Major
UConn’s Communication major combines dynamic coursework and hands-on learning to explore human communication from every angle.
Whether you’re interested in a career as a communications professional, planning to pursue academic research, or exploring opportunities in between, our program equips you with the skills and experience to succeed in any path you choose.
About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication examines communication at multiple levels of society and in different settings, including intercultural, interpersonal, nonverbal, and organizational communication. We offer courses that span the discipline and enable students to acquire breadth and depth in their education.
Training in basic theories, principles, best practices, and current research methods of communication prepares students for careers in advertising, digital media production, government/politics, marketing, public relations, and more.
Students can earn a BA in Communication at the Storrs and Stamford campuses.
Requirements and Courses
Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in core concepts, specialized courses that you can mix and match depending on your interests, and immersive experiences that allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.
Students majoring in communication must complete the following:
Two 1000-level introductory courses.
- COMM 1000: The Process of Communication.
- COMM 1100: Principles of Public Speaking.
At least 30 credits in COMM courses at the 2000 level or above, including:
- Core courses (12 credits). Complete four of the following courses, taken in any order:
- COMM 2100: Professional Communication.
- COMM 2200 (formerly 3200): Interpersonal Communication.
- COMM 2300 (formerly 3300): Effects of Mass Media.
- COMM 2500 (formerly 3100): Persuasion.
- COMM 2600 (formerly 1300 Mass Communication Systems): Media in the Information Age.
- COMM 2700: Fundamentals of Digital Production.
- Research methods in communication (three credits). Complete one of the following COMM Q courses:
- COMM 2000Q: Research Methods in Communication.
- COMM 2010Q: Applied Communication Research Methods.
- Writing-intensive course (three credits). Complete at least one COMM W course.
- Immersion course (three credits). Complete at least three credits across one or more COMM immersion courses.
- Immersion courses include COMM 4799, 4979, 4981, 4982, 4996, 4997W, and 4999.
- The three credits may be earned in one course or through multiple variable-credit courses.
- Learn more about our immersion courses.
- Electives (nine credits). Complete at least three additional COMM courses of your choice at the 2000 level or above.
An additional 12 credits of related coursework outside the Department of Communication at the 2000 level or above.
- Students can choose from a list of pre-selected related courses.
- Courses that do not appear on the list must be approved by your advisor.
Students are also encouraged to complete at least one internship (COMM 4981: Internship in Communication). Internships can be taken during the academic year or summer and meet the immersion course requirement for the major.
Plan of Study Requirements for Catalog Years Prior to 2021-2022
Students who declared their major before summer 2021 must complete the following:
- Three 1000-level required courses (nine credits):
- COMM 1000: The Process of Communication.
- COMM 1100: Principles of Public Speaking.
- COMM 2600 (formerly 1300): Media in the Information Age.
- One research methods course (three credits):
- COMM 2000Q (formerly 3000Q): Research Methods in Communication
- Two of the following 2000-level core courses (six credits), taken in any order:
- COMM 2200 (formerly 3200): Interpersonal Communication.
- COMM 2300 (formerly 3300): Effects of Mass Media.
- COMM 2500 (formerly 3100): Persuasion.
- One COMM writing-intensive “W” course (three credits).
- Four COMM elective courses * at the 2000 level or above (12 credits).
- Four related courses outside the Department of Communication at the 2000 level or above (12 credits).
*Students must meet all requirements listed and complete a total of 24 credits in COMM at the 2000 level or above. Additional core or W courses completed may be counted as an elective COMM course.
*Students are restricted to no more than two elective COMM courses considered applied. For a list of applied courses, please check your Academic Requirements report.
Double Majors, Additional Degrees, and Minors
Students can enrich their college experience by adding a double major, dual degree, and/or a minor.
A double major allows students to complete majors in two different departments or plans in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). An additional degree allows students to complete majors in two different schools or colleges.
Students interested in adding communication as a double major, an additional degree, or a minor can meet with an advisor. Students interested in a major or minor outside of the Department of Communication should meet with that department to get a full understanding of the requirements and timeline for graduation.
Resources for Undergraduate Students
Advising
Need help navigating degree options, selecting courses, or exploring career paths? Our staff and faculty advisors offer personalized support to help you make the most of your education.
Scholarships
Communication students can apply for scholarships that consider merit and financial need through the Department of Communication and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Career Resources
Not sure what to do with your communication degree? Explore recent job titles and industries where our alumni work as well as professional development resources.
Fast-Track Master’s Degree
Looking to get a head start on your career? The Fast-Track Master of Arts (MA) in Communication introduces you to advanced topics while you’re still an undergraduate and allows you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years.
Ready to Declare Your Major?
Students can declare or change their major using the Online Program Change website. To do so, log in, select Major Change, and follow the prompts.
If you have a double major or minor, please include that under More Details.
Contact Us
For questions about our undergraduate programs, please contact Stephen Stifano, director of undergraduate studies.