Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

The Department of Communication offers students the option to pursue Communication Studies or select from one of the following specializations: Health and Science Communication, Media and Digital Communication, Political Communication and Public Advocacy, or Public Relations. The course requirements for the different specializations vary, and the key to a successful completion of the COMM major requirements is based on planning the appropriate course sequence for your specialization of choice. The major is composed of six parts: Foundations of Communication, Research Methods, Communication and Society (consists of 2 courses: Leadership and Social Change and Diversity and Inclusion), Theory and Principles, 2 Applied courses, and Electives.

Degree Requirements

A grade of 'C-' or better is required in all courses used to satisfy major requirements.

About the Department

The Department of Communication at the University of Maryland is dedicated to the pursuit of communication for the public good. Award-winning faculty are committed to training the next generation of communicators, leaders, researchers, and educators while promoting a broad spectrum of voices and views. Research centers, for political communication and civic leadership, and health and risk communication, invite students to collaborate with faculty on innovative projects.

Coursework

Communication coursework covers multiple levels of knowledge, including communication foundations, research methods, and the major’s applications and relevance to society. The degree provides an understanding of practices necessary to be an effective communicator in a global world. Majors pursue a general communication studies path or select a specialization in health and science communication; media and digital communication; political communication and public advocacy; or public relations. Students may pursue the communication and information science double major offered in collaboration with the College of Information Studies for an increased focus on data analysis for informed decision making. Study abroad opportunities further expose students to global communication, and the university’s location near D.C. enables experiential learning through internships, networking, and mentorships.

Career Readiness

The College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) offers courses designed to ensure students are ready to enter the workforce, along with integrated and individualized academic and career advising. Alumni continue on to graduate school or forge their careers in a variety of industries and fields.

Internship Placements

• Allied Global Marketing
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Maryland General Assembly
• Washington Nationals

Graduate School Placements

• American University
• Georgetown University
• New York University
• Syracuse University

Employer Placements

• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Edelman
• iHeartMedia
• NBCUniversal
• U.S. Department of the Interior

Specialization Options

Health and Science Communication

Examines how health, risk, and science-related issues are communicated by individuals, groups, cultures, and media with particular attention given to effects of messages on public opinion and human behavior.

• Health Communication Theory and Practice
• Health and Media Campaigns
• Risk Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Science Communication

Media and Digital Communication

Examines how messages are produced and disseminated to audiences by traditional media (i.e., television and newspapers) and emerging new digital media.

• Media History and Criticism
• Black Discourse and Digital Society
• Technology and Digital Culture
• Media Effects
• Media Campaigns
• Digital Media and Message Production
• Digital Media and Advocacy

Political Communication and Public Advocacy

Examines how political messages are communicated in political settings including governmental institutions (international, national, state, and local levels) non-governmental organizations (NGOs and community groups), and activist groups (social movements).

• Political Communication
• Politics, Media and Digital Culture
• Public Deliberation and Political Advocacy
• Protest Rhetoric
• Public Address and Historical Research
• Rhetoric of Black America
• Speech Writing
• Political Advertising

Public Relations

Examines how messages are strategically managed to build and maintain relationships with groups that enhance organizational success, shape public opinion, and promote corporate social responsibility.

• Public Relations Management
• PR Writing and Editing
• PR Campaigns
• Public Relations Research
• Communication Ethics
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• New Media Engagement

Communication and Information Science Double Major

The Department of Communication and the College of Information Studies have worked together to create a plan for students who wish to double major in Communication and Information Science. This course of study gives students the technical and communication skills necessary to be successful in an increasingly data-driven world.