Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Program Overview

The Department of Communication’s curriculum is designed to provide a liberal education in the arts and sciences of human communication as well as preparation for career opportunities in business, government, education and related fields. Within the curriculum, students may pursue academic courses that emphasize many disciplinary areas, including organizational communication, public relations, intercultural communication, political communication, conflict management, cognition and persuasion, rhetorical theory, history of rhetoric and criticism of public discourse.

The strength of a communication major resides in an understanding of the place of communication in humanity and in a fully developed ability to participate effectively and responsibly in communicating with others. Your education in communication will go beyond performance courses that teach the skills of speaking into courses that explore our knowledge of communication in business, government and other human institutions and relationships.

Over the years, communication has also served as an exceptional pre-professional major. Particularly those who proceed to study law, the helping professions and governmental service have found the major critical to their later success. Many of our students remain in communication by pursuing graduate work. A major in communication contributes to the quality of life far beyond the workplace. Those who seek to be good citizens or just good neighbors leave the major with experience and understanding that enriches their lives.

Where do I go for advising?

Where do I go for advising?

If you have questions about majoring in communication or need information about communication courses, please see undergraduate advising located in 2101D Skinner (Note that all advising is currently taking place virtually). You may either schedule an appointment by using our online calendar or calling 301-405-0862 you may also refer to the advising page for drop-in advising hours. You can also send questions to commadvising@umd.edu.

If you have questions about your Gen.Ed. or foreign language requirements, please see Arts & Humanities advising located in 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall. The phone number for Arts & Humanities is 301-405-2108. To learn more about Arts & Humanities, visit www.arhu.umd.edu.