Undergraduate Programs

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 six undergraduate degrees, two minors, four 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
• Journalism BA/BS
• Telecommunication Media Studies BA/BS

Minors

• Communication
• Journalism

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 CMJR-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.