Listed below are the requirements for the Communication major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Communication Major Requirements

A major in communication consists of at least 36 credits in communication courses. At least 18 of the 36 credits must be numbered 300 or above, 15 of these taken in residence at 51����.

Graduation with a major in Communication requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all communication courses attempted at 51���� as well as a 2.0 GPA in all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. All courses in the major, with the exception of , must be taken for graded credit. The College of Letters and Science requires that students complete a research experience in their major. The Department of Communication has structured , , and to satisfy that requirement. In these courses, students must produce a written final research paper that involves conducting independent research in addition to evaluating research in the field and integrating it with their findings. Students will present their research in oral form to their course colleagues.

A maximum of 6 credits earned in any combination of the following courses may count toward the minimum number of credits required for the major in communication:

Cross-listed Courses

The following courses offered in other subjects may be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate major in Communication.

The Communication major and minor are available for completion entirely online. Learn more about how the online program works.

Learn more about the Online Options.

We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.

Financial Aid

Various financial aid options are available to support your educational journey. 51����’s Student Financial Services team will guide you through the financial aid process, helping you identify and apply for the best options to fund your bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships

51����’s scholarships encompass a wide variety of awards, including academic excellence and need-based opportunities. Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing.  regularly as you make progress on your degree.

Admissions

Applicants must meet 51����’s general admission requirements to be considered for admission.

Listed below are the requirements for the Communication major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages. 

Communication Major Requirements

A major in communication consists of at least 36 credits in communication courses. At least 18 of the 36 credits must be numbered 300 or above, 15 of these taken in residence at 51����.

Graduation with a major in Communication requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all communication courses attempted at 51���� as well as a 2.0 GPA in all major credits attempted, including any transfer work. All courses in the major, with the exception of , must be taken for graded credit. The College of Letters and Science requires that students complete a research experience in their major. The Department of Communication has structured , , and to satisfy that requirement. In these courses, students must produce a written final research paper that involves conducting independent research in addition to evaluating research in the field and integrating it with their findings. Students will present their research in oral form to their course colleagues.

A maximum of 6 credits earned in any combination of the following courses may count toward the minimum number of credits required for the major in communication:

Cross-listed Courses

The following courses offered in other subjects may be used to fulfill the requirements of the undergraduate major in Communication.

With a bachelor’s in communication degree, you can take countless professional paths or further your education with a master’s degree. You’ll use your knowledge of human interaction, communication tools, meaning generation and more to land positions in marketing, public relations, education, government/politics, international relations, human services and beyond.

Jobs held by 51���� communication majors include:

• Admissions Counselor, Mount Mary University
• Appraiser, City of Milwaukee
• Associate Manager for Online Services, Mark Travel Corporation
• Brand Designer, GMR Marketing
• Branch Manager, Associated Bank
• Business Analyst, FIS
• Career Services Coordinator, Milwaukee Workforce Development
• Communication Coordinator, 3M
• Contract Specialist, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Corporate Trainer, Kohl’s
• Development Director, ACLU
• Grant Coordinator, Argosy Foundation
• Inside Sales Representative, Generac
• Internal Communications Specialist, Aurora Healthcare
• Marketing Assistant, Adidas
• Marketing Assistant, Gravity Marketing
• Marketing Coordinator, Sharpe Engineering
• Marketing Specialist, Sony
• Program Coordinator, Medical College of Wisconsin
• Project Manager, Northwestern Mutual
• Recruiter, Manpower
• Reporter, WNDU
• Training Specialist, Exact Science

Thinking about going to graduate school? Explore 51����’s communication graduate programs. 

Application to all graduate programs are completed through the 51���� Graduate School. Please see their website for detailed information about the application process and contact them with questions.

We also have provided information about applying to one of the Communication graduate programs and our admissions criteria:

How to apply for the Master's in Communication

Admission ����ܾ����𳾱�Գٲ���

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

An applicant must meet  plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:

1. Possess the equivalent of an undergraduate major in speech, speech communication, or related areas.
2. Possess an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 in the major.
3. Submit a reason statement describing your qualifications and reasons for applying to this program, as well as the fit between your interests and department offerings. 
4. Submit your curriculum vitae outlining relevant qualifications, employment, and experiences. 
5. Submit three letters of recommendation from persons capable of judging the applicant’s capacity for success in a graduate program of study.
6. Submit a sample of written work from an academic and/or professional assignment.

Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses.

The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. The deficiencies are monitored by the Graduate School and the individual graduate program unit. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree.

Applicants without the requisite grade point average may be considered for admission on a probationary basis.

Credits and Courses

The minimum degree requirement is 30 credits, including 24 credits taken in the Department of Communication; that is, a maximum of 6 credits taken outside the department may count toward the total credits required. Students must take 24 of the 30 required credits in courses numbered 700 or above.

Students must complete either a professional project or a thesis. 

Electives

Students complete 24 credits in elective courses, most of them selected from courses in the Department of Communication, with the following caveats. A maximum of 6 credits below the 700 level may be counted toward the degree. A maximum of 6 credits in courses outside the department may count toward the degree. No more than 9 credits selected from the combination of �䰿�Ѳѱ�����998, �䰿�Ѳѱ�����999, and courses outside the department may count toward the degree. In addition, the following restrictions on the number of credits that may count toward the degree are placed on these courses:

MA Portfolio Project

At the master’s level, the MA Portfolio Project (MAPP) is designed to allow students to synthesize their accomplishments during the MA program and identify their strengths and needs as they pursue objectives beyond graduate school. In conjunction with the completion of 30-credit hours (per Department of Communication MA guidelines), students who successfully complete a MAPP will meet the requirements for the MA in Communication.

The MA Portfolio Project will provide students with an opportunity to:

• Compile documentation of academic accomplishments during the pursuit of an MA.
• Synthesize the primary contributions of MA coursework.
• Critically reflect upon accomplishments in written work.
• Reflect upon the accomplishment of their initial goals and objectives for the MA, and articulate future career goals and objectives that will utilize the skills/knowledge gained.
• Establish a connection with a field expert (e.g., an individual who works in the student’s desired employment sector or a member of a community group with whom the student hopes to work) and gain additional information about activities the student may wish to pursue after graduation.
• Reflect upon one’s understanding of future pursuits and draw connections between the MA experience and the nature of this type of work/service.

Additional Requirements

Major Professor as Advisor

The student must have a major professor to advise and supervise the student’s studies as specified in Graduate School regulations. The major professor should be designated no later than the end of the student’s first year of enrollment. The incoming student is assigned the Graduate Coordinator or other program faculty member as an initial advisor until a major professor is selected.

Thesis Option

A thesis involves applied or basic research and is a proven method for developing specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance an individual’s expertise within a substantive area of study. A thesis is recommended for students who intend to continue study toward the PhD degree or plan research-related employment. If the thesis option is elected, the student must initiate and write an original research project under the guidance of their major professor; the student also must pass an oral defense of the finished project conducted by their thesis committee.

Time Limit

The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.

Teaching and Research Assistantships are the primary form of financial support for sociology graduate students. These positions provide a salary and tuition remission. Some small scholarships are also available. Click below for more details.

Requirements

The College of Letters & Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at 51����, and at least a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted when any transfer work is included along with the 51���� work. A minor in communication consists of at least 18 credits in communication courses, as distributed below:

The Communication major and minor are available for completion entirely online. Learn more about how the online program works.

Learn more about the Online Options.

Application to all graduate programs are completed through the 51���� Graduate School. Please see their website for detailed information about the application process and contact them with questions.

We also have provided information about applying to one of the Communication graduate programs and our admissions criteria:

How to apply for the PhD in Communication

Admission ����ܾ����𳾱�Գٲ���

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

An applicant must meet , hold a master’s degree in communication or a related field, and meet these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program in regular status:

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.33 (B+) in course work for the master’s degree.
• Submit a reason statement describing your qualifications and reasons for applying to this program, as well as the fit between your interests and department offerings. 
• Submit your curriculum vitae outlining relevant qualifications, employment, and scholarly and professional activity.
• Submit letters of recommendation from at least three (3) communication professionals attesting to the student’s capability to perform satisfactorily at the doctoral level (academic references preferred).
• Submit a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s analytical and critical thinking skills.

Applicants lacking the requisite GPA, and those without the Master of Arts/Science in Communication (or an equivalent degree) may be considered for admission on probation, and may be required to complete preparatory coursework.

Reapplication/Readmission

Students who receive the MA in Communication from 51���� must reapply to be considered for admission to the PhD program.

Credits and Courses

To fulfill the credit requirement for the PhD in Communication, a student must complete at least 54 credits beyond the master’s degree, of which at least 48 credits must be in courses numbered 700 or above. Thirty-six (36) credits must be taken from the Communication Department. Students may complete 6 credit hours in courses below 700 offered outside the Department of Communication. Courses taken toward a master’s degree will not apply to the doctoral program of studies. The 54 credits must be distributed as follows:

¹

Students will determine additional research-tool credits in consultation with their advisor, so as to demonstrate methodological competence in their chosen area of study.

²

No more than 6 credits of �䰿�Ѳѱ�����990 may be applied toward the 54-credit requirement.

Additional Requirements

Major Professor as Advisor

Initially, unless a student specifically requests a particular faculty member, all doctoral students are assigned an “interim” advisor. After the completion of 12 credits, a student is required to designate a faculty member with specialized interests compatible with those of the student to act as the major professor. The major professor is expected to assist the student in planning the remainder of the program of studies, chair the student’s preliminary examination committee, supervise the completion of the PhD dissertation, and conduct the dissertation defense meeting. All students should consult the departmental handbook for additional details on departmental policies and procedures.

Comprehensive Preliminary Examination

A student must pass all components of a comprehensive preliminary examination to be advanced to candidacy for the doctoral degree. The examining committee is responsible for setting an examination schedule agreeable to all parties subject to the constraints that:

1. examinations must include at least 18 hours of questioning, and
2. must be completed in no longer than two (2) calendar weeks.

Each member of the examining committee must read and pass the student on all examination questions the faculty member contributes. The student must receive a passing evaluation from all members of the committee on the written portion of the examination in order to attempt an oral defense of the examination. An affirmative vote constitutes the committee’s decision to advance the student to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Students who fail the doctoral preliminary examination may not proceed to the dissertation. The exam may be retaken only once. The preliminary examination must be successfully completed within five years of initial enrollment.

Dissertation

The candidate, under the supervision of the major professor and in collaboration with a dissertation committee, must write a dissertation that demonstrates the ability to formulate a research topic and pursue an independent and original investigation of the chosen topic. The practices for the dissertation will conform to the guidelines established by the 51���� Graduate School. The dissertation committee shall be composed of the major professor and four additional graduate faculty members (at least three of whom must be from the Communication Department’s graduate faculty). The dissertation committee is responsible for assessing the dissertation project, which involves approving the dissertation prospectus proposal, reviewing working drafts of research in progress, and, finally, evaluating the candidate’s ability to defend decisions made during the course of research. After submission of a reading copy of the dissertation to the faculty dissertation committee, the candidate and the major professor will schedule a committee meeting for the purpose of undertaking an oral defense of the dissertation work by the candidate. At the conclusion of the candidate’s oral remarks, the dissertation committee will vote on passing the candidate’s dissertation work. A majority of the committee must vote to approve the dissertation and recommend granting of the Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Residence

The student must meet minimum Graduate School residence requirements of one continuous academic year of full-time graduate studies at 51����. This can be satisfied by completing at least 8 graduate credits in each of two consecutive semesters, or 6 or more graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions. Residence credit cannot be earned at the master’s level.

Time Limit

All components of the PhD program must be completed within 10 years of matriculation.

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JAMS Major Requirements

Students must complete 18 or more credits in courses numbered 300 or above, and at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at 51����. Students may count a maximum of 6 credits in any combination of and , each of which can be taken to a maximum of 6 credits. The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at 51����. Students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work.

A Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) major requires a minimum of 36 credits in JAMS and at least 12 credits in a single program other than JAMS, of which, at least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above:

¹

�����Ի��� also count as lower level JAMS electives.

²

At least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.

Concentration Requirements

Journalism

Media Studies

¹

One Media Studies course from among the following (in addition to at least one JAMS 600-level course with the word “Seminar” in its title selected to meet the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major).

²

If or is chosen for the Media Studies Elective, it cannot be double-counted as an Upper-Level Core Requirement.  

Advertising/Public Relations

Accelerated Program Requirements

Advancement to Major/Admission

Undergraduate Requirements

It is recommended that students indicate an intention to pursue the accelerated MA when they declare their track within JAMS, but they can declare their intention to pursue the MA any time before the end of their junior year. Interested students may meet with the Undergraduate Director in JAMS to determine eligibility for the accelerated graduate degree at any time. If eligible, students must meet the minimum 51���� Graduate School GPA requirements before taking any graduate-level (G) courses as an undergraduate student. Approved enrollment into graduate-level coursework during an undergraduate career does not guarantee admission to the MA in Communication as part of the accelerated graduate degree. These courses fulfill requirements for the BA in JAMS, regardless of acceptance into Graduate School.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

The graduate program will have selective admission. The maximum number of admissions will be based on the available resources of the Communication MA program. Students should apply to enter the accelerated MA program by the end of their junior year. To be considered for priority admissions, applications must be received by February 15th.

To be considered for admission, students must meet all Graduate School admission requirements, successfully complete at least 105 undergraduate credits, be a declared JAMS major with an intention to peruse the accelerated MA, and submit:

1. A personal statement of goals, abilities, and reasons for pursuing the MA degree (no longer than 1 page).
2. Two names of academic references who agree to complete a short recommendation form. At least one of these references must be an instructor in the JAMS program. Full letters of recommendation are not required for accelerated MA applicants.

Double Counted Courses

This accelerated graduate degree involves the following bachelor’s and graduate degrees: Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies BA and Communication MA. There are 6 forward-shared credits and 15 backward-shared credits for a total of 21 shared credits.

Eligible Forward-Shared Courses

6 graduate-level credits taken in JAMS or Communication taken while the student is in undergraduate status may forward share to the graduate degree. 

Eligible Backward-Shared Courses

Fifteen graduate credits may be shared backward. Any graduate-level JAMS course can be backward shared to fulfil upper-level JAMS credits, and any graduate-level Communication course can be backward shared to fulfil the requirement of 12 credits in a single outside program.

Students are encouraged to supplement their classroom learning with experiential learning through relevant part-time jobs or internships. Experiential learning is built into the curriculum of the AMD but additional experiences will enhance a resume and better prepare students for their first professional job.   

We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.