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In the communication major, you will actively and systematically study the role media and communication play in shaping public opinion, how it crosses boundaries between private and public life, as well as the role media plays in different intersecting arenas, including culture, society, national and global development and our own identities. The diverse range of courses in the major encourage the development of important skills related to critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. The Communication major offers you the flexibility to focus on your areas of interest by offering two tracks:

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PROFESSIONAL TRACK

Through the professional track you can learn about media criticism, writing for the media and video and documentary production by having the opportunity to understand and critically examine the media from various social, cultural, political and economic perspectives; learn and apply relevant theoretical frameworks for analyzing media texts; and gain hands-on experience and build skills focused on print, such as writing for the media or in digital video or documentary production.

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RESEARCH TRACK

The Research Track provides you with an overview of foundational theoretical frameworks from various political, economic, historical, social and cultural contexts when studying mass media. Through a wide range of courses, you can understand the relationships between media, culture and power; learn about U.S. and global media theory and practices; develop critical thinking skills about the connections between media production and consumption; and engage in dialogue and critical analysis of media texts.

ADVISORS

Shelli Veal

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MAJOR COORDINATORS

Professor David Coon

DEPARTMENT

Culture, Arts and Communication (CAC)

CAREER OPTIONS

  • Media Research
  • News Reporting and Editing
  • Print and Broadcast Writing
  • Video and Digital Media Production
  • Web Design

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • To declare the Communication major, you must take one of the following courses, with a minimum grade of 2.5:
    • TCOM 201 Media and Society OR
    • TCOM 230 Media Globalization and Citizenship
  • Transfer Credits: A maximum of 15 credits are allowed to be transferred toward the Communication degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Professional Track: You need to complete 60 credits, which must include a minimum of 20 credits of upper-division (300–400 level) courses.
  • Research Track: You need to complete 55 credits, which must include a minimum of 20 credits of upper-division (300–400 level) courses.