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UMA Undergraduate Guide 2018-2019
 Academic Departments and Programs Communication Getting Started (Majors Guide)
Getting Started (Majors Guide)
How to Explore/Get Started in the MajorTo learn about the major, we recommend that students study our website, visit with a peer advisor in ILC N323, and take a couple of Communication courses. Suggested General Education CoursesUnder the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus. For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track. Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened. Suggested Major and Pre-requisite CoursesBefore entering the major, we recommend that students take at least two of the following courses: COMM 118, COMM 121, COMM 122, COMM 125 and COMM 140. Communication majors must take three of these introductory courses to fulfill Comm major requirements. Students should choose among them according to their interests in the field since they serve as prerequisites for intermediate- and upper-level courses. First-year students in the major take COMM 191 (offered in the Fall semester only) and should take at least one of the required courses listed above during their first year. Other students who wish to enter the major should complete these courses no later than the second semester of their sophomore year. A delay in taking these courses will decrease students' chances of being able to complete major requirements in four years and may affect their planned graduation date. How to Declare the MajorStudents interested in adding Communication as a major are encouraged to take at least 2 introductory courses to become familiar with the department. Before adding the major, students must complete a statement of interest form and attend an information session, which are held multiple times throughout the semester. Transfer StudentsStudents can declare Communication as their majors when they enter the university. Meet with an advisor in the Communication Department, preferably during a transfer advising session or before the first day of classes. Fall transfers in the major take COMM 197T. All transfer students should schedule an appointment with an advisor at umass.campus.eab.com to determine which, if any, Communication courses taken elsewhere can be counted towards the major. Junior transfers who do not declare Communication before entering UMass should attend an information session and contact an advisor as soon as possible, preferably not later than the end of the first semester of the junior year. A maximum of 15 approved credits from outside the department may be applied to the major. Summary of Requirements for the MajorMinimum total # of credits required: 45 (46 for Fall direct admits) These requirements apply to students entering the University of Massachusetts in Fall 2018 or later. For requirements for earlier entry years, see the Communication Department webpage or archived Guides to Undergraduate Education.
At least one of the 300- or 400-level courses must be designated an "Integrative Experience" (IE) course, if Communication is a student's primary major. At least 21 of the required 45/46 credits must be taken within the UMass Amherst Department of Communication. Is there a minor? For further information, contact Aaron Hoholik Allison Butler |