Communication is concerned with the most distinct human characteristics: the use of spoken language and the use of media to communicate information, maintain social contact, and influence others. The Department of Communication and Journalism at Texas A&M University offers five undergraduate degrees, two minors, six certificates, a dedicated first semester experience for freshmen and for transfer students, an internship program, and optional study abroad trips and field trips that when combined to meet a student’s interests provide unique approaches to acquiring the knowledge and the marketable skills needed to describe, interpret, evaluate and transform the world around us through the use of communication and media.
We offer students the following:
Majors
- Communication BA/BS
- Telecommunication Media Studies BA/BS
- Journalism BA/BS
Minors
Certificates
- Communication Leadership and Conflict Management
- Health Communication
- Social Media (majors only)
- Strategic Communication (majors only)
Many students select a major and a minor in order to customize their choices of classes. Other students choose a major, a minor and then pattern their courses to pursue a certificate. Honors students may participate in the the well-established and well-respected COMM-Honors program. Academic Advisors are on hand to assist students in refining their pathway to their future.
Career options abound. While some students choose advanced degrees in communication, law, business, or religion, many go straight into the work world to pursue careers in a vast array of areas. Typical choices include positions in strategic communication, public relations, marketing, advertising, promotions and sales, training and human resources, social media, journalism, digital communication, leadership and management, health fields related to communication, organizations and public policy, communication media, sports communication, entertainment and related areas of business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
Degree requirements depending on the path chosen may include the study of rhetorical and communication theories, media theories, media history, media industries, media writing, the study of communication research methods, and the use of those theories, research methods and skills in a variety of communication and media contexts. Such contexts include health communication, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, mass media and new communication technologies, journalism, organizational communication, political rhetoric, religious communication, sports communication and others. Students use their communication and media skills to become leaders in all areas of business, social and political life.
Honors Program
The Department of Communication and Journalism has a well-established Honors plan and strong linkages to the University honors program. Honors courses are available in all areas of Communication. In addition, students may graduate with honors in Communication noted on the transcript. Honor students may also choose individualized instruction through COMM 497,
and through honors contracting. Students interested in the Department’s Honors Program should contact the Communication Undergraduate Studies Office.
Undergraduate Courses
The Department of Communication and Journalism offers courses in many areas of the discipline: Health Communication, Media Studies, Organizational Communication, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, Journalism, Leadership and Civic Dialogue, Communication and Diversity, Social Media, Strategic Communication and Digital Communication, Media Literacy with significant focus in Intercultural and International communication across each area.
Certificates
The Department of Communication and Journalism offers six certificates. While these certificates are optional, they permit a student to focus studies in one of four areas. The certificate is also noted on the student’s transcript. The certificates in Communication Leadership and Conflict Management and in Health Communication are open to students in the Department of Communication and in any major across the University. The certificates in Strategic Communication and in Social Media are offered to students majoring in Communication, Telecommunication Media Studies or Journalism only.
