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Communication Studies, B.A.

Learn Strategic Communication Skills That Will Take You Places
  • 109

    Among Public National Universities,
    U.S. News & World Report

  • 1 of 4

    UNC System Schools Featured in the Fiske Guide to Colleges

  • 20th

    Nationally, Best Online Bachelor's Programs,
    U.S. News & World Report

Our graduates thrive in a wide range of professional settings:

Franchise or freelance, real estate or event design, our graduates have created successful side gigs and full-time careers using the COM degree.

COM majors often find professional joy in helping others succeed. Our students are sought after by search firms and others who need a high level of client engagement and services.

Many of our grads are passionate about working with organizations that focus on social change and helping others. They often serve in roles such as communication specialist, training and leadership.

Graduates work either in-house or for an agency to create IMC campaigns that advance the strategic goals of the company or client.

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Learn To

Create important and effective messages for public speaking

Explore all aspects of digital creativity such as podcasts, videos, social media and websites

Conduct research and connect it to your communication goals and deliverables

Learn the value of research while exploring real world problems, issues and skillsets

Analyze and critique messages from diverse perspectives

“ I have found so much success in my professional career that I can link back to the different courses and internships that were available to me through the UNCW COM department. ”
Erica Recent Alumna
Communication Studies, B.A. Program Overview

The Power of Effective Communicators

Human connection is the basis for everything else that makes us human and makes communities and the marketplace happen. Whether you are dealing with your friends, classmates, supervisors, or customers, you need to communicate well to have productive and satisfying relationships.  That’s where communication comes in. 

As a communication studies major, you will learn to think strategically about communication.  You will become aware of the power of symbols to shape reality and grow in your ability to make effective and ethical arguments through whatever communication choices are available to you.

Applied Learning & Community Engagement

Many of our students engage in projects that make positive differences in the community and in their own lives. In those projects we see the power of connecting timeless truths with cutting edge application. As a communication studies major, you will have numerous applied learning and community engagement opportunities throughout our curriculum.

For example, we have a student-run integrated marketing communication (IMC) agency that works with local clients. Our digital media students partner with local artists to create award winning interviews and music videos.  We have a wide-ranging internship program and the opportunity to create custom internships, and we work closely with our international programs office to support and lead study abroad experiences for our students. We have a nationally recognized storytelling program that engages local schools.

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Create a foundation for choosing a multitude of career paths

Become a part of the Communication Studies community.

Sample Courses in a Communication Studies Major

Table lists sample courses for this program
COM 365 Media, Identity and Difference
COM 231 Essentials of Integrated Marketing Communication
COM 212 Storytelling & Community Engagement
COM 380 Field Video Production
COM 344 Intercultural Communication
COM 374 Communication Consulting
COM 498 Internships in Communication Studies
COM 320 Critical Issues in Interpersonal Communication
COM 356 Speechwriting
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Major in Communication Studies?

At 42 hours, our major works well with those interested in double-majoring or in completing one or more minors while completing their degree.  It is also study-abroad friendly as well!

A student may declare the Pre-Communication Studies (PCOM) major after earning a minimum of 24 semester credit hours and a grade of "B" or above in COM 105: Introduction to Communication Studies.

A PCOM Major may then declare the Communication Studies (COM) major, by earning a grade of "B" or above in COM 200: Research Methods.  These two foundational courses are designed to help students succeed in the major. 

Learn more about the
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