Media Production, or Rhetorical Studies and Journalism.  The choice is yours!