The Major
The Communication/Journalism major combines communication theory with practical experience to prepare students to work in the mass media or to pursue graduate study. We are a liberal arts-based program that emphasizes writing, oral communication, and computer skills in all of our courses.
Students may elect to study communication in general or to focus on one of our four concentrations: advertising, broadcasting, print journalism, or public relations. Our extensive listing of internships in the Rochester area provides junior and senior communication majors with practical experience in their field of interest.
The Communication/Journalism major is a popular double major and is most frequently combined with English, Political Science, and History. For students who do not select a double major, a minor is required. The most popular minors include writing, political science, management, marketing, visual and performing arts. sports management, and foreign languages.
Course Requirements
39 Credits Total
- 6 required courses (21 credits)
- COMM 100: Introduction to Mass Communication
- COMM 205: Media Issues in Contemporary Culture
- COMM 264: Broadcasting: History and Development
- COMM 270: Introduction to Public Relations
- COMM 301: Journalism I: News Writing and Reporting
- COMM 420: Senior Seminar
- 1 advertising elective (3 credits)
- COMM 281: Introduction to Advertising
- COMM 383: Creative Ad Writing: Print
- COMM 384: Creative Ad Writing: Broadcast
- 1 speech elective (3 credits)
- COMM 250: Speech Communication
- COMM 353: Public Speaking
- COMM 354: Interviewing
- 1 production elective (3 credits)
- COMM 231: Introduction to Media Production
- COMM 260: Introduction to Digital Media
- COMM 309: Desktop Publishing
- COMM 332: Advanced Media Production
- COMM 334: Photography for the Media
- COMM 369: Web Design
- 4 general electives (12 credits)
- COMM 490: Internship (may be taken twice)
- Any COMM course (except COMM 199), including courses listed above not already taken
The Minor
The COMM minor consists of the following 6 courses:
- COMM 100: Introduction to Mass Communication (3 credits)
- 1 speech elective (3 credits)
- COMM 250: Speech Communication
- COMM 353: Public Speaking
- COMM 354: Interviewing
- 4 electives (12 credits)
- Any COMM course (at least 2 at or above the 300-level), including courses listed above not already taken. Minors may not take COMM 199 (Research-based Writing) for minor credit. Minors may NOT register for COMM 420 (Senior Seminar) or COMM 490 (Internship)
Note: Only one course applied to a student’s major may also be used to satisfy a requirement in the Communication/ Journalism minor.