Communication (BS)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

Communication is a process engaged in by people, between people, and with the aim of influencing people, and thus our field is grounded in research that surrounds social phenomena, broadly conceived. Communication happens inside of lived experiences of individuals interacting in social contexts, whether they be communities, societies, organizations, teams, or cultures. Communication occurs orally, visually, and written, often with the aid of socially constructed and adopted technologies, and such technologies themselves interact with human communication processes. Therefore, the study of communication draws its theoretical strength and methodological rigor from the social sciences including psychology, sociology, information and computer sciences - to name a few. As a Department of Communication, we are therefore committed to engaging in grounded, empirical and phenomenological research, drawn from an array of social science traditions and a variety of research methodologies, extending, developing and applying theoretical perspectives to the most pressing social and policy issues of the day. Our research focuses on the social dynamics and effects of media, psychological workings and sociological implications of information technologies, mechanisms of persuasion and social influence, and the communication challenges around science, environment, and health. Our program thus consists of developing fluency in various qualitative and quantitative methods and provides opportunities to engage in research and extension or outreach applications at students' election. Our program is designed to develop professional acuity, particularly around writing, visual and oral presentation skills that are needed to prepare for any professions Communications majors will later pursue.

Academic Standards

  • First-year and transfer students are admitted directly into the major and most prerequisites will be met by virtue of the requirements for admission. Students seeking to transfer internally to the COMM major should contact the Department of Communication for more information.
  • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade.
  • A grade above failing (F) must be earned to meet major requirements.
  • COMM 4940 Special Topics in Communication may be repeated for credit when the topics are different.

Communication Research Honors Program

Please see the Communication Research Honors Program section in Special Academic Options section of this catalog.